Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Submission, in a biblical context, refers to the act of yielding or surrendering one's own will to the authority or will of another, often in obedience to God or to established structures of authority. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing humility, obedience, and respect within various relationships and societal structures. Biblical Foundations: The concept of submission is deeply rooted in the Bible, beginning with the relationship between humanity and God. Submission to God is portrayed as an essential aspect of faith and obedience. James 4:7 instructs believers, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse highlights the importance of aligning oneself with God's will as a means of spiritual victory. Submission in Human Relationships: 1. Marital Submission: The New Testament provides specific instructions regarding submission within marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 states, "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." This passage underscores the parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing a model of loving leadership and respectful submission. 2. Mutual Submission: While the Bible calls for wives to submit to their husbands, it also advocates for mutual submission among all believers. Ephesians 5:21 instructs, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This mutual submission is a reflection of humility and love within the Christian community, promoting unity and harmony. 3. Submission to Authorities: Christians are also called to submit to governing authorities as an expression of their submission to God. Romans 13:1 states, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage emphasizes the divine origin of authority and the believer's responsibility to respect and obey civil leaders, as long as such obedience does not conflict with God's commands. 4. Submission in the Church: The structure of church leadership also involves submission. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This verse highlights the role of church leaders as shepherds and the responsibility of the congregation to support and follow their guidance. The Example of Christ: The ultimate example of submission is found in Jesus Christ, who submitted to the will of the Father even unto death. Philippians 2:5-8 describes this submission: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's submission is the model for all believers, demonstrating that true submission involves humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God's will. Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide a conclusion on submission, it is clear that submission is a multifaceted concept that permeates various aspects of Christian life. It calls for a heart attitude of humility and obedience, reflecting the character of Christ and fostering peace and order within the family, church, and society. Topical Bible Verses James 4:7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Topicalbible.org Hebrews 13:17 Colossians 3:22-24 Ephesians 5:21 1 Peter 5:5 Ephesians 5:22 Luke 22:42 1 Peter 3:5-6 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of yielding to power or authority; surrender of the person and power to the control or government of another; obedience; compliance.2. (n.) The state of being submissive; acknowledgement of inferiority or dependence; humble or suppliant behavior; meekness; resignation. 3. (n.) Acknowledgement of a fault; confession of error. 4. (n.) An agreement by which parties engage to submit any matter of controversy between them to the decision of arbitrators. Greek 5292. hupotage -- subjection ... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hupotage Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ot-ag-ay') Short Definition: subjection, submission Definition: subjection ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5292.htm - 6k 5218. hupakoe -- obedience 4029. perikeimai -- to lie around 831. authenteo -- to govern, exercise authority Library Submission. Submission. Submission to Divine Providence in the Death of Children Submission and Peace Penitence Submission. Submission. Submission. Trust and Submission. Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ... Psalm 131. Humility and Submission. Thesaurus Submission (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Submission (10 Occurrences). ... (WEB). 1 Corinthians 14:32 and the spirits of Prophets yield submission to Prophets. (WEY). ... /s/submission.htm - 9k Submissive (12 Occurrences) Prayers (99 Occurrences) Vail (44 Occurrences) Tributary (9 Occurrences) Bow (248 Occurrences) Great (10383 Occurrences) Obedience (61 Occurrences) Election (6 Occurrences) God (45911 Occurrences) Resources Does a wife have to submit to her husband? | GotQuestions.orgAccording to the Bible, to whom are we to be submissive, and why? | GotQuestions.org Should Christian women wear head coverings? | GotQuestions.org Submission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Submission (10 Occurrences)Romans 10:3 1 Corinthians 9:27 1 Corinthians 14:32 1 Corinthians 14:34 Galatians 2:5 1 Timothy 2:11 Hebrews 5:7 1 Peter 3:22 1 Chronicles 29:24 Daniel 11:43 Subtopics Submission: To Authority: Jesus an Example of Related Terms Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) |