Today we will talk about Bible Verses About Submission. Submission can be a challenging but rewarding aspect of our Christian walk. It teaches us humility, obedience, and the importance of putting others before ourselves. As we dig into Scripture, we’ll discover that submission is not merely about yielding; it’s about a heart that seeks to honor God and bless others. Through these verses, let’s meditate on how God calls us to submit in various aspects of our lives and relationships. Together, we will see how submission can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling faith life.
Bible Verses About Submission
Submission to God
When we talk about submission, our relationship with God comes first. Submitting to Him means trusting His plan for our lives, showing we rely on His wisdom rather than our own. It’s a beautiful exchange where we release our burdens to Him and embrace His guidance. In this submission, we find peace, strength, and the courage to face life’s challenges, knowing that He walks beside us every step of the way.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Hebrews 12:9
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!” – Hebrews 12:9
Submission in Marriage
In our relationships, especially in marriage, submission is often misunderstood. It’s not about dominance or control, but rather about mutual respect and love. When we choose to submit to our spouse, we show our commitment to putting their needs above our own and creating a supportive and harmonious environment. This reciprocal submission fosters understanding and strengthens the bond between partners, allowing love to flourish.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” – 1 Peter 3:1
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
Submission to Authority
Submission plays an important role in how we relate to authorities in our lives, such as our parents, teachers, and government leaders. By submitting to authority, we demonstrate respect for the order that God has established. It teaches us discipline and serves as a reflection of our character. When we submit to authority, we also open ourselves up to learning and growth, embracing the lessons that come our way.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” – Romans 13:1
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” – Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
Submission in the Church
When it comes to the church, submission takes on a communal aspect. We are called to work together in harmony, honoring one another’s gifts and roles within the body of Christ. Through submission in church settings, we learn how to serve others and cultivate unity. This submission fosters a rich spiritual environment where we can collectively grow in faith and love.
1 Corinthians 16:16
“To submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.” – 1 Corinthians 16:16
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 5:12
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Submission in Parenting
In parenting, submission is about creating an atmosphere of respect and love. As parents, we are called to guide and teach our children while encouraging their individuality. It’s about exercising authority in a loving way, modeling what submission looks like in our actions. Submitting to this role is the first step in creating a nurturing environment where our children can thrive.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
1 Timothy 3:4
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.” – 1 Timothy 3:4
Deuteronomy 6:7
“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
Submission to One Another
Submitting to one another is at the heart of Christian community. We are called to care for and uplift each other in love. This kind of submission fosters an environment of encouragement and support, where everyone contributes based on their unique gifts and talents. Together, we thrive as we prioritize each other’s needs and desires above our own.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Submission in Service
In our service to others, submission can take the form of selflessness. By putting others’ needs first, we reflect the heart of Christ. Whether it’s volunteering or simply being there for someone in need, service is a powerful way to submit ourselves to the well-being of others. In this act of kindness, we demonstrate Christ’s love in real-time.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Submission and Trust
Submission is tied closely to trust. By submitting ourselves to God, our leaders, and our loved ones, we are expressing our trust in their guidance and authority. Trusting others can sometimes be a challenge, but with the Lord’s help, we can submit our fears and uncertainties. In doing so, we develop stronger relationships and live in peace, knowing that God is in control.
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Isaiah 26:4
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” – Isaiah 26:4
Psalms 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalms 37:5
Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” – Jeremiah 17:7
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
Submission in Times of Trial
In tough times, submission can be especially hard, yet it is during these moments that God calls us to lean into His strength. By submitting our fears and struggles to Him, we allow His peace to flow into our hearts. In trials, submission means trusting that God has a plan and that He will guide us through the storms of life, reminding us that we are never alone.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalms 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalms 55:22
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Final Thoughts
As we conclude this exploration of Bible Verses About Submission, it’s clear that submission is a multifaceted and profound concept. Whether in our relationship with God, our families, within the church, or in the face of authority, we are called to submit with love, trust, and humility. This kind of submission reflects the heart of Christ and fosters growth, understanding, and unity in our lives and communities. We can remember that submission is not about giving up our voice; it’s about using it for the greater purpose of honoring God and serving others. Let’s carry these teachings in our hearts and lean on God’s guidance as we practice submission in our daily lives.
Through each scripture, God encourages us to embrace a spirit of submission, reminding us of the peace and joy it brings. Amen!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Topical Bible Verses
30 Powerful Bible Verses For Family Conflict (Full Commentary)