King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:18 Mean?

Colossians 3:18 in the King James Version says “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”

Colossians 3:18 · KJV

Context

16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Paul addresses household relationships (vv. 18-4:1), called "household codes" (Haustafeln) in German scholarship. These weren't unique to Paul; similar codes appeared in Greco-Roman and Jewish literature, but Paul Christianizes them with "in the Lord" qualifications. "Wives, submit" (hai gynaikes, hypotassesthe, αἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε) commands voluntary self-ordering under husband's leadership.

"Unto your own husbands" limits scope—not all men, but their own husband. "As it is fit in the Lord" (hōs anēken en Kyriō, ὡς ἀνῆκεν ἐν Κυρίῳ) qualifies submission: appropriate, fitting, proper within Christian context. This isn't absolute submission (which belongs only to God) but submission as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22), reflecting church's submission to Christ. The command assumes husband's Christ-like leadership (v. 19); where this fails, submission becomes complex.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient world featured strict patriarchy where wives were property with few rights. Paul's command for wives to submit wasn't revolutionary but maintaining social order. What was revolutionary: limiting submission to "own husbands" (not all males), qualifying it "as fit in the Lord" (Christ governs the relationship), and commanding husbands to love sacrificially (v. 19). Christianity elevated women's status while maintaining ordered relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you understand biblical submission—oppressive hierarchy or complementary roles reflecting Trinity?
  2. What does submission 'as fit in the Lord' mean practically when husband fails to lead Christ-like?
  3. How can churches teach this text faithfully while addressing abuse that sometimes results from distortion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Αἱ1 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναῖκες2 of 10

“Wives”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὑποτάσσεσθε3 of 10

“submit yourselves”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

τοῖς4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίοις5 of 10

“unto your own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἀνδράσιν6 of 10

“husbands”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὡς7 of 10

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀνῆκεν8 of 10

“it is fit”

G433

to attain to, i.e., (figuratively) be proper

ἐν9 of 10

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ10 of 10

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 3:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:22-6:9Titus 2:4-51 Corinthians 11:31 Peter 3:1-6Genesis 3:161 Timothy 2:12

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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