Colossians 3:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:18 provides a foundational instruction for wives within the Christian household, urging them to submit to their own husbands "as it is fit in the Lord." This command is not an isolated directive but part of a broader Pauline teaching on Christian living, where believers are called to embody their new identity in Christ through practical, Spirit-empowered relationships, ensuring that all actions are qualified and guided by their ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 3:18 initiates a section commonly referred to as the "household codes" (Colossians 3:18-4:1), which are characteristic of Paul's epistles (cf. [Ephesians 5:22-6:9](/ephesians/5-22-6-9 "Ephesians' Household Code")). This passage immediately follows Paul's profound theological exposition on the believer's new identity in Christ, having been raised with Him and having put off the old self to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge of its Creator ([Colossians 3:1-17](/colossians/3-1-17 "The Believer's New Life in Christ")). The transition from theological truth to practical ethics is seamless, demonstrating that Christian doctrine is not merely theoretical but profoundly impacts daily life and relationships. The instruction to wives is purposefully paired with commands for husbands ([Colossians 3:19](/colossians/3-19 "Colossians 3:19 - Husbands Love Your Wives")), children, fathers, slaves, and masters, creating a balanced and reciprocal framework for all relationships within the Christian community, all grounded in the Lordship of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Greco-Roman world in which the Colossian church existed was characterized by rigid social hierarchies and patriarchal structures. Women, particularly wives, generally held a subordinate position with limited legal rights and social autonomy. Their primary role was domestic, focused on managing the household and raising children. While Paul's use of "household codes" might seem to echo existing societal norms, his instructions fundamentally transform them by injecting Christian principles. Unlike pagan household codes that enforced submission based on societal power dynamics, Paul grounds his directives in the believer's relationship with Christ and mutual obligations. This Christian reinterpretation elevated the status of women and slaves by affirming their equal standing in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), even while addressing their roles within existing social structures. The phrase "in the Lord" was revolutionary, placing a divine qualifier on human authority and demanding ethical conduct from all parties.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 3:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Colossians. Firstly, it underscores the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ**, demonstrating how Christ's Lordship reshapes every aspect of life, including marriage. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **New Identity in Christ**, showing how believers, having been "raised with Christ" ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Raised with Christ")), are called to live out this new reality in practical ways, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in their relationships. Thirdly, the verse, as part of the household code, emphasizes **Order and Harmony within the Christian Community**. Paul is not advocating for a return to pagan societal norms but rather for a distinct Christian order where relationships are governed by love, respect, and Christ-centered submission, differentiating the Christian household from its secular counterparts. This is further elaborated in the broader instructions for Christian living found in [Colossians 3:12-17](/colossians/3-12-17 "Colossians 3:12-17 - The New Self").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **submit yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō_):** From ὑπό (hypo, "under") and τάσσω (tassō, "to arrange, to order"), this verb literally means "to arrange under," "to place in order," or "to subject oneself." In the New Testament, it is used in various contexts, including military subordination, submission to governing authorities, and voluntary submission to God. Crucially, it often implies a willing, not forced, alignment or cooperation. In the context of marriage, it signifies a voluntary recognition of the husband's functional leadership within the God-ordained structure of the family, rather than a servile or inferior obedience. It is an act of humility and respect, performed out of reverence for Christ.
* **fit (Greek, _anḗkō_):** This verb means "to attain to," and figuratively, "to be proper," "to be fitting," or "to be due." It conveys the idea of something being appropriate, suitable, or morally right. When Paul states that submission is "fit," he is indicating that this posture is not arbitrary but inherently aligns with God's design for marriage and the Christian life. It is a response that is consistent with the new identity and spiritual maturity of a believer in Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** Derived from a root signifying "supremacy," this noun denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or a master. In the New Testament, _kýrios_ is frequently used to refer to Jesus Christ as divine Lord and Master, emphasizing His ultimate authority and sovereignty. The phrase "in the Lord" (Greek, _en Kyriō_) is a critical qualifier, indicating that the entire command—its nature, extent, and motivation—is defined, limited, and empowered by one's relationship with and allegiance to Jesus Christ. It means submission that is consistent with Christ's character and commands, never contradicting His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands":** This clause directly addresses Christian wives, calling them to a specific posture within their marriage. The term "submit yourselves" (hypotassō) implies a voluntary act of aligning oneself under the functional headship of their husband. The inclusion of "your own husbands" emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of this command within the specific marital covenant, distinguishing it from a general societal subservience. It is a call to order and cooperation within the unique relationship of marriage, recognizing distinct, complementary roles.
* **"as it is fit in the Lord":** This crucial qualifying phrase defines the nature and scope of the submission. The word "fit" (anēkō) suggests that this submission is proper, appropriate, and consistent with Christian principles. The phrase "in the Lord" (en Kyriō) is paramount; it means that the wife's submission is not absolute or unconditional to her husband, but rather it is always qualified by her ultimate allegiance to Christ. It implies that submission should never lead to sin, contradict God's Word, or violate one's conscience. Instead, it is a spiritual act, performed out of reverence for Christ and in alignment with His will for the Christian household, reflecting the order and love found in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as "submit yourselves" is a direct command, indicating an expected action from the wives. This imperative is immediately followed by a crucial **Qualifying Clause**, "as it is fit in the Lord," which functions as a **Theological Grounding** and a **Limiting Condition**. This clause ensures that the command is not interpreted as absolute or culturally dictated, but rather as a spiritual act rooted in and governed by one's relationship with Christ. The use of "your own husbands" highlights **Specificity**, directing the command to the intimate marital relationship rather than a general social hierarchy. This specificity, combined with the theological qualifier, transforms a potentially oppressive cultural norm into a Christ-centered, voluntary act of love and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:18, while specifically addressing wives, is part of a larger theological framework concerning the transformation of believers by Christ and the outworking of that transformation in daily life. The principle of "submission in the Lord" extends beyond the marital relationship to encompass all areas of Christian living, emphasizing that every action, every relationship, and every role is to be lived out under the Lordship of Christ. This verse teaches that true Christian order is not about power dynamics as the world understands them, but about humble, Spirit-led service and respect, where each person's role is valued and contributes to the overall harmony and witness of the body of Christ. It underscores the profound truth that our primary allegiance is always to Christ, and all human relationships are to be conducted in a manner that honors Him.

* [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")
* [1 Peter 3:1-6](/1_peter/3-1-6 "1 Peter 3:1-6 - Wives and Husbands")
* [Titus 2:3-5](/titus/2-3-5 "Titus 2:3-5 - Instructions for Older and Younger Women")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:18 invites wives to consider their role within marriage not as a burden or a concession to societal pressure, but as a purposeful and spiritually significant act of worship and obedience to Christ. This "submission in the Lord" is not about a loss of identity or voice, but about a willing alignment with God's design for order and harmony in the home. It calls for a heart attitude of respect and cooperation, recognizing the complementary nature of husband and wife, both equally valued and gifted by God. For a wife, this means prayerfully discerning how to support, respect, and partner with her husband in a way that honors Christ, always remembering that her ultimate allegiance is to the Lord, which provides both the motivation and the boundaries for her actions. This spiritual orientation elevates the marriage relationship, making it a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "in the Lord" shape your understanding of submission in marriage, and what are its practical implications for your relationship?**
* **In what ways can a wife's "submission" be an act of strength, faith, and spiritual leadership within the home?**
* **How does the call for wives to submit relate to the broader biblical teaching on mutual respect and love within the Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Does "submit yourselves" imply inferiority or a lack of equality for wives?**

Answer: No, the biblical concept of "submission" in Colossians 3:18, particularly when qualified by "as it is fit in the Lord," does not imply inferiority or a lack of equality. The New Testament consistently teaches the spiritual equality of men and women in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")). The term "submit" (hypotassō) refers to a voluntary ordering or arranging oneself under another's functional leadership, often for the sake of order, harmony, and mutual benefit, rather than a forced subservience or a statement of inherent worth. In the context of the Christian household, it speaks to complementary roles within a marriage, where both husband and wife are equally image-bearers of God and co-heirs of His grace. The crucial qualifier "in the Lord" means that this submission is always defined and limited by one's ultimate obedience to Christ, ensuring it never leads to compromise of faith or participation in sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Colossians 3:18 is a direct instruction to wives, its deepest fulfillment and meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate example of submission, not out of inferiority, but out of perfect obedience and love for the Father ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire life was a demonstration of self-giving, laying down His rights and even His life for the sake of others ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Therefore, a wife's submission "in the Lord" is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual act, mirroring Christ's own humble obedience and self-sacrificial love. It is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling a believer to live out a new identity in Christ, where personal desires are willingly yielded for the greater good of the family and the glory of God. This Christ-centered perspective transforms what might otherwise be seen as a burdensome command into a liberating opportunity to participate in the divine pattern of love and order, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel within the home, as Christ is the head of the church, and the church submits to Him ([Ephesians 5:23-24](/ephesians/5-23-24 "Ephesians 5:23-24 - Christ and the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Ephesians 6:9

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Titus 2:4

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Titus 2:5

[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Corinthians 11:3

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 Peter 3:1

¶ 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;

1 Peter 3:6

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.