Colossians 3:18

Christian Households · Colossians 3:18–21
Read Colossians 3

Translations

Modern
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Traditional
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Literal
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Latin
Mulieres, subditæ estote viris, sicut oportet, in Domino.

Original

Greek
English
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Notes

To submit means understanding your position below someone else in a society. This submission always suggests that God is at the top and his will is most important (see Acts 4:19–20; 5:29).

This series of teachings is called a household code. Paul instructs wives (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), fathers (3:21), slaves (3:22–25), and masters (4:1). Similar codes are found in Greco-Roman writings and other parts of the New Testament (see Ephesians 5:22–6:9; 1 Peter 2:18–3:7).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Household

Parallels

Ephesians 6:1–4

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Obedience

Topics

A Healthy Marriage Being a Good Wife Family: Government of Gender Roles Godly Woman Godly Women Honor your Husband Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Love your Wife Respect the Husband Submissiveness Submitting to your Husband The Role of the Woman Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To