Biblical Submission: Christlike Strength, Not Silence

Contending for the Word Q&A with Dave Jenkins

Series: Contending for the Word Q&A
Episode: Biblical Submission: Christlike Strength, Not Silence

Show Summary

Few biblical words are more misunderstood in our modern culture than submission. Many hear it and assume inferiority, silence, or loss of identity. But Scripture presents a far more beautiful picture—one rooted in Christlike humility, strength, and love. In this episode, Dave Jenkins answers what biblical submission is—and what it is not—anchored in Ephesians 5:22–33. Biblical submission is a voluntary, joyful posture of respect and support that reflects trust in Christ, not silence, passivity, inferiority, or losing one’s voice.

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Key Scriptures

• Ephesians 5:22–33
• Proverbs 31

Episode Notes

Today’s Question

Biblical submission: what is it—and what is it not?

Central Truth

Biblical submission is a voluntary, joyful posture of respect and support that reflects trust in Christ,
not silence, passivity, inferiority, or losing one’s voice.

1) Submission Flows “As to the Lord”

Scripture teaches that submission is first vertical toward Christ before it is expressed horizontally in marriage. It is rooted in faith—trusting God’s design and honoring Christ in the way a wife honors her husband.

2) Submission Is Respectful Partnership

Biblical submission does not mean a wife is less intelligent, less gifted, or excluded from meaningful decisions. Proverbs 31 portrays a woman of strength, wisdom, and initiative. Submission means using God-given gifts to build up the home and strengthen unity—not to compete for control.

3) Submission Is Not Silence, Abuse, or Inequality

Biblical submission never calls a woman to tolerate abuse, endorse sin, or surrender her dignity. Men and women are equal in value and worth as image-bearers of God, while distinct in roles. Submission is about order, not oppression.

4) Submission Reflects the Church’s Devotion to Christ

In Ephesians 5, marriage points beyond itself to the gospel. Just as the church responds to Christ with trust, honor, and devotion, so a wife’s submission images that relationship. This is worship, not weakness.

A Word to Wives and Husbands

• Wives: This calling is beautiful and strong—rooted in Christ and expressed through respect and support.
• Husbands: Lead with humility and sacrificial love so that your wife experiences your leadership as a joy, not a burden.

Takeaways

• Submission is first “as to the Lord,” flowing from trust in Christ.
• Submission is respectful partnership, not passivity or exclusion.
• Submission never excuses abuse, sin, or treating a woman as inferior.
• Marriage is designed to reflect Christ and His church—submission is worshipful devotion, not weakness.

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Stand firm on the Word of God. Cling to Christ. Honor God’s design for marriage.