Definition and Context
The term "submissive" in the biblical context refers to the act of yielding or surrendering one's own will to the authority or will of another, often in a spirit of humility and obedience. This concept is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, where submission is seen as a virtue that reflects one's relationship with God and others.

Biblical References
1. Submission to God: Submission to God is a fundamental aspect of Christian life. James 4:7 states, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and resisting evil influences.

2. Submission in Marriage: The Bible addresses the role of submission within the context of marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "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 highlights the parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing mutual respect and love.

3. Submission to Authorities: Christians are also called to submit to governing authorities. Romans 13:1 advises, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This teaching underscores the belief that earthly authorities are instituted by God and should be respected.

4. Mutual Submission: The concept of mutual submission is also present in the New Testament. Ephesians 5:21 encourages believers to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This mutual submission is a reflection of the love and respect that should characterize Christian relationships.

Theological Significance
Submission is not merely about obedience but is deeply connected to the Christian understanding of humility and service. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of submission, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8 : "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."

Practical Application
In practical terms, being submissive involves a willingness to listen, learn, and yield to others when appropriate. It requires a heart that is open to correction and guidance, whether from God, spiritual leaders, or fellow believers. Submission is not about weakness but about strength under control, reflecting a Christ-like character that seeks the good of others above personal desires.

Challenges and Misunderstandings
The concept of submission can be challenging and is often misunderstood in contemporary society. It is important to recognize that biblical submission is not about domination or coercion but about voluntary and loving cooperation. It is rooted in the understanding that all believers are equal in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

In summary, the biblical concept of being submissive is a multifaceted virtue that encompasses obedience, humility, and mutual respect, reflecting the character of Christ and the order established by God.1. (a.) Inclined or ready to submit; acknowledging one's inferiority; yielding; obedient; humble.

2. (a.) Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive demeanor.

5255. hupekoos -- giving ear, obedient
... Adjective Transliteration: hupekoos Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ay'-ko-os) Short
Definition: listening to, obedient Definition: listening to, obedient, submissive ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5255.htm - 6k

506. anupotaktos -- not subject to rule
... 506 (from 1 "not" and 5273 , " God's ") -- properly, not submissive; disobedient
(unruly), unwilling to come under Christ's Lordship; refusing to "fall in line ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/506.htm - 7k

5293. hupotasso -- to place or rank under, to subject, mid. to ...
... to obey NASB Word Usage put in subjection (5), subject (16), subjected (7),
subjecting (1), subjection (4), submissive (3), submit (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5293.htm - 9k

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... Such a course will bring on confusion. It is all right to be submissive to the
brethren, but the Lord wants each of us to get his own bearings. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

The Next Season
... guilty of hasty and very sinful conduct in such instances; and all have need to
use diligently the following means to keep their hearts submissive and patient ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/viii the next season.htm

The Duties of the Christian Flock.
... My soul be for theirs [1100] that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbyters,
and to the deacons, and may my portion be along with them in God! ...
/.../chapter vi the duties of the.htm

The Home Scene.
... living waters which came welling up fresh from the great Fountain of life; asking
no questions, declining all arguments, gentle and submissive, a beautiful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ii the home scene.htm

Of Obedience
... humble man. Obedience means an unassuming, submissive, and pliable humour,
and a will in readiness for all that is good. Obedience ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xiii of obedience.htm

Letter ix. --The Goodness of God.
... And if we recognise this truth how is it that we are not humbly submissive in every
event both great and small to all that God wills or permits? Oh! ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter ix the goodness of god.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... When a man lives in the Fear of God, in the moral virtues and in outward works;
and when he is obedient and submissive to Holy Church and to the Divine ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

Nature and Grace the Instruments of God.
... The one and infallible influence of the divine action is invariably applied to the
submissive soul at an opportune moment, and this soul corresponds in ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section v nature and grace the.htm

Letter xxiv. --Results of Imprudence.
... In the most violent attacks try just to say these few words, "It is but just that
a creature should be submissive to her Creator, therefore I desire and pray ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xxiv results of imprudence.htm

Impressive Phrases
... hot, hasty, fervent, and fiery. humane, gentle, kind, and generous. humble, simple,
submissive, and unostentatious. I. ... mild, gentle, humble, and submissive. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Submissive (12 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive
demeanor. Multi-Version Concordance Submissive (12 Occurrences). ...
/s/submissive.htm - 10k

Submission (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The state of being submissive; acknowledgement of inferiority or dependence;
humble or suppliant behavior; meekness; resignation. ...
/s/submission.htm - 9k

Submit (36 Occurrences)
... acquiesce. 7. (vi) To be submissive or resigned; to yield without murmuring.
Multi-Version Concordance Submit (36 Occurrences). Luke ...
/s/submit.htm - 17k

Supple (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Yielding compliant; not obstinate; submissive to guidance; as, a supple
horse. ... 5. (vt) To make compliant, submissive, or obedient. ...
/s/supple.htm - 7k

Married (152 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:24 And just as the Church submits to Christ, so also married women
should be entirely submissive to their husbands. (WEY). ...
/m/married.htm - 35k

Women (328 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:24 And just as the Church submits to Christ, so also married women
should be entirely submissive to their husbands. (WEY). ...
/w/women.htm - 39k

Unruly (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (superl.) Not submissive to rule; disregarding restraint;
disposed to violate; turbulent; ungovernable; refractory; as, an unruly boy ...
/u/unruly.htm - 9k

Utmost (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they ...
/u/utmost.htm - 13k

Unreasonable (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they ...
/u/unreasonable.htm - 7k

Obedience (61 Occurrences)
... made later, but it was His central and most outstanding characteristic, the filial
at its highest reach, limitless, "unto death." His usually submissive and law ...
/o/obedience.htm - 43k

According to the Bible, to whom are we to be submissive, and why? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be a godly wife? | GotQuestions.org

How are we to submit to God? | GotQuestions.org

Submissive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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