Meaning of Colossians 3:18

The instruction for wives to "submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord" in Colossians 3:18 is situated within a broader exhortation to Christian conduct in the household and the church. This passage is part of Paul's ethical instructions for believers in Colossae, following his profound theological exposition of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency in the preceding chapters. The concept of submission here is not a blanket endorsement of arbitrary authority or the suppression of women's dignity, but rather a call to a specific kind of reciprocal relationship within marriage, understood through the lens of Christ's lordship. It is framed as an action that is "fitting in the Lord," meaning it aligns with God's will, is motivated by Christ-like love, and contributes to the harmonious functioning of the Christian community. This directive is part of a cohesive unit addressing familial roles, where husbands are also instructed to love their wives and not be harsh (Colossians 3:19), indicating a mutual responsibility and a shared commitment to godly living within the marital bond.

Context and Background

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely during his imprisonment in Rome. The church in Colossae was facing a syncretistic heresy that threatened to diminish the unique and all-sufficient work of Christ. Paul's response was to emphasize Christ's supreme authority over all creation and the church, and to call believers to live out their new identity in Him through practical, ethical living. Within this framework, Paul addresses various relationships, including those between slaves and masters, and husbands and wives. The cultural context of the first century involved patriarchal societal structures where the husband typically held a position of authority in the household. However, Paul's instructions consistently reframe these societal norms within the redemptive purposes of God and the transformative power of Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is mutual submission and order within marriage, understood as an expression of Christ's Lordship. The word translated as "submit" ( hypotasso ) in Greek implies a voluntary yielding or placing oneself under the authority of another, often in a military or hierarchical context, but in the New Testament, it is used to describe a willing deference and cooperation. Crucially, this submission is not absolute or unconditional; it is qualified by "as is fitting in the Lord." This means the submission is to be done in a manner that honors God, reflects Christ's love and sacrifice, and is consistent with Christian principles. It is a Christ-centered submission. The passage also implicitly calls for mutual love and consideration from the husband, as seen in the subsequent verse.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls for humility and a Christ-like attitude in both partners. For the wife, it's about recognizing and respecting her husband's role within the framework of their shared faith, fostering an environment of peace and spiritual growth. For the husband, it's about exercising his leadership with selfless love and care, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love for the church. This mutual deference, when practiced within a Christian marriage, becomes a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating a relationship that is ordered by love and respect, rather than coercion or dominance. It is about building a unified household that honors God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This instruction is part of a larger biblical pattern of ordered relationships that reflect God's design for humanity and His redemptive plan. While the Genesis account establishes a hierarchical relationship in marriage after the Fall (Genesis 3:16), the New Testament, particularly through Paul's letters, reinterprets this within the context of Christ's redemptive work. Christ's sacrifice and resurrection establish a new covenant where male and female are united in Him (Galatians 3:28), yet practical expressions of order within the redeemed community are still addressed. The New Testament consistently calls for love, respect, and unity within all relationships, including marriage, as a reflection of God's own character and His relationship with His people.

Analogies

One analogy for this reciprocal submission is found in the orchestra. While different instruments have distinct roles and ranges, they all play under the direction of the conductor, contributing their unique sound to create a harmonious symphony. Each musician voluntarily submits to the conductor's direction to achieve a beautiful, unified whole. In the same way, within a Christian marriage, both husband and wife have distinct roles, but both are called to submit to the ultimate authority of Christ and to work together harmoniously for the glory of God. Another analogy could be a well-functioning team. Each member has a specific role and responsibility, but for the team to succeed, there must be a willingness to defer to others, to trust their expertise, and to work collaboratively towards a common goal, all under the overarching leadership of the coach.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely related to Ephesians 5:22-24, which states, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands." Both passages emphasize a Christ-centered submission. However, it is crucial to read these verses in conjunction with the subsequent instructions for husbands: Ephesians 5:25-33 calls husbands to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," and Colossians 3:19 commands, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." This highlights the reciprocal nature of the marital covenant, where submission is met with sacrificial love and tender care, creating a partnership grounded in Christ's example. Furthermore, the principle of mutual submission is extended to all believers in Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."