Submission in marriage is a concept that often stirs up strong emotions. For some, it’s a word that feels outdated or misunderstood. For others, it’s a comforting expression of love and trust within a God-centered relationship. T
The Bible doesn’t present submission as a form of weakness, but rather as a strength—an act of faith, humility, and love that honors God.
Throughout Scripture, we find guidance on how husbands and wives should relate to one another. When the Bible speaks of a wife submitting to her husband, it does so within the larger framework of mutual respect, sacrifice, and divine order.
This blog post features 35 Bible verses about submitting to your husband, each with a short explanation to help you understand its spiritual and practical relevance.
Whether you’re newly married, facing challenges, or simply looking to deepen your faith, these verses offer encouragement, clarity, and purpose for your role as a wife under God’s design.
35 Bible Verses About Submitting To Your Husband
1. Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Explanation:
This foundational verse links submission to a higher calling. It reminds wives that honoring their husbands is ultimately about honoring God.
2. Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Explanation:
Here, submission is seen as fitting within God’s plan. It’s not about control, but about following God’s divine order in the home.
3. 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.
Explanation:
Peter encourages wives to lead by example. Even if a husband is not a believer, her respectful conduct can lead him closer to God.
4. Titus 2:5
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes how a wife’s behavior reflects her faith and can uphold the honor of God’s Word.
5. Genesis 3:16
…and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
Explanation:
This verse reflects the consequences of the Fall but also sets a precedent for the husband’s leadership role in marriage.
6. 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.
Explanation:
Paul lays out a structure of spiritual authority. The verse highlights how submission flows from God’s ordained order.
7. Proverbs 31:11
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Explanation:
Submission and trust go hand in hand. This verse portrays a relationship where the wife’s loyalty earns her husband’s full trust.
8. 1 Timothy 2:11
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
Explanation:
This instruction relates to the church setting, encouraging women to adopt a humble and teachable spirit.
9. 1 Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Explanation:
This passage further discusses spiritual leadership roles and the importance of respecting divine order.
10. 1 Corinthians 14:34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Explanation:
This verse focuses on maintaining order in the church, drawing a connection between obedience and reverence.
11. 1 Peter 3:5
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.
Explanation:
Peter uses historical examples of faithful women to show that submission is a timeless act of trust in God.
12. Ephesians 5:24
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Explanation:
This analogy emphasizes the sacred nature of a wife’s role, reflecting the church’s submission to Christ.
13. Romans 7:2
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth…
Explanation:
This verse highlights the commitment and covenant involved in marriage, showing the weight of the marital bond.
14. Matthew 19:6
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Explanation:
Submission works within the unity of marriage. This verse stresses the oneness between husband and wife.
15. Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his…
Explanation:
This poetic expression shows mutual belonging, suggesting that submission can be a beautiful expression of love.
16. Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine…
Explanation:
Another verse on mutual affection, this one reinforces how love and submission can coexist harmoniously.
17. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
Explanation:
This verse underscores the strength of partnership in marriage, where each has a vital role to play.
18. 1 Corinthians 7:3
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
Explanation:
Mutual care and love are essential, balancing the call for submission with equal responsibility.
19. 1 Corinthians 7:4
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
Explanation:
Paul emphasizes mutual ownership and respect within the marriage relationship.
20. Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…
Explanation:
While about church leaders, this principle of respectful submission applies in all God-ordained structures.
21. Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Explanation:
Humility is key in any relationship, including marriage. Submission stems from a humble heart.
22. James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Explanation:
Submission to God is the foundation for all other forms of submission, including in marriage.
23. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…
Explanation:
These traits shape a submissive spirit—not by force, but by the work of the Holy Spirit.
24. Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Explanation:
Preferring one another in love builds a Christ-like atmosphere in the home.
25. Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…
Explanation:
A wife who honors God brings honor to her husband, lifting him up rather than competing with him.
26. Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
Explanation:
Submission helps build a strong home, guided by wisdom and faithfulness.
27. Matthew 20:26
…whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.
Explanation:
True greatness lies in serving others, a core aspect of godly submission.
28. Luke 22:42
…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Explanation:
Jesus modeled submission to the Father. Wives can find strength in following His example.
29. John 13:14
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Explanation:
Christ calls us to serve one another, which includes loving submission in marriage.
30. Isaiah 54:5
For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name…
Explanation:
God is our ultimate protector and provider, reminding wives that submission is ultimately to Him.
31. Psalm 128:3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house…
Explanation:
This verse celebrates a wife’s role and presence in a blessed, godly household.
32. Proverbs 31:26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Explanation:
Kindness and wisdom are vital traits in a wife, shaping how submission is expressed.
33. Philippians 4:5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Explanation:
Balanced behavior shows spiritual maturity, key in fulfilling God’s call in marriage.
34. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another…
Explanation:
Marriage is about building each other up—submission should be part of that uplifting spirit.
35. 1 Peter 5:5
…Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility…
Explanation:
Mutual submission and humility foster a Christ-centered, loving marriage.
Reflecting on the Gift of Submission
Biblical submission is not about oppression or inequality—it’s about trust, love, and alignment with God’s divine order. These 35 Bible verses about submitting to your husband reveal a deeper spiritual calling, one rooted in grace, humility, and mutual love.
When practiced with a heart set on Christ, submission becomes a powerful way to bless your marriage and grow in faith.
Let these verses inspire your walk as a wife, and take time to reflect on how God is working in your heart and home.
What about you?
Have you found a verse here that speaks to your situation or brings peace to your spirit? Share your thoughts, favorite scriptures, or experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!