Topical Encyclopedia The role of a wife in relation to her husband is a topic addressed in several passages of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of submission within the marital relationship. This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of marriage as a covenantal union reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul provides foundational teaching on this subject in his epistle to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 5:22-24 , he writes, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage establishes the principle of submission as an act of obedience to the Lord, aligning the marital relationship with the divine order. Similarly, in Colossians 3:18 , Paul instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." Here, the submission is described as fitting, suggesting that it is appropriate and harmonious with God's design for marriage. Theological Context The concept of submission is not indicative of inferiority or inequality but rather reflects a divinely ordained structure within the family. The husband's role as the head of the wife is paralleled with Christ's headship over the Church, emphasizing leadership, love, and sacrificial care. In Ephesians 5:25 , husbands are commanded to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This mutual relationship of love and respect forms the basis for the wife's submission. Practical Implications Submission involves a respectful acknowledgment of the husband's leadership and a willingness to support and cooperate with him in decision-making processes. It is an expression of trust in both the husband's leadership and God's sovereign plan for the family. This duty is exercised in the context of a loving and nurturing relationship, where both husband and wife seek to honor God through their roles. Cultural Considerations While the biblical mandate for wives to be subject to their husbands is clear, it is essential to understand this teaching within its cultural and historical context. The biblical model challenges both husbands and wives to transcend cultural norms by embodying Christ-like love and humility. The wife's submission is not a call to passivity or silence but an invitation to active partnership and engagement within the marriage. Other Scriptural References The Apostle Peter also addresses the role of wives in 1 Peter 3:1-2 , stating, "Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands so that, even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see your pure and reverent demeanor." This passage highlights the powerful witness of a wife's respectful and godly conduct, even in challenging circumstances. In summary, the duty of wives to be subject to their husbands is a biblical principle that underscores the importance of order, respect, and mutual love within the marriage covenant. It calls for a harmonious relationship that reflects the unity and love between Christ and His Church. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 3:16To the woman he said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:22,24 1 Peter 3:1 Library Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties. The Domestic Relation. The Bishop's Burthen Subject Index Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Healing for the Wounded Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda. On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) Ephesians v. 22-24 An Account of the General Conference of 1796 Resources How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |