Colossians 3:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Wives, subject yourselves to your husbands, as is appropriate in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible:

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

American Standard Version:

Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Wives^{G1135}, submit yourselves^{G5293} unto your own^{G2398} husbands^{G435}, as^{G5613} it is fit^{G433} in^{G1722} the Lord^{G2962}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Colossians 3:18

Colossians 3:18 is part of a broader section in the New Testament known as the "Household Codes," which were common in ancient literature, providing guidance on the structure and duties within a household. These codes often reinforced the social norms of the time. The verse specifically addresses wives, instructing them to submit to their husbands, framing this submission as appropriate or fitting "in the Lord," which implies that this directive is connected to the believers' relationship with Christ and their mutual submission to one another in the faith community (as suggested in Ephesians 5:21).

The historical context of this verse is important to consider. The Apostle Paul, traditionally credited with writing the letter to the Colossians, is speaking into a patriarchal society where roles within the household were clearly defined by gender and social status. The instruction for wives to submit to their husbands would not have been surprising within this cultural framework. However, Paul's teachings often sought to transform societal norms from within, advocating for mutual respect and love in Christian relationships, which was quite radical for the time.

In summary, Colossians 3:18 reflects the cultural expectations of the time regarding gender roles within marriage, while also embedding this instruction within the context of Christian faith. It calls for a submission that is aligned with the teachings of Christ, which emphasizes love, respect, and the well-being of the other. This verse must be interpreted alongside other New Testament teachings that call for husbands to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25) and for all believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Modern interpretations often emphasize the mutuality and reciprocity implied in these teachings, rather than a one-sided subordination.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1135
   There are 200 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γυνή
   Transliteration: gynḗ
   Pronunciation: goo-nay'
   Description: probably from the base of γίνομαι; a woman; specially, a wife:--wife, woman.
   
2. Strong's Number: G5293
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑποτάσσω
   Transliteration: hypotássō
   Pronunciation: hoop-ot-as'-so
   Description: from ὑπό and τάσσω; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2398
   There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἴδιος
   Transliteration: ídios
   Pronunciation: id'-ee-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own).
   
4. Strong's Number: G435
   There are 279 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνήρ
   Transliteration: anḗr
   Pronunciation: an'-ayr
   Description: a primary word (compare ἄνθρωπος); a man (properly as an individual male):--fellow, husband, man, sir.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5613
   There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡς
   Transliteration: hōs
   Pronunciation: hoce
   Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
   
6. Strong's Number: G433
   There are 237 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνήκω
   Transliteration: anḗkō
   Pronunciation: an-ay'-ko
   Description: from ἀνά and ἥκω; to attain to, i.e. (figuratively) be proper:--convenient, be fit.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2962
   There are 687 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κύριος
   Transliteration: kýrios
   Pronunciation: koo'-ree-os
   Description: from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.