subordinate

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 5:22 (NABRE) has caused a considerable amount of concern and confusion: “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” Common misunderstanding about exactly what is being asked of spouses makes this passage seem far more controversial than the actual meaning.

The Greek word that is translated above as “be subordinate” is ὑποτασσόμενοι (hypotassomenoi), which is a passive form of the verb ὑποτάσσω (hypotasso). ὑποτάσσω (Hypotasso) can be translated as “place” or “arrange under,” “subject,” “subdue,” “make subject,” and in the passive it means “to be placed under,” “to be subject,” or “to be subordinate.”

The same verb used in the Letter to the Ephesians 5:22 (NABRE) also is used in the Letter to the Ephesians 5:21 (NABRE): “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This subordination in Christ is a mutual act. This passage is not meant to set up a hierarchy in marriage in which the husband is the boss and the wife is a subordinate. It’s setting up a Christian attitude of service within marriage in which each partner works to act as subordinate to the other and both in turn serve Christ. The Letter to the Ephesians 5:22–24 (NABRE) describes the wife’s part of this arrangement, and the Letter to the Ephesians 5:25–32 (NABRE) describes the husband’s part.

Consider what such a marriage might look like. What challenges does it present? How might Jesus Christ make such a dynamic possible?

related topics: let no person separate

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