Voxology Embarrassed by the Bible: What "Wives Submit to Your Husbands" Really Means (Ephesians 5)
How the misunderstood “wives submit to your husbands” passage in Ephesians 5 unlocks a transformative and egalitarian vision of marriage rooted in mutual submission, sacrifice, and love. Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the cultural, linguistic, and biblical context of this controversial scripture as they launch a new series, “Embarrassed by the Bible”—tackling tough and awkward verses that have long caused confusion and damage within Christian spaces.
Key Takeaways: • Mutual Submission as the Heart of Discipleship – The verse “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” is the foundation, not an add-on. Spirit-filled relationships begin with mutual surrender, not hierarchy. • Reframing Ephesians 5 – Understanding how Greek grammar links verses 21 and 22 shows “wives submit” is part of broader mutual submission, not a blanket endorsement of male dominance. • How Culture Shapes Misreading – Paul worked within patriarchal Greco-Roman household codes not to affirm them, but to subvert them by planting gospel-centered seeds of equality and sacrificial love. • Redefining “Headship” – Being the "head" doesn’t mean control or final say; it means sacrificial love modeled on Christ’s love for the church—being the first to serve, forgive, and selflessly uplift the other. • Marriage as Gospel Embodiment – Christian marriage isn’t about rigid gender roles, it’s about embodying the love, humility, and mutual care of Christ and the church.
Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 5:21–33 – Bible Gateway • Genesis 1–3 – The biblical foundation of male/female equality before the Fall • Past Episode – “Household Codes and Subversion of Power” (playlist coming soon) • Interlinear Bible Tool – biblehub.com/interlinear
Join the “Embarrassed by the Bible” series as we uncover how scripture, when properly understood, reveals the revolutionary heart of Jesus. Have a verse that confuses or embarrasses you? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com to share your questions.
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford | IG & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
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We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
Learn more about the Voxology Podcast
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy