Topical Encyclopedia The concept of reverence within the marital relationship is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the respect and honor a wife is to show her husband. This duty is not merely a cultural artifact but is presented as a divine ordinance, reflecting the order and harmony intended by God for the family unit.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the duty of wives to reverence their husbands is found in Ephesians 5:33, which states, "Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband" . This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of marital duties, where love and respect are intertwined, creating a balanced and nurturing relationship. Reverence as Respect and Honor Reverence in the biblical sense encompasses both respect and honor. It involves recognizing the husband's role as the head of the household, as outlined in Ephesians 5:23: "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" . This headship is not about dominance but about leadership and responsibility, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love for the church. Practical Expressions of Reverence 1. Support and Encouragement: A wife shows reverence by supporting her husband's leadership and encouraging him in his endeavors. This support is not passive but active, involving engagement and partnership in decision-making and family life. 2. Communication: Respectful communication is a key aspect of reverence. Proverbs 31:26 describes the virtuous wife: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" . A wife honors her husband by speaking with kindness and wisdom, fostering an environment of mutual respect. 3. Submission: The concept of submission, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:22, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" , is often misunderstood. Biblical submission is a voluntary act of respect and deference, acknowledging the husband's role while maintaining the wife's dignity and worth. 4. Prayer and Spiritual Support: Reverence also involves spiritual support, praying for the husband and the family. A wife who prays for her husband demonstrates a deep respect for his spiritual well-being and leadership. Theological Implications The duty of reverence is not merely a social construct but a theological principle that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church. As the church reveres Christ, so too is the wife called to reverence her husband. This relationship is a living testimony of God's design for marriage, where love and respect are foundational. Challenges and Considerations While the duty to reverence is clear, it is not without challenges. Cultural shifts and personal experiences can impact how this duty is perceived and practiced. It is essential for both husbands and wives to approach these biblical teachings with humility and a willingness to grow together in their understanding and application of God's word. In summary, the duty of wives to reverence their husbands is a profound biblical principle that calls for respect, honor, and support within the marital relationship. It is a reflection of the divine order and a testament to the harmonious partnership intended by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties. The Christian Home The Domestic Relation. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Christ the Believer's Husband The First Epistle General of Peter Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda. Ephesians v. 22-24 Covenant Duties. Resources Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | 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 |