The Bible says in Ephesians 5:22-24, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
In today’s culture, the idea of wives submitting to their husbands can trigger some very strong opinions outside and inside the church. Considering how far women have come in society throughout the centuries, submission can also seem a bit archaic.
However, God’s intention for wives to submit to their husbands was not to render them less than equal partners in the marriage, a doormat, a child, or property. It was also not to dismiss them or their thoughts, viewpoints, perspectives, opinions, or decisions.
On the contrary, God's intention for wives to submit to their husbands was to establish the husband as the ultimate leader in the marriage, much like a corporation has a boss responsible and accountable for the company’s overall health and success.
However, unlike secular practices of governance and power, husbands are called by God to love and serve their wives with a self-sacrificing servant’s heart like Jesus has for His Church as they fulfill their marital roles. Consequently, they are not to lead with arrogance or dominance but with humility and gentleness (see Ephesians 5:25-28).
When wives submit to their husband’s leadership, and husbands love their wives according to God’s will, design, and purpose, both partners will experience the oneness, unity, and mutual respect God intended for their relationship. However, when one or both spouses function contrary to God’s order and design, they will experience friction, disunity, and resentment.
