Submitting to authority is a core teaching in the Bible. It reflects humility, obedience to God’s will, and a recognition of His order in the world. This theme runs through both the Old and New Testaments, guiding believers on how to interact with civil leaders, spiritual authorities, and even God’s commands. Here are Bible verses that speak about this important principle.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Submission
Obeying Governing Authorities
God places governing authorities in position, and submitting to them is part of living in obedience to His plan. The Bible provides instructions to follow laws, respect leadership, and live peacefully within societal structures.
Romans 13:1
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
This verse clearly states that all authority is ultimately from God. When we submit to human authorities, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in establishing leadership. It’s a reminder that resisting legitimate authority is equivalent to resisting God’s plan.
1 Peter 2:13-14
“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.”
Peter instructs believers to submit to human authorities not for the sake of those in power, but for the Lord’s sake. By doing so, we demonstrate our reverence for God’s will, trusting that He works through even imperfect leaders.
Titus 3:1
“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”
This verse urges believers to be proactive in doing good as part of their submission to government. It’s not just about passive obedience, but actively contributing to society in a way that honors God.
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”
This verse reminds us that while kings and rulers may seem to have control, God is ultimately guiding their decisions. Understanding this gives us peace in submission, knowing God’s hand is at work behind the scenes.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.”
Submission extends beyond government to spiritual leaders. They are tasked with guiding the flock, and this verse highlights that obedience is not just to the leader but to God’s design for spiritual oversight.
Submitting in the Family
The family is a foundational unit in God’s creation, and the Bible sets out roles and responsibilities for each member. Submitting to authority within the family demonstrates love, respect, and honor towards God’s design for order.
Ephesians 5:22
“For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.”
Here, submission is seen as an act of worship to God. It is a voluntary yielding, showing trust in God’s order and reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse teaches children that obeying their parents is a direct way to honor God. It connects family order with divine will, emphasizing obedience as part of pleasing the Lord.
1 Peter 3:1
“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands.”
This verse aligns with the broader teaching of mutual respect in marriage. The submission here is not about inferiority, but about respecting the roles God has established within the family unit.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.”
Paul reminds children that their obedience to parents is grounded in their belonging to the Lord. This reinforces that family structure is a reflection of divine order, and honoring parents honors God.
Proverbs 1:8
“My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of parental guidance. Submission to parents is seen as wisdom, helping children avoid foolishness and live according to God’s path.
Respecting Church Authority
God appoints leaders in the church to guide His people. The Bible calls for respect and submission to those who shepherd the flock, as they are accountable to God for their leadership.
1 Thessalonians 5:12
“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.”
Paul encourages believers to honor church leaders for their hard work in spiritual matters. This verse highlights the importance of appreciating those who dedicate their lives to guiding others in faith.
1 Timothy 5:17
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.”
Paul emphasizes that those who lead well, especially in teaching, are worthy of respect and support. Submission to their leadership includes providing for their needs and recognizing their efforts in the ministry.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.”
This verse highlights the responsibility spiritual leaders have for the well-being of their congregation. Submission to their guidance reflects trust in God’s structure for spiritual care.
Acts 20:28
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.”
Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian elders shows that church leadership is a divine appointment. Submission to such leaders recognizes the gravity of their role in tending to God’s people.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another.”
This verse connects submission with humility. The call to submit to elders is not just about authority but about developing a heart of humility that reflects Christ’s character.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Law
Submitting to God’s Commandments
The ultimate authority in the life of a believer is God’s Word. Submission to His commandments reflects our love, trust, and obedience to His divine will. It’s through this submission that we align our lives with His purpose and experience true freedom.
John 14:15
“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
Jesus makes it clear that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience. Submission to God’s Word is not burdensome but an expression of our devotion to Christ.
James 4:7
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse connects submission to God with spiritual victory. Humbling ourselves before God is a form of surrender that empowers us to resist the schemes of the enemy.
1 John 5:3
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”
John emphasizes that God’s commandments are an expression of His love for us. Submission to His ways leads to life, and obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden when viewed in this light.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.”
In this Old Testament passage, Moses underscores the importance of wholehearted submission to God’s commands. It’s not just about personal obedience but passing on this lifestyle to the next generation.
Psalm 119:60
“I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.”
Submission to Christ’s Lordship
Christ’s lordship is central to the life of every believer. Submitting to Him means recognizing His authority over every area of life. This is more than just acknowledging His title as “Lord”; it involves a daily surrender to His will, trusting Him to lead us in the right path.
Philippians 2:10-11
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This passage from Philippians points to the ultimate recognition of Christ’s authority. Submission to Christ is inevitable for all creation, but for believers, it is a voluntary and joyful acknowledgment of His Lordship in every aspect of life.
Luke 6:46
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”
Jesus challenges those who claim His lordship but do not obey His commands. True submission to Christ involves aligning our actions with His teachings, showing that He truly reigns in our lives.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Every action and word from a believer should reflect the Lordship of Christ. Submission to Him means living in a way that represents Him in everything we do, as ambassadors of His grace and truth.
Matthew 28:18
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.’”
Jesus’ declaration of His complete authority is a foundation for our submission to Him. If He has all authority, then our lives must be lived in obedience to His commands, trusting His wisdom in every decision.
Romans 10:9
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This verse emphasizes that salvation itself is rooted in submission to Christ’s Lordship. Declaring Jesus as Lord is not just a verbal confession but a heartfelt submission to His authority and a life of obedient faith.
Submitting to One Another
Mutual submission is a hallmark of Christian relationships. It reflects humility, love, and respect for one another, and it models the attitude of Christ, who served others selflessly. This is not about power or dominance, but about serving each other in love.
Ephesians 5:21
“And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
This call to mutual submission comes from reverence for Christ. It teaches that our relationships should reflect the humility and love Christ showed, putting others before ourselves as an act of worship to Him.
Philippians 2:3
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
Paul encourages believers to take on an attitude of humility, which is key to mutual submission. By thinking of others as more important than ourselves, we mirror the selflessness of Christ in our relationships.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another.”
Peter encourages the younger generation to submit to the elders, but he extends this command to all believers. Submission is a sign of humility, and in our interactions with one another, we are to embody this Christlike attitude.
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
This verse calls for believers to outdo one another in showing honor. Mutual submission is about esteeming others and finding joy in lifting them up, a reflection of the love Christ demonstrated in serving others.
Galatians 5:13
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Paul connects freedom in Christ with the responsibility to serve others. Submission to one another is not a loss of freedom, but rather an expression of it, as we use our liberty to love and serve selflessly.
Submitting to God’s Discipline
God disciplines those He loves, and submitting to His correction is a vital part of spiritual growth. The Bible teaches that His discipline, though sometimes painful, is ultimately for our good, shaping us to become more like Christ.
Hebrews 12:9
“Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?”
Just as we respect our earthly parents when they discipline us, we should submit to God’s discipline even more. His correction leads to life, and submitting to it is essential for spiritual maturity and growth in holiness.
Proverbs 3:11-12
“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
These verses remind us that God’s discipline is an expression of His love. When we submit to His correction, we acknowledge His care for us and trust that His discipline is for our ultimate good.
Job 5:17
“But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.”
Job reflects on the blessing of being corrected by God. Submitting to His discipline should not be met with resentment but with joy, recognizing that God’s hand is shaping us for a better future.
Revelation 3:19
“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
Jesus’ words to the church in Revelation underscore the purpose of His discipline—to bring believers back from indifference. Submission to His correction is necessary for rekindling our passion for Him.
Psalm 94:12
“Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.”
The psalmist recognizes that God’s discipline leads to joy because it comes with instruction. Submitting to His correction is a pathway to deeper understanding and a closer walk with God.
Submitting to God’s Sovereignty
God is sovereign over all creation, and submission to His will is essential for living a life that pleases Him. The Bible encourages believers to trust in His plan, even when it is not fully understood, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
Isaiah 45:9
“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’”
Isaiah reminds us of the futility of resisting God’s sovereignty. Submission to His will means trusting that the Creator knows what is best, even when we don’t understand His ways. We are the clay, and He is the potter.
Romans 9:20
“No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’”
Paul echoes the same sentiment found in Isaiah, emphasizing that we, as created beings, are not in a position to question God’s sovereign choices. Submission to Him involves a posture of humility and trust in His perfect will.
Proverbs 19:21
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
This proverb underscores the reality that, no matter how many plans we make, God’s purpose will ultimately prevail. Submission to His sovereignty means aligning our will with His, trusting that His plan is the best for our lives.
Jeremiah 18:6
“O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”
In this passage, God speaks to Israel, comparing them to clay in His hands. Submission to God’s sovereignty involves allowing Him to mold and shape our lives according to His purpose, trusting that He is the Master Craftsman.
Psalm 135:6
“The Lord does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths.”
This verse declares God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation. Submission to Him means recognizing that He is in control of everything, from the smallest detail of our lives to the vast reaches of the universe.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Responsible
What Does the Bible Say About Submitting to Authority
The Bible teaches us about submitting to authority, and it’s something we should take seriously as followers of God. Authority is placed in our lives for a reason, and when we submit to it, we are actually showing our respect for God, who is the ultimate authority over all.
First, we need to understand that all authority comes from God. Whether it’s our parents, teachers, bosses, or even the government, these leaders are in their position because God allows it. Even if we don’t agree with every decision they make, we should still respect their role and do our best to obey their rules. God has a purpose in everything, even in the people He puts in charge of us.
Submitting to authority is also a way to keep peace and order in our lives. Imagine if no one respected authority, there would be chaos everywhere! People would do whatever they want, and that would lead to confusion, harm, and pain. But when we follow the rules and listen to those in charge, we help create a peaceful and safe environment for everyone.
However, it’s important to note that submitting to authority doesn’t mean following blindly. There may be times when someone in authority asks us to do something that goes against God’s teachings or our conscience. In these moments, we are called to obey God first. We should always seek to live righteously, even if it means standing up against human authority when it’s wrong.
God honors those who submit to authority with the right heart. It’s not just about obeying out of fear of punishment, but because we want to do what’s right in God’s eyes. When we submit with a humble and willing spirit, we are showing our trust in God’s plan. We are saying, “God, I trust that you are in control, and I will respect those you have placed in leadership.”
In conclusion, the Bible encourages us to submit to authority because it’s a reflection of our submission to God. By doing so, we live in peace, avoid unnecessary trouble, and honor God’s order in the world. At the same time, we are called to stand firm in our faith when authority leads us astray. Through it all, we trust God as the ultimate authority in our lives.