Today we will talk about Bible verses about submitting. Many Christians do not know what this means. Submitting is not about being weak or losing our freedom; instead, it’s about humbling ourselves and recognizing a higher purpose. In our journey of faith, submitting means trusting God’s plan and willingly following His lead in our lives. We can find solace in Scripture, where God reveals His desire for us to submit not just to Him but to one another, showing love, respect, and kindness. As we meditate on these verses, let’s open our hearts to the wisdom they provide, understanding that true submission is a pathway to joy and fulfillment in our relationship with God and with each other.
Bible Verses About Submitting
Submission to God
In our walk with God, submitting to Him is a vital aspect of our faith. We are challenged to trust His guidance and surrender our own will for His divine plan. This form of submission provides a solid foundation when life’s storms test our faith and character. Recognizing God’s sovereignty helps us see our submission as an act of worship, leading to blessings and joy in our lives. We are encouraged to embrace this surrender, knowing that God desires the best for us. As we submit, we open ourselves to His profound love and extraordinary grace.
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
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
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
Submission to Authority
Submitting to authority is an essential principle that extends from our submission to God. Our relationship with others, particularly those in authority, reflects our personal commitment to obey God. This means respecting those placed in positions of leadership whether at home, work, or church. When we submit to authority, we are not only honoring these individuals but also God, who appointed them. Embracing this biblical guideline leads to peace and harmony in our environment, fostering unity among us.
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
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
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
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
Submission in Marriage
Submission within marriage is a unique and beautiful concept grounded in mutual respect and love. The Bible calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially and wives to submit graciously. This isn’t about inferiority, rather it represents a divine order designed to reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church. When both partners prioritize submitting to one another, there is harmony, understanding, and a deeper connection created. In our marriages, let’s embrace this biblical teaching, allowing God’s design to flourish in our relationships and family life.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
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 11:3
“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3
Submission Among Friends
Friendships are vital in our lives and submitting to one another in love enriches these relationships. Through submission, we learn to put our friends’ needs above our own, fostering a spirit of unity and support. The Bible encourages us to carry each other’s burdens, demonstrating the essence of true companionship. By practicing mutual submission in our friendships, we reflect the love of Christ, creating bonds that uplift and inspire us in faith and in our daily lives.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Submission to God’s Word
Submitting to God’s Word means recognizing the authority of the Scriptures in our lives. It illustrates our commitment to live according to His teachings, allowing His word to guide our decisions and actions. The Bible encourages us to delight in God’s law and meditate on it day and night, which shapes our hearts and minds. When we submit to God’s Word, we cultivate a life rich in wisdom, understanding, and blessings, drawing closer to God each day.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
John 8:31
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'” – John 8:31
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalms 119:105
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” – Joshua 1:8
Psalms 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalms 119:11
Submission in Spiritual Leadership
When it comes to submission in spiritual leadership, we are called to respect and support those who guide us in our faith. Whether it’s our pastors, teachers, or mentors, submitting to their leadership is an act of honoring the God-given calling they hold. They are entrusted to shepherd us, offering spiritual nourishment and guidance. In this mutual relationship, we can cultivate an atmosphere of growth, accountability, and encouragement as we walk together on our faith journeys.
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
1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” – 1 Timothy 5:17
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” – Acts 20:28
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Submission in Service to Others
In our desire to serve others, we must embrace a heart of submission. Submitting means placing ourselves in the position of a servant, seeking to meet the needs of those around us. The Bible teaches us that greatness in the kingdom of God is found in our willingness to serve. When we submit in service, we reflect Jesus’s humility and love, making a real difference in the lives we touch. Through our acts of kindness and selflessness, we demonstrate God’s love and grace to the world.
Matthew 20:26
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
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
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
Philippians 2:7
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:7
John 13:14
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
Submission in the Community of Believers
Being part of a community of believers is a beautiful picture of submission to one another. Together, we encourage and build each other up in faith, embodying the unity of the body of Christ. Submission in this context allows us to work collaboratively, respecting different opinions and backgrounds while prioritizing love and understanding. As we gather together, let’s embrace the call to submit to one another, enjoying the blessings of community as we grow in our relationship with God collectively.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” – Colossians 3:16
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the Bible verses about submitting, it’s clear that this concept is full of richness and depth. Submission is about heart posture, recognizing our need for God and for one another. Whether it’s submitting to God, authority, in our marriages, friendships, spiritual leadership, or the community of believers, we learn that submission does not signify weakness, but strength through humility and love. By embracing these teachings, we create a fulfilling environment conducive to spiritual growth, harmony, and unconditional support among one another. We can be empowered to carry our burdens, to foster unity, and to reflect Christ’s love in every relationship.
It’s essential that we remember we are called to submit, not only to glorify God but also to cultivate deeper connections, understanding, and encouragement with each other in our daily lives. As we submit and serve, we reflect the heart of Jesus in all that we do, striving to live out our faith actively and lovingly.
Let these verses serve as a guide for us as we navigate the waters of submission, reminding us that it’s a path that ultimately leads closer to God and enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
