Ephesians 5:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Wives {G1135}, submit yourselves {G5293} unto your own {G2398} husbands {G435}, as {G5613} unto the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Wives should submit to their husbands as they do to the Lord;

Berean Standard Bible

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

American Standard Version

Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:22 is a pivotal verse within Paul's instructions on Christian household relationships, specifically addressing wives' submission to their husbands. This command is presented not as a cultural imposition of inferiority, but as an integral aspect of Spirit-filled living that began in the preceding verses, framing marital order within the ultimate allegiance and devotion to Christ. It lays the groundwork for a profound theological analogy between the marriage relationship and the relationship between Christ and His Church, emphasizing complementary roles designed for mutual flourishing and a unified witness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:22 is situated within a broader section of Paul's letter (Ephesians 4:1-6:20) that transitions from theological exposition to practical Christian living. Specifically, it is part of the "household code" (often referred to as *Haustafeln*), which begins in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission") with the overarching principle for all believers: "submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." This foundational command of mutual submission sets the tone for the specific instructions that follow for wives, husbands, children, and slaves. Therefore, the command to wives in [Ephesians 5:22](/ephesians/5-22 "Ephesians 5:22 - Wives' Submission") is not an isolated directive but a particular application of the general principle of humility and deference within the Christian community, all rooted in reverence for Christ. The subsequent verses, particularly [Ephesians 5:25-33](/ephesians/5-25-33 "Ephesians 5:25-33 - Husbands' Love and Marital Mystery"), provide the crucial counterbalance, detailing the husband's sacrificial love and headship, ensuring a holistic understanding of Paul's marital theology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Greco-Roman society operated under a patriarchal structure where the *paterfamilias* (male head of the household) held significant authority over his wife, children, and slaves. Household codes were common literary forms of the era, prescribing societal roles and duties within the family unit. Paul's approach in Ephesians, while utilizing this familiar literary structure, radically redefines it through Christian principles. Unlike pagan household codes that often emphasized the husband's absolute authority and the wife's subservience based on her perceived inferiority, Paul introduces the radical concepts of mutual submission ([Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")) and the husband's self-sacrificial love ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands' Sacrificial Love")). This infusion of Christ-like love and Spirit-filled humility transforms a potentially oppressive social structure into a framework for sanctification and spiritual growth, challenging the prevailing cultural norms by elevating the dignity and spiritual equality of all believers within their respective roles.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Ephesians 5 is "Spirit-filled living," which manifests in various aspects of a believer's life, including marriage. For wives, the theme of **submission** is central, but it is fundamentally qualified by the phrase "as unto the Lord," transforming it from a secular command into a spiritual act of worship and obedience. This highlights the theme of **Christ-centered relationships**, where the ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and all human relationships are to reflect His character and redemptive work. Furthermore, the passage introduces the theme of **complementary roles** within marriage, where headship and submission are not about superiority or inferiority, but about distinct functions that contribute to unity, order, and the flourishing of the family. This dynamic is presented as a profound **mystery** that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church, underscoring the spiritual significance of the marital bond as a living illustration of divine truth, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery of Christ and the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wives (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers specifically to a woman, and in this context, particularly a wife. Paul addresses married women directly, indicating that this instruction is not a general command for all women, but a specific directive for those in the marital covenant. The direct address underscores the personal responsibility of each wife within her marriage.
* **submit yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** This word (G5293) is a compound of *hypo* (under) and *tassō* (to arrange, to order). It literally means "to place under" or "to arrange under." While it can carry military connotations of subordination, in the New Testament, especially when used reflexively (as here, "submit yourselves"), it often denotes a voluntary act of yielding, cooperation, and deference to an appointed order. It implies a willing alignment with a designated structure, not forced subservience or a loss of personal dignity. The emphasis is on a conscious choice to cooperate and respect a God-ordained relational dynamic.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies supreme authority and mastery. In the New Testament, it is overwhelmingly used to refer to Jesus Christ. The phrase "as unto the Lord" is the critical qualifier for the wife's submission. It means that her submission is not absolute to her husband, but is an act performed *for* the Lord, *as if* to the Lord, and *because of* her ultimate allegiance to the Lord. This divine standard elevates the act of submission, making it an expression of faith and obedience to Christ Himself, thereby limiting its scope to what is consistent with Christ's will and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands":** This clause directly addresses married women, instructing them to willingly place themselves under the leadership and care of their particular husband. The inclusion of "your own" (G2398, *ídios*) emphasizes the personal and exclusive nature of this relationship, distinguishing it from general societal submission and highlighting the unique covenant bond. This submission is a voluntary act of deference and cooperation within the marital framework.
* **"as unto the Lord":** This crucial phrase defines the nature, motive, and limit of the wife's submission. It signifies that her submission is not merely to a human being, but is an act performed in the presence of God, with God as the ultimate recipient of her obedience. It means her submission should mirror the church's submission to Christ—willing, loving, and in recognition of His authority and love. This phrase simultaneously elevates the act of submission to a spiritual discipline and sets its boundaries, implying that submission to a husband can never contradict or supersede a wife's ultimate obedience to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in Ephesians 5:22. The most prominent is **Analogy**, where the relationship between a wife and her husband is directly compared to the relationship between the Church and Christ. The phrase "as unto the Lord" establishes this profound comparison, transforming a human relationship into a living parable of divine truth. This also functions as a **Qualified Imperative**, as the command to submit is not absolute but is conditioned and defined by the ultimate allegiance to Christ. The **Direct Address** ("Wives") makes the instruction personal and specific, ensuring clarity regarding the intended audience. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Theological Symbolism** in the marital relationship, as it is presented as a representation of the greater spiritual reality of Christ's headship over the Church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:22, when understood within its full context, presents a profound theological vision for marriage that transcends mere social roles. It roots the wife's submission not in inferiority, but in a Spirit-filled response to God's created order and, more importantly, in her devotion to Christ. This submission is a theological act, mirroring the Church's willing and loving submission to Christ, who is its Head and Savior. It is a participation in the divine pattern of relationship, where order and love coexist. This understanding prevents the command from being misused for oppression, as it is always bounded by the wife's ultimate allegiance to Christ and the husband's reciprocal call to self-sacrificial love, as Christ loved the Church. The goal is not hierarchy for its own sake, but a harmonious unity that reflects the Trinity and the redemptive work of Christ.

* [Colossians 3:18](/colossians/3-18 "Colossians 3:18 - Wives, Submit to Your Husbands")
* [1 Peter 3:1-6](/1_peter/3-1-6 "1 Peter 3:1-6 - Wives' Conduct and Submission")
* [Titus 2:3-5](/titus/2-3-5 "Titus 2:3-5 - Older Women Teaching Younger Women")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:22 calls Christian wives to a profound and counter-cultural act of willing submission within their marriages, not as a sign of weakness or inferiority, but as a demonstration of their ultimate devotion to Christ. This submission is an active, Spirit-empowered choice to respect, support, and align with their husband's leadership, knowing that in doing so, they are honoring God. It is not about blind obedience or surrendering one's identity, but about fostering unity, order, and a Christ-centered atmosphere in the home. This passage challenges wives to consider how their actions and attitudes reflect their reverence for Christ, inviting them to trust God's design for complementary roles. When both husband and wife embrace their God-given responsibilities—the wife in respectful submission and the husband in sacrificial love—the marriage becomes a powerful testimony to the gospel, a place of mutual flourishing, and a beacon of God's grace in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "as unto the Lord" transform your perception of submission in marriage?**
* **In what practical ways can a wife demonstrate respectful submission while maintaining her unique identity and gifts?**
* **How does a wife's submission, when rightly understood, contribute to the spiritual health and unity of the marriage and family?**
* **What might be the challenges in applying this verse in contemporary culture, and how can Christian wives navigate them faithfully?**

### FAQ
**Does "submit yourselves" mean a wife has no voice or opinion in the marriage?**

Answer: No, biblical submission does not imply silence or the suppression of a wife's voice, intellect, or opinions. The Greek word *hypotássō* (G5293) denotes a voluntary alignment, cooperation, and respect for an appointed order, not forced subservience or a lack of personal agency. In a healthy Christian marriage, a wife's wisdom, insights, and concerns are highly valued and sought after by her husband. Paul's instruction is given within the broader context of [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission"), which calls for "submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." This mutual submission means both partners are to defer to one another out of reverence for Christ. A wife's submission is about recognizing and honoring her husband's leadership role, not about becoming a doormat. It is a posture of humility and cooperation that fosters unity, allowing the husband to lead responsibly and lovingly, as outlined in [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands' Sacrificial Love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:22 finds its ultimate meaning and power in Christ. The command for wives to submit "as unto the Lord" is not merely a moral imperative but a profound theological truth rooted in the gospel. Just as the Church, the bride of Christ, willingly submits to her Head, Jesus Christ, in loving obedience and trust, so too is the wife called to reflect this divine pattern in her marriage. Christ Himself exemplified perfect submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His headship over the Church is not tyrannical but characterized by sacrificial love, protection, and sanctification ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Therefore, a wife's submission is empowered by the Holy Spirit and motivated by her devotion to Christ, making it an act of worship that participates in the greater mystery of Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery")). This Christ-centered perspective elevates marriage from a mere social contract to a sacred covenant, enabling the wife to live out her calling with grace, strength, and joy, knowing that her actions reflect the glorious relationship between the Savior and His redeemed people.

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

Colossians 3:18

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

Colossians 4:1

¶ Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

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.

Titus 2:5

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

Genesis 3:16

¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Ephesians 5:22

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