Ephesians 5:21

KJV

¶ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Submitting yourselves {G5293} one to another {G240} in {G1722} the fear {G5401} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Submit to one another in fear of the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

American Standard Version

subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:21 presents a foundational principle for Christian communal life, urging believers to voluntarily submit to one another out of profound reverence for God. This concise yet powerful directive serves as the capstone to Paul's exhortation on Spirit-filled living and introduces the subsequent specific instructions for various relational dynamics within the Christian household, emphasizing humility, mutual respect, and a Christ-like posture in all interactions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse acts as a crucial bridge within Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It immediately follows a series of exhortations on how believers, being "filled with the Spirit" ([Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")), should express this spiritual vitality through worship, gratitude, and ultimately, mutual submission. The preceding verses ([Ephesians 5:19-20](/ephesians/5-19-20 "Ephesians 5:19-20 - Expressions of Spirit-Filled Living")) describe Spirit-filled individuals speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord, and giving thanks always for all things. Ephesians 5:21 then transitions directly into the "household codes" that begin in [Ephesians 5:22](/ephesians/5-22 "Ephesians 5:22 - Wives, Submit to Your Husbands"), addressing the specific roles and responsibilities within marriage, family, and master-servant relationships. Thus, mutual submission is presented as the overarching attitude and spiritual disposition that undergirds and informs all these specific relational dynamics, ensuring that they are lived out in a manner consistent with the Spirit's leading and God's will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5 and 6 are set against the backdrop of common Greco-Roman household codes (known as *oikonomia*). These societal norms typically outlined hierarchical structures, with the *paterfamilias* (male head of the household) holding absolute authority over his wife, children, and slaves. While Paul adopts the *form* of these codes, he radically redefines their *content* by infusing them with Christian principles. Unlike the pagan codes that emphasized the authority of the head, Paul introduces the revolutionary concept of mutual submission ("one to another") as the starting point for all relationships. This counter-cultural emphasis on reciprocal humility, rooted "in the fear of God," fundamentally transforms the power dynamics, elevating the dignity of all parties and placing their conduct under the ultimate authority and loving gaze of God, rather than mere societal expectation or human power.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:21 is rich with interconnected theological themes. First, **Mutual Submission** is paramount, challenging any notion of unilateral authority within the Christian community and emphasizing a reciprocal posture of humility and deference among believers. This is not a coerced subjugation but a voluntary act of valuing others above oneself, echoing Christ's own example of servanthood. Second, the phrase "in the fear of God" highlights **Reverence for God** as the ultimate motivation for such submission. This "fear" is not a cowering dread, but a profound awe, respect, and worshipful reverence for God's holiness, authority, and love, which compels believers to honor one another as those created in God's image and redeemed by Christ. Finally, this verse is inextricably linked to **Spirit-filled Living**. It is the direct consequence of being "filled with the Spirit" ([Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")), demonstrating that true humility, selflessness, and harmonious relationships are not achieved through human effort alone, but are the supernatural fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within the believer, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness and pride prevalent in fallen humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Submitting yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** This verb (G5293) literally means "to place under" or "to arrange under," often used in military contexts to describe a subordinate's position. However, in this context, especially with the reflexive "yourselves" and the reciprocal "one to another," it signifies a voluntary act of humility and deference. It implies a willing alignment with God's divine order and a humble attitude towards fellow believers, rather than forced subjugation. It is a conscious choice to yield one's own desires or rights for the sake of another, reflecting the servanthood exemplified by Christ.
* **one to another (Greek, _allḗlōn'_):** This reciprocal pronoun (G240) is critical for understanding the nature of submission commanded here. It explicitly indicates that the act of submission is not a one-way street or a hierarchical command from a superior to an inferior, but a mutual, reciprocal responsibility shared by all believers. It underscores the equality of believers in Christ and emphasizes that humility and deference are to characterize every relationship within the body of Christ, fostering unity and harmony.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** While this word (G5401) can mean "alarm or fright," in the context of "fear of God," it carries the profound theological meaning of reverential awe, deep respect, and worshipful reverence. It is not a cowering terror but a healthy, holy dread of offending a holy God, coupled with a profound respect for His majesty, power, and authority. This "fear" serves as the primary motivation for mutual submission, as believers honor one another out of their ultimate devotion and obedience to God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Submitting yourselves":** This phrase, derived from the Greek participle *hypotassomenoi*, carries an imperative force, indicating an ongoing, voluntary action. It calls believers to actively and continuously place themselves under, or yield to, others. This is an internal disposition that manifests in outward acts of humility and service, a conscious choice to prioritize the needs and well-being of fellow believers.
* **"one to another":** The reciprocal pronoun *allḗlōn* clarifies that this submission is not unilateral but mutual. It applies to all members of the Christian community, regardless of their social status, gender, or position. It means that every believer is called to a posture of humility and deference toward every other believer, fostering a community where self-interest is superseded by mutual care and respect.
* **"in the fear of God":** This crucial phrase provides the ultimate motivation and framework for mutual submission. The "fear of God" (*phóbō Theou*) is not a servile dread but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, sovereignty, and ultimate authority. It is because believers stand in awe of God that they are compelled to honor and serve one another, recognizing that every person is created in God's image and is a recipient of His grace. This divine reverence elevates human relationships from mere social contracts to expressions of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 5:21 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Imperative** nature of the command, even though it is expressed as a participle ("submitting yourselves"). This grammatical construction implies that mutual submission is not an option but a necessary and continuous action that flows directly from the preceding command to "be filled with the Spirit" ([Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")). The verse also functions as a **Transitional Bridge**, connecting the general principles of Spirit-filled living (Ephesians 5:18-20) to the specific instructions for various relationships within the Christian household (Ephesians 5:22-6:9). This structural placement highlights that mutual submission is the foundational attitude for all subsequent relational dynamics. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** or **Antithesis** with the prevailing societal norms of Paul's day, which emphasized hierarchical authority and self-assertion. By commanding mutual submission, Paul presents a radical, counter-cultural ethic that challenges worldly power structures and promotes a community characterized by humility and self-giving love, mirroring the character of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:21 is a theological cornerstone for understanding Christian community, emphasizing that genuine spiritual vitality manifests in humble, reciprocal relationships. It underscores that the "fear of God" is not a crippling dread but a liberating reverence that transforms our interactions, compelling us to honor others as bearers of God's image and co-heirs in Christ. This mutual submission is a practical outworking of the love and unity commanded throughout the New Testament, dismantling pride and self-centeredness to build up the body of Christ in harmony and peace. It reflects the very nature of the Trinity, where each person defers to the others, and calls believers to imitate Christ's self-emptying love.

* [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Esteem Others Better")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Clothe Yourselves with Humility")
* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Give Preference to One Another in Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:21 calls for a radical reorientation of our personal relationships, urging us to adopt a posture of voluntary humility and deference towards one another. This principle transcends mere politeness; it is a deep-seated spiritual commitment to valuing and honoring others within the Christian community, whether in our homes, churches, workplaces, or wider social circles. It challenges our innate tendency towards self-assertion and pride, inviting us instead to be quick to listen, slow to assert our own will, and eager to serve. When we genuinely submit to one another out of reverence for God, we not only foster unity and peace but also powerfully testify to the transformative power of the Gospel. This mutual submission is a tangible expression of the love of Christ, making our fellowship a beacon of divine order and harmony in a fragmented world. It requires a daily dying to self and a conscious choice to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of others, trusting that God's will is best for all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "the fear of God" practically influence my interactions and relationships with other believers?**
* **In what specific areas of my life (family, church, workplace, friendships) am I most challenged to practice mutual submission "one to another"?**
* **How does being "filled with the Spirit" (as mentioned in [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")) empower me to overcome pride and self-centeredness in order to submit to others?**

### FAQ
**Is "submission" in Ephesians 5:21 the same as the "submission" commanded to wives in Ephesians 5:22?**

Answer: No, while the same Greek root (*hypotássō*) is used, the context and grammatical construction differentiate them. Ephesians 5:21 commands *mutual* submission ("one to another") for *all* believers, flowing from a Spirit-filled life. It sets a general attitude of humility and deference for the entire Christian community. Ephesians 5:22 then applies this general principle to a specific relationship, instructing wives to submit to their own husbands. This specific instruction is part of a larger set of "household codes" ([Ephesians 5:22-6:9](/ephesians/5-22-6-9 "Ephesians 5:22-6:9 - Household Codes")), where Paul addresses husbands, children, parents, slaves, and masters, providing reciprocal duties for each. The mutual submission of [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission") is the overarching principle that informs and dignifies the specific roles outlined thereafter, ensuring that even within specific structures, the spirit of Christ-like humility and service prevails.

**What does "in the fear of God" truly mean in this context? Is it about being afraid of God?**

Answer: No, "in the fear of God" (Greek: *phóbō Theou*) does not primarily mean to be terrified or cowering in dread of God. Instead, it refers to a profound, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful honor for God. It is the proper, holy response to His immense power, holiness, majesty, and love. This "fear" is foundational to wisdom and right living, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). In Ephesians 5:21, it means that believers submit to one another not out of obligation to human rules or social pressure, but because their ultimate allegiance and reverence belong to God. Their respect for God compels them to honor and serve those whom God has created and redeemed, recognizing that every act of humility towards a fellow believer is ultimately an act of worship and obedience to God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His entire earthly life was an embodiment of radical self-submission, not only to the will of His Father but also to the needs of humanity. The divine Son, who existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but **emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant** ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He **humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross** ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus's life was a continuous act of mutual submission, as He not only taught His disciples about servanthood by washing their feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")) but also demonstrated it perfectly. He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Therefore, when believers are called to submit "one to another in the fear of God," they are called to imitate the very heart of Christ, whose supreme reverence for the Father drove His selfless love and service towards humanity. The Church, as the body of Christ, is meant to reflect this divine humility and reciprocal love, becoming a living testament to the self-giving nature of its Head.

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

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Ephesians 5:24

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:22

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

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.