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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/colossians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/colossians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/colossians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to the husbands, as is fitting in <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/colossians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/colossians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/colossians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/colossians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/colossians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands [out of respect for their position as protector, and their accountability to God], as is proper <i>and</i> fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/colossians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/colossians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/colossians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A wife must put her husband first. This is her duty as a follower of the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/colossians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/colossians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wives, place yourselves under your husbands' authority. This is appropriate behavior for the Lord's people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/colossians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/colossians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is appropriate for those who belong to the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/colossians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/colossians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/colossians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/colossians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Married women, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/colossians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/colossians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wives: be subject to your own husbands, as is fit in the LORD;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to the husbands, as is fitting in <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/colossians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The wives! be subject to your own husbands, as is fit in the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/colossians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Women, place yourselves under your own husbands, as was permitted in the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/colossians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/colossians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/colossians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/colossians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/colossians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is appropriate in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as that is right in The Messiah.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/colossians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/colossians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Ye wives, submit to your husbands as is becoming in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/colossians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wives be subject to your own husbands, as is fit in the Lord.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/colossians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Dames, be submissive to your husbands, as becomes christians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Married women, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/colossians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Wives, submit yourselves to <i>your</i> husbands, as it was fitting in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/colossians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wives, be subject to your husbands, as becometh <i>you</i> in the Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/colossians/3-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=662" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Households</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hai (Art-VFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaikes (N-VFP) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">Wives,</a> <a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: hypotassesthe (V-PMP-2P) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">submit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to your</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andrasin (N-DMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">husbands,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/433.htm" title="433: anēken (V-IIA-3S) -- Is due, becoming, suitable, proper. From ana and heko; to attain to, i.e. be proper.">is fitting</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-24</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-6</a></span><br />Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a></span><br />To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3</a></span><br />But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-4.htm">Titus 2:4-5</a></span><br />In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-12</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11-14</a></span><br />A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. / I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. / For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">1 Corinthians 14:34-35</a></span><br />Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. / If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a></span><br />The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-3.htm">1 Corinthians 7:3-4</a></span><br />The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. / The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Ephesians 5:33</a></span><br />Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">1 Peter 3:7</a></span><br />Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/3-1.htm">Ruth 3:1-5</a></span><br />One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you? / Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. / Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/2-16.htm">Song of Solomon 2:16</a></span><br />My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2"> Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.</p><p class="hdg">submit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a></b></br> Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire <i>shall be</i> to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Esther 1:20</a></b></br> And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3</a></b></br> But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman <i>is</i> the man; and the head of Christ <i>is</i> God.</p><p class="hdg">as.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></b></br> Then Peter and the <i>other</i> apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3</a></b></br> But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1</a></b></br> Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/colossians/1-12.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-28.htm">Husbands</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Married</a> <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-24.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-28.htm">Wives</a> <a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Women</a> <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Husbands</a> <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Married</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Wives</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Women</a> <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">He shows where we should seek Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">He exhorts to holiness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">to put off the old self, and put on Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">exhorting to charity, humility, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">and other duties.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The concept of submission here is often understood as a voluntary and respectful yielding to the leadership of the husband, reflecting the order established in creation (<a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18-24</a>). In the cultural context of the first century, the Greco-Roman world was patriarchal, and the idea of submission was a common social norm. However, the Christian perspective introduced a mutual respect and love that was revolutionary for its time, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21-33</a>, where husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church. This mutual submission is rooted in the example of Christ, who submitted to the Father’s will (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>).<p><b>as is fitting in the Lord</b><br>This phrase emphasizes that the submission is not absolute but is to be understood within the framework of Christian discipleship. It is "fitting" or appropriate because it aligns with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the submission is part of one's service to Christ, suggesting that it should be done in a manner that honors God and reflects His character. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that all relationships and actions should be conducted in a way that glorifies God (<a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>). The phrase also implies that any form of submission that contradicts God's commands or leads to sin is not fitting. This understanding is consistent with the call for believers to live in a manner worthy of the Lord (<a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_at_colossae.htm">The Church at Colossae</a></b><br>A Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey. The letter addresses the believers there, providing guidance on Christian living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wives_and_husbands.htm">Wives and Husbands</a></b><br>The specific focus of this verse is on the marital relationship, particularly the role of wives within the Christian household.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_submission.htm">Understanding Submission</a></b><br>Submission in this context is a voluntary and respectful yielding to the leadership of the husband, reflecting a harmonious and God-honoring relationship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/as_is_fitting_in_the_lord.htm">As is Fitting in the Lord</a></b><br>The phrase "as is fitting in the Lord" indicates that submission should align with Christian principles and not contradict God's commands or moral standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mutual_respect_and_love.htm">Mutual Respect and Love</a></b><br>While this verse addresses wives, it is part of a larger biblical teaching that includes mutual love and respect between spouses, as seen in the broader context of <a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Colossians 3</a> and <a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Ephesians 5</a>.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_application.htm">Cultural Context and Application</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world can help modern readers apply these principles in a way that honors both the spirit of the text and contemporary marital dynamics.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_husband.htm">Role of the Husband</a></b><br>Although this verse focuses on wives, it is important to consider the complementary role of husbands, who are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_col_3_18-19_with_gender_equality.htm">How do we address the cultural and ethical challenges of Colossians 3:18–19’s instructions on marital roles in light of modern views on gender equality? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_colossians_3_25_literal_despite_injustices.htm">Can Colossians 3:25’s warning that wrongdoers will be repaid be taken literally when so many injustices go unresolved in human history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heartily_as_unto_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does "Heartily as Unto the Lord" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_wives'_submission_to_husbands.htm">What is wives' submission to husbands?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>[<span class= "bld">6.Special Exhortation as to the relations of life. </span><p>(1)THE DUTY OF WIVES AND HUSBANDS (<a href="/context/colossians/3-18.htm" title=" Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.">Colossians 3:18-19</a>).<p>(2)THE DUTY OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS (<a href="/context/colossians/3-20.htm" title=" Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.">Colossians 3:20-21</a>).<p>(3)THE DUTY OF SLAVES AND MASTERS (<a href="/colossians/3-22.htm" title=" Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;">Colossians 3:22</a> to <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm" title=" Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.">Colossians 4:1</a>).] . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18</span> - <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Colossians 4:1</a>. - SECTION VIII. THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF FAMILY DUTIES. We note that in each of the three family relations here dealt with, the subordinate party is first addressed, and the duty of submission is primarily insisted upon (vers. 18, 20, 22: comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13, 18</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-6</a>). So in <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21-24</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1-3, 5-8</a>. There may have been some special reason for this in the state of the Asiatic Churches or of Greek society in that region. But other indications show (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-24.htm">1 Corinthians 7:24</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3-16</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">1 Corinthians 14:34, 35</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11, 12</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11, 12</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1, 2</a>; <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Titus 2:5, 9, 10</a>; <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a>) that the apostle perceived and sought to check the danger of unsettlement in the natural order of family and social life which often attends great spiritual revolutions, especially when they are in the direction of religious liberty. As in the case of Luther, the apostle's later teaching is largely directed against the antinomianism which resulted, by way of perversion and abuse, from the preaching of salvation by grace and of the sanctity of the individual believer (comp. introductory note to this chapter). Observe how <span class="accented">the Lord</span> and his authority are made to furnish a higher sanction for each of these natural duties. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fit in the Lord</span> (<a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-24</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11-15</a>; <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Titus 2:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">1 Corinthians 14:34, 35</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-6</a>; <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a>). On this duty the apostle dilates in the Ephesian letter, in illustration of its teaching respecting "Christ and the Church" (comp. the very different treatment of it in <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-7</a>), The use of the <span class="accented">article</span> (<span class="greek">αἱ γύναικες</span>) in the nominative of address is frequent in New Testament, though not in classical Greek. Lightfoot thinks it Hebraistic. <span class="greek">Ανηκεν</span> stands in the imperfect tense (literally, <span class="accented">it was</span> fit), denoting a normal propriety (comp. <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a>, Westcott and Hort; and for the general expression, <a href="/1_corinthians/11-13.htm">1 Corinthians 11:13, 14</a>; <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Philemon 1:8</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">1 Timothy 2:10</a>; <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a>; <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29</a>). Like all men of a sound moral nature, St Paul has a strong sense of natural propriety. The adjunct "in the Lord" belongs to "was fit," not "be subject" (comp. ver. 20). The constitution of nature, as we have learnt in <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-18</a>, is grounded "in the Lord." In <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-33</a> St. Paul shows that this inherent propriety has a deep spiritual significance; and he makes the subjection of the Church to her heavenly Lord a new reason for wifely submission. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/colossians/3-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Wives,</span><br /><span class="grk">γυναῖκες</span> <span class="translit">(gynaikes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> </span><span class="str2">A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">submit</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑποτάσσεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(hypotassesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [your]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">husbands,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνδράσιν</span> <span class="translit">(andrasin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is fitting</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνῆκεν</span> <span class="translit">(anēken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_433.htm">Strong's 433: </a> </span><span class="str2">Is due, becoming, suitable, proper. From ana and heko; to attain to, i.e. be proper.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Lord.</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 3:18 Wives be in subjection to your husbands (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/3-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 3:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/3-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 3:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>