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Ephesians 5:21

Ephesians 5:21 in Multiple Translations

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

Letting yourselves be ruled by one another in the fear of Christ.

Each of you should be willing to accept what others tell you to do out of reverence for Christ.

Submitting your selues one to another in the feare of God.

subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of God.

subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ.

Humbly submit yourselves to each other because you reverence Christ, who is our example.

Each of you has to think about what other Christians want, and agree with them, because you really respect Jesus Christ.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 5:21

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Ephesians 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK υποτασσομενοι αλληλοις εν φοβω χριστου
υποτασσομενοι hupotassō G5293 to subject Verb-PPP-NPM
αλληλοις allēlōn G240 one another C-DPM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
φοβω phobos G5401 fear Noun-DSM
χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 5:21

υποτασσομενοι hupotassō G5293 "to subject" Verb-PPP-NPM
This Greek word means to obey or put someone in charge, like in Romans 13:5 where we submit to authorities. It also appears in 1 Corinthians 15:27 and Ephesians 1:22, showing God's power over all things.
Definition: ὑπο-τάσσω [in LXX for דָבַר hi., דָּמַם, שׂוּם, שִׁית, etc. ;] __1. as a military term, to place or rank under (Polyb.). __2. to subject, put in subjection: 1Co.15:27, Php.3:21, Heb.2:5, 8; pass., Rom.8:20, 1Co.15:27-28, 1Pe.3:22, Eph.1:22. Mid., to subject oneself, obey: absol., Rom.13:5, 1Co.14:34; with dative of person(s), Luk.2:51 10:17, 20, Rom.8:7 10:3 13:1, 1Co.14:32 15:28 (ὑποταγήσεται; cf. M, Pr., 163), 1Co.16:16, Eph.5:21-22 (T, WH, txt., R, om.), Eph.5:24, Col.3:18, Tit.2:5, 9 3:1, Heb.12:9, 1Pe.2:18 3:1 3:5 5:5; imperat., Jas.4:7, 1Pe.2:13 5:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto See also: 1 Corinthians 14:32; Hebrews 2:5; 1 Peter 2:13.
αλληλοις allēlōn G240 "one another" C-DPM
This word means one another, indicating mutual action or relationship. In Matthew 25:32 and John 13:22, it describes how people interact with each other.
Definition: ἀλλήλων (genitive pl.), dative -οις, -αις, accusative -ους, -ας, -α (no nom.), recipr. pron. (ἄλλος), of one another, mutually: Mat.25:32, Mrk.4:41, Jhn.13:22, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with G3326 (μετά) or G4314 (πρός)) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:5; John 4:33; 1 Peter 1:22.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
φοβω phobos G5401 "fear" Noun-DSM
Fear or alarm that causes people to be terrified, as seen in Luke 1:12 and Acts 5:5. This term describes a feeling of dread or terror. It is the fear that people experience in difficult situations.
Definition: φόβος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for יִרְאָה, also for פַּחַד, אֵימָה, etc. ;] __1. in Hom., flight. __2. That which causes flight, fear, dread, terror: Luk.1:12, Act.5:5, 1Ti.5:20. 1Jn.4:18, al.; cogn. accusative, φοβεῖσθαι φ., Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9; with genitive obj., Jhn.7:13 19:33 20:19, Heb.2:5, 1Pe.3:14 (but cf. ICC, in l);ἀπὸ (τοῦ) φ., Mat.14:26, Luk.21:26; εἰς φ., Rom.8:15; μετὰ φόβου, Mat.28:8; φ. καὶ τρόμος (Lft., Notes, 172), 1Co.2:3, 2Co.7:15, Eph.6:5, Php.2:12; by meton., of that which causes fear, Rom.13:3; of reverential fear, Rom.13:7, 1Pe.1:17 2:18 3:2 3:15; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:31, 2Co.5:11 (see Field, Notes, 183); Χριστοῦ, Eph.5:21; θεοῦ, Rom.3:18, 2Co.7:1 SYN.: see: δειλία (and of. DCG, i, 381) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 44 NT verses. KJV: be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror See also: 1 Corinthians 2:3; John 19:38; 1 Peter 1:17.
χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

Study Notes — Ephesians 5:21

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
2 Ephesians 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
3 Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
4 Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
5 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6 1 Peter 2:17 Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
7 1 Timothy 3:4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
8 Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
9 1 Timothy 2:11 A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness.
10 1 Corinthians 16:16 to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

Ephesians 5:21 Summary

Ephesians 5:21 teaches us to put others before ourselves out of respect and love for Jesus Christ. This means being willing to listen, serve, and yield to one another, even when it's hard. By doing so, we demonstrate our love for Christ and our commitment to following His example, as seen in John 13:35 where Jesus says that our love for one another will be a witness to the world. As we submit to one another, we reflect the heart of Christ and build each other up in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ?

This means humbly putting others before ourselves, just as Jesus did, and honoring Him in our relationships, as seen in Philippians 2:3-8 where we are called to have the same mindset as Christ.

Is this verse only talking about marriage or does it apply to all relationships?

While the following verses, Ephesians 5:22-23, specifically address the marriage relationship, Ephesians 5:21 is a general principle that applies to all believers in their interactions with one another, as supported by Romans 12:10 where we are instructed to love one another with brotherly affection.

How can we practically submit to one another in our daily lives?

We can submit to one another by listening to and considering each other's needs and perspectives, as encouraged in James 1:19-20, and by serving one another in love, as demonstrated in Galatians 5:13.

Does submitting to one another mean we have to agree on everything?

No, submitting to one another does not require uniformity of opinion, but rather a willingness to yield to and respect one another, even in disagreement, as seen in Acts 15:1-35 where the early church navigated differences in opinion with grace and humility.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways can I practically demonstrate submission to others in my life, such as in my family, church, or workplace?
  2. How does my reverence for Christ impact my willingness to submit to others, and what are some areas where I can grow in this regard?
  3. What are some potential barriers to submitting to one another, and how can I overcome them in my own relationships?
  4. How can I balance the need to submit to others with the importance of standing firm in my convictions and values, as taught in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14?

Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another,.... Which may be understood either in a political sense, of giving honour, obedience, and tribute, to civil magistrates, since they are set up by God for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5.) He passes from relations to God to those which concern our fellow-men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another, viz. to those to whom ye ought to be subject in natural, civil, or church relations. In the fear of God; either for fear of offending God, the Author of all power, who commands this subjection; or so far as is consistent with the fear of God, and so in those things which are not forbidden of him.

Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 5:21

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ver. 21. Submitting yourselves] This is a general admonition to all inferiors, whose duties are afterwards described. Thus in the second table of the law, the fifth commandment for order and obedience is fitly premised to the following precepts. In the fear of God] This frameth the heart to a ready and regular submission. Hence that saying of Luther, Primo praecepto reliquorum omnium observantia praecipitur, The first commandment includes the other nine.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 5:21

(21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.—In grammatical construction this clause is connected with the preceding verses; in point of idea it leads on to the next section, which treats of the three-fold submission of wives to husbands, children to parents, slaves to masters. There is, however, a certain connection of idea with the preceding section also, and especially with the encouragement of a Christian enthusiasm in the last clause. The strong and frequent emphasis laid in the New Testament on subjection, whether (as in Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17) to the civil powers, or (as here, in Colossians 3:18 to Colossians 4:1, and 1 Peter 2:18 to 1 Peter 3:7) to domestic authority, or (as in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15) to ecclesiastical authority, probably indicates some tendency, in the first exuberance of Christian liberty and enthusiasm, to disregard the wholesome restraints, laws, and conventions of outward life. Hence St. Paul’s general caution here, prefatory to the more detailed teaching of subjection which follows.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 5:21

Verse 21. Submitting - one to another] Let no man be so tenacious of his own will or his opinion in matters indifferent, as to disturb the peace of the Church; in all such matters give way to each other, and let love rule. In the fear of God.] Setting him always before your eyes, and considering that he has commanded you to love one another, and to bear each other's burdens; and that what you do in this or any other commanded case, you do as unto the Lord. Instead of ενφοβωθεου, in the fear of GOD, ενφοβωχριστου, in the fear of CHRIST, is the reading of ABDEFG, with all others of most value; besides the Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, AEthiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala; Basil the Great, and Chrysostom. Neither reading makes any difference in the sense.

Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 5:21

21. submitting] The primary point in the spiritual ethics of the Gospel is humiliation; self is dethroned as against God, and consequently as against men. Here the special, but not exclusive, reference is to fellow-Christians. “[The precept] seems to have been suggested by the humble and loving spirit which is the moving principle of thanksgiving” (Ellicott).Special applications of this great principle now follow, in a study of the relative duties of the Christian Home.

Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another - Maintaining due subordination in the various relations of life.

Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 5:21

21. Submitting yourselves—Dr. Eadie thinks this “introduces a new train of thought;” but, on the contrary, it is only the finishing of the thought of the paragraph.

Sermons on Ephesians 5:21

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th
Francis Chan The Joys of Being Spirit Filled by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled, focusing on constant thanksgiving, sharing scripture with others, and maintaining a heart of worship through psalms an
Zac Poonen (A Heavenly Church) 2. the Works That Jesus Did by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of Jesus being urged to preach and use his power at a young age. However, Jesus remained steadfast in his mission and did not succu
Alan Redpath Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8) by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the impo
Stephen Kaung A Further Look at Authority 2: Delegated Authority by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges of being in authority and being under authority. They emphasize that being in authority is not easy and can be even more diffic
Denny Kenaston Others by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio
Compilations Everyone Needs to Do Nursery (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past actions and realizes that he had been serving with the wrong motives, attitude, relationship, and resources. He feels remorseful an

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