Ephesians 5:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

NIV: Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

NASB: Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

CSB: Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,

NLT: For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

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

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

This verse begins a new section, extending through verse 33, on the topic of wives and husbands. Paul has just mentioned the importance of mutual submission between all believers, in verse 21. Here, he specifically applies this principle within the context of marriage.

He begins with wives. Ephesians 5:22–24 is often taken drastically out of context, and grossly misinterpreted. First, wives are to submit to their own husband. Women are not commanded to submit in a similar way to all men. However, all believers are called to practice a form of humble submission to one another, as noted in verse 21.

Second, this principle is applied specifically within marriage. Those in dating relationships, social or employment contexts, or a woman with respect to another woman's husband are not included. Those male-female relationships do not carry the same level of expectation Paul shares in this verse.

Third, submission is based on being "as to the Lord." In other words, submission is not based on the character or performance of the other individual. Instead, there is an unconditional treatment of the husband based on love for him and for God. Wives are to show love to their husbands regardless of whether they feel the husband "deserves" it. Though perhaps extremely difficult at times, this is the biblical ideal.

It should also be noted that this deals with marriage, not abuse. Anyone in an abusive situation must seek personal safety as first priority. Nothing in Paul's teachings, here or elsewhere in the Bible, commands a woman to keep herself or her children physically available for spousal abuse.

Ephesians 5:22–33 is an often-cited but frequently misunderstood passage. Here, Paul explains how Christian husbands and wives should apply their understanding of salvation within their marriage. Wives are commanded to ''submit'' to their husbands as they would to Christ, and to show them respect. Often overlooked, however, is that men are equally obligated. Husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loved the church: with humility and sacrifice, as if caring for their own bodies. Despite popular myth, the Bible does not permit either sex to be abusive or unloving within a marriage.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.