The Bible offers various teachings on the role of a wife in a marriage, emphasizing mutual love, respect, and support within the marital relationship. Here are some key principles:
Love and Respect
1. Ephesians 5:22-33: This passage is one of the most cited regarding marital roles. It advises wives to "submit to their own husbands AS TO THE LORD!" This alone is a very tough task for most women to embrace. In fact it cannot be done without the Holy Spirits guidance. It also commands husbands to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." This mutual relationship underscores a balance of respect and sacrificial love.
2. Colossians 3:18-19: Similar to Ephesians, this passage instructs, "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." The emphasis is on a harmonious and loving relationship.
Partnership and Support
3. Proverbs 31:10-31: This passage describes the "wife of noble character," highlighting her as industrious, wise, and capable. She is depicted as a partner who contributes significantly to the household's well-being, both materially/financially and spiritually. She is praised for her strength, dignity, and the respect she garners from her family and community. She does not become inactive and selfishly elevate her status on the back of her husband. That would be unkind, unloving and unfair!
4. Genesis 2:18: "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” The biggest hoax that it appears the devil is pulling on the marriage union today is that a “helpmeet” no longer has to help. In what ways you may ask should a wife help her husband? In as many ways as he provides. This verse suggests that the wife’s role is to be a companion and helper, indicating a partnership designed to complement and support one another. Even if her husband is not fulfilling certain tenants off his marital obligations a wife is instructed (1Peter 3:1) to operate in submission to their husband because it may have influence on their husbands. See below
Nurturing and Family Care
5. Titus 2:3-5: This passage encourages older women to teach younger women "to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the family and maintaining a godly household. If we look at the word “malign” it means to speak about someone (in this case the word of God) in a spiteful and critical way. So a wife is to hold her position being led by the Holy Spirit because it is a reflection of Gods word. As opposed to any selfish desire or appearing to be idle/selfishly lazy within the Union.
Mutual Respect and Honor
6. 1 Peter 3:1-7: This scripture advises wives to "be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives." It also tells husbands to "show honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." This mutual respect and honor are foundational for a healthy marital relationship.
Unity and Mutual Fulfillment
7. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4: These verses discuss the mutual responsibilities of husband and wife regarding their physical relationship, stating, "The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." This underscores mutuality and the importance of fulfilling each other's needs. Throughout it all, reciprocity and mutual love (which is an action word) is required to have a healthy marriage union. If it ever becomes something less than that, then the cause has to be exposed.
Conclusion
The biblical role of a wife in marriage is multi-faceted, encompassing love, respect, support, partnership, nurturing, and mutual fulfillment. It emphasizes a balanced relationship where both spouses honor and care for each other, (read that last part twice) reflecting the love and unity that God intends for marriage. While cultural contexts have evolved, these biblical principles continue to offer a foundational framework for understanding the dynamics of a loving and respectful marital relationship.
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