Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Submission

Updated:
February 14, 2025
|
Author:
Joseph Cox

Submission is a concept that often sparks debate and curiosity. This article brings together 50 Bible verses that explore the idea of submission from various angles.

Whether you're looking for guidance, inspiration, or a deeper understanding, these verses offer a range of perspectives. Each one sheds light on what it means to submit in different contexts.

50 Bible Verses About Submission

10 Bible Verses on Biblical Submission in Marriage

Ephesians 5:22
  • "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." — Ephesians 5:22
  • "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." — Colossians 3:18
  • "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives." — 1 Peter 3:1
  • "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." — Ephesians 5:25
  • "Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband." — 1 Corinthians 7:3
  • "That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." — Titus 2:4-5
  • "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." — 1 Peter 3:7
  • "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
  • "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." — Proverbs 31:10-12
  • "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." — Hebrews 13:4

10 Bible Verses on Submission to Authority

Romans 13:1
  • "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." — Romans 13:1
  • "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." — 1 Peter 2:13-14
  • "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work." — Titus 3:1
  • "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." — Hebrews 13:17
  • "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." — Ephesians 6:1
  • "Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God." — Colossians 3:22
  • "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
  • "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh." — 1 Peter 2:18
  • "They said to Him, 'Caesar’s.' And He said to them, 'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.'" — Matthew 22:21
  • "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'" — Acts 5:29

10 Bible Verses on Spiritual Submission to God

James 4:7
  • "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
  • "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:6-7
  • "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." — Romans 12:1
  • "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." — Philippians 2:10-11
  • "Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?" — Hebrews 12:9
  • "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." — James 4:10
  • "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:33
  • "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." — 1 John 2:17
  • "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6
  • "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." — Psalm 37:5

10 Bible Verses on Mutual Submission Among Believers

Ephesians 5:21
  • "Submitting to one another in the fear of God." — Ephesians 5:21
  • "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
  • "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
  • "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
  • "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
  • "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25
  • "That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." — 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
  • "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." — 1 John 3:16
  • "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2

10 Bible Verses on Submission in Times of Trials

James 1:2-4
  • "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." — James 1:2-4
  • "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." — 1 Peter 5:10
  • "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28
  • "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6-7
  • "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." — 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10
  • "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1
  • "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30
  • "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise." — Hebrews 10:36
  • "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." — James 1:12

What Does the Bible Say About Submission

Submission is a recurring theme in the Bible, offering guidance on how to live harmoniously with others and with God. The verses provided give us a comprehensive look at what it means to submit in various aspects of life. These teachings can help us navigate our relationships and challenges with a sense of purpose and peace.

In marriage, submission is about mutual respect and love. Verses like Ephesians 5:22 and 1 Peter 3:1 encourage wives to submit to their husbands, but also remind husbands to love and honor their wives. This mutual submission fosters a balanced and loving relationship, where both partners support and uplift each other.

When it comes to authority, the Bible advises us to respect and obey those in power. Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 highlight the importance of being subject to governing authorities, as they are appointed by God. This teaches us to live peacefully within society, contributing to the common good.

Spiritual submission to God is another key theme. James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7 call us to humble ourselves before God, trusting in His plan for us. This kind of submission brings us closer to God, allowing us to experience His grace and guidance in our lives.

Finally, mutual submission among believers is essential for a strong community. Ephesians 5:21 and Philippians 2:3 encourage us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. By doing so, we create a supportive and loving environment where everyone can grow in faith together.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Submission

Applying the Bible's teachings on submission can bring peace and purpose to our daily lives. These verses offer practical wisdom that can help us navigate relationships and challenges with grace.

  • Start your day with a prayer, asking God for humility and guidance. This sets a positive tone for the day.
  • Show respect to those in authority, whether it's at work, in your community, or within your family. Simple acts of obedience and respect can make a big difference.
  • Practice mutual submission in your relationships. Listen actively and consider others' needs and perspectives.
  • Engage in community service. Helping others is a powerful way to live out the principle of submission.
  • Reflect on Bible verses about submission during your quiet time. Let these teachings shape your attitudes and actions.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding and supporting you. Embracing these principles can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

Start Your Day with Faith and Inspiration!
Sign up to receive a daily prayer and Bible verse straight to your inbox. Begin each morning with words of hope and guidance.
Thank you! 🙏
Oops! Something went wrong, please try again.
OTHER RELATED PRAYERS & VERSES