Colossians 3:18 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

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

NLT: Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

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

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

This verse begins a new section extending through chapter 4, verse 1. Here, Paul gives specific, practical instructions for those living in a Christian home.

First, Paul addresses Christian wives. Much controversy has surrounded the understanding of the word "submit." This is from the Greek term hypotassesthe, which has slightly different meanings depending on whether it is used in a military or non-military sense. When used in reference to the military, this word means to arrange forces under the guidance of a leader. Outside of warfare, the word means a voluntary attitude of cooperating, assuming responsibility, and obedience. In the Bible, wives are not called to be inferior minions of their husbands, rather they are to be cooperative helpers. Husbands are likewise given spiritual obligations towards their wives. This includes demonstrating the same selfless, sacrificial love and concern shown by Christ for the church (Ephesians 5:25).

This type of commitment, from a wife towards her husband, is considered "fitting" to God. In other words, it is appropriate for a Christian woman to live in a caring relationship with her husband—and this includes allowing him to lead the family. Sadly, there are many examples of Christian men who have not led their family well. However, in the context of how God intends the family to operate, the "fitting" picture is that of a godly husband who loves his wife and is gentle with her (Colossians 3:19). She, in turn, offers similar kindness to him and supports her husband's role as the leader of the family.

Colossians 3:18—4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.