‘Wives be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.'
The position of wives as being ‘under their husbands' is not only taught but elsewhere stressed theologically in Scripture (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 11:7-9; Ephesians 5:23; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:21-23). Marriage should be a partnership, as it was from the very beginning, for Eve was a helper of like kind with Adam, and the two are made one so that the man should look on his wife as himself (Ephesians 5:28; Ephesians 5:33). But the man is in the final analysis to have the last word, with her best concerns in mind, and as a loving husband and not as a tyrant (Ephesians 5:19).
‘Be in subjection.' Not quite as strong as it sounds, but nevertheless to be obeyed, just as Christians are also to be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5). It is a subjection of love not of tyrrany. In the same way Christ was subject to His parents (Luke 2:51), and the Son will be subject to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:28). In all these cases it is a benevolent subjection. However, the final headship of the man has to be acknowledged.
‘As is fitting in the Lord.' The relationship is defined in terms of a higher plane. Both the husband and wife may be ‘in the Lord' where there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28), and yet in that high state it is ‘fitting', recognised as right and suitable, that the wife graciously submit to her husband.