Submissiveness is a deeply complex concept explored across various parts of the Bible. Essentially, it connotes a humble yielding or surrendering to a cause or higher authority. In the Christian canon, this could pertain to God, spiritual leaders, or even interpersonal relationships. Submissiveness isn’t mere passive acquiescence but proactively choosing to yield one’s will for the benefit of others or to honor God. This text delves into the profound depth of the concept of submissiveness and its function in relation to faith, as exemplified in several Bible verses.
What Submissiveness Implies in the Bible Context
In the Bible, submissiveness is largely contextualized within relationships. It isn’t about being inferior, weak, or powerless, but rather about coming from a position of strength and choosing to yield for a higher purpose. It implies respecting authority, promoting peace, and loving one another deeply. One critical aspect of the biblical understanding of submissiveness is that it operates within a structure, not in a vacuum. It pertains to relationships with God, government, church leaders, husbands, wives, and others. It’s a selfless act inspired by love, respect, and the pursuit of harmony.
Why Submissiveness is Important in the Christian Life
Submissiveness is crucial in the Christian life because it reflects our relationship with God. When Christians submit to God, they are acknowledging His authority, surrendering their own will, and choosing to follow His path. It’s an attitude of heart that says, “Not my will, but Yours be done”. This specific form of submissiveness leads to a harmonious relationship with God, fostering growth, maturity, and peace within a believer’s life. Additionally, submissiveness within other relationships, such as in a family or community, fosters a culture of respect, harmony, and mutual cooperation.
Where We See Examples of Submissiveness in the Bible
The Bible offers numerous examples of submissiveness. Jesus Christ, the central figure in Christianity, is perhaps the primary role model. He submitted obediently to God the Father, even to the point of death. His submissiveness wasn’t merely in action but in attitude as well, demonstrating a heartfelt willingness to yield His will to God’s will. Other biblical figures like Esther, Ruth, and Mary also demonstrate this value. They each submitted themselves to God’s plan and authority for a higher purpose, be it saving a people, showing loyalty, or birthing the Savior. These examples underline that biblically, submissiveness is not a matter of disempowerment, but rather of willingly choosing to surrender power for a higher purpose.
Who Should Practice Submissiveness As Per the Bible
Far from being limited to a specific group, everyone is encouraged to practice submissiveness in the context of the Bible. Christians, in particular, are guided to be submissive to God, relinquishing their own ideals, plans, or desires in favor of God’s perfect will. Besides, everyone – men, women, children, spiritual and governmental leaders – is urged to manifest submissiveness within various relationships and settings, both to honor God and promote peace and cooperation. It’s important to note, however, that submissiveness does not validate abusive, inappropriate, or unjust behavior. Rather, it champions selfless love, mutual respect, and righteousness, always within the parameters of God’s law and character.
Below is the full list of bible verses on submissiveness (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Submissiveness
1 Peter 3:1-7
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Ephesians 5:22-24
“22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”
1 Peter 3:7
“7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Related Themes: Dating Marriage Respecting Your Parents Benevolence Respect
Genesis 3:16
“16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
Related Themes: Hair Benevolence Equality
1 Timothy 2:11-12
“11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”
Related Themes: Silence Self-Control
Hebrews 13:17
“17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Discernment Reverence Manipulation Leadership
Ephesians 5:21
“21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Related Themes: Reverence Attitude Marriage Equality Marriage
Ephesians 5:22
“22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
Colossians 3:18
“18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”
Titus 2:5
“5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Galatians 3:28
“28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Equality Strangers Discrimination Prejudice Culture
1 Corinthians 11:3
“3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
1 Corinthians 14:34
“34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
James 4:7
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Addiction Satan Surrender
Ephesians 5:25
“25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
Titus 2:9
“9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;”
Related Themes: Business
Ephesians 5:24
“24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”
1 Peter 3:1
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;”
Genesis 2:18
“18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Related Themes: Dating Loneliness Marriage Dating Fidelity
Romans 13:1
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Politics Morality Sovereignty
Luke 22:42
“42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Related Themes: Humility Suffering Pleasing God Sacrifice
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
“34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”
1 Peter 3:4
“4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Related Themes: Jewelry Humility Meekness Gentleness
Ephesians 5:33
“33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Related Themes: Dating Respecting Your Parents Marriage Love Adultery
Titus 3:1
“1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,”
Romans 8:7
“7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”
Related Themes: Lust Attitude Holiness Pride Persecution
1 Peter 3:1-6
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”
1 Timothy 2:11
“11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.”
Related Themes: Silence Self-Control
Titus 2:3-5
“3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
