Marriage Equality Banned: God says the husband is the head of the wife.

The role of a husband as the head of the Wife has been a subject of debate and interpretation within religious and cultural contexts. Many Christians look to particular biblical scriptures to derive guidance on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives within a married relationship. In this radio broadcast, we shall examine the key scriptures that address the husband’s role as the head of the Wife, exploring their meanings and implications.

1. 1 Corinthians 11:3: The Head of Every Man is Christ, the Head of the Woman is Man, and the Head of Christ is God.

This scripture sets the foundation for the hierarchical structure within a Christian marriage. The verse emphasizes the divine order, with God at the top, then Christ, man, and finally woman. It implies that the husband holds a position of authority within the marital relationship.

2. Ephesians 5:23: For the husband is the head of the Wife, as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.

In this passage, the analogy is drawn between the relationship of Christ and the church and that of the husband and Wife. Just as Christ is the head of the church, the husband is designated the head of the Wife. This implies a role of leadership and responsibility, with the husband expected to provide guidance and support for his Wife.

3. Genesis 2:18: It is not suitable for the man to be alone. I will find a helper suitable for him.

This verse from the book of Genesis highlights the complementary nature of the husband-wife relationship. The Wife is created to be a suitable helper for the man, suggesting a partnership where each spouse has a unique role in supporting and complementing the other. It is important to note that God did not create a man for a woman, but he specially made a woman for a man.

4. 1 Timothy 2:11–15: A Woman Should Learn in Quietness and Full Submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

This passage addresses the role of women within the church, emphasizing the importance of submission. While not directly managing marital relationships, some interpret these verses to suggest a broader principle of submission for women in various aspects of their lives. Women are not allowed to become ordained pastors or to preach the gospel in an official capacity. That’s God’s order and should always be respected since it’s his divine Will.

5. Genesis 3:16: Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.

This verse is part of the consequences described in the aftermath of the fall of Adam and Eve. It suggests a natural inclination for the Wife to desire her husband and for the husband to have a ruling role. However, it is essential to interpret this in the broader context of sin’s consequences rather than as a prescription for marital relationships.

6. Ephesians 5:22: Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as you do to the Lord.

This verse underscores the concept of submission within the marital relationship. The Wife is called to submit to her husband, drawing parallels with submission to the Lord. This submission is seen as a voluntary and respectful acknowledgment of the husband’s role as head.

7. Ephesians 5:24: As the church submits to Christ, wives should submit everything to their husbands.

Building upon the analogy of Christ and the Church, this verse reinforces the idea of submission as a foundational principle in the marital relationship. The Wife’s submission is likened to the church’s submission to Christ, emphasizing this act’s sacred and profound nature.

8. 1 Corinthians 7:2-4: Each man should have sexual relations with his Wife and each woman with his husband. The widow has no authority over her body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his Wife.

This passage addresses the physical aspect of the marital relationship, emphasizing mutual consent and shared authority over each other’s bodies. It implies joint responsibility and shared decision-making within the bounds of the marriage covenant.

9. 1 Timothy 2:12: I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

Repeated from an earlier scripture, this verse is often cited to support the idea that women should not assume leadership roles or teaching positions over men. However, interpretations vary, and it is crucial to consider the time’s broader context and cultural factors.

10. 1 Peter 3:1: Wives, in the same way, submit themselves to their husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.

This verse emphasizes the transformative power of a wife’s submissive and respectful behavior, suggesting that such conduct may influence an unbelieving husband to embrace the Christian faith through her example.

11. 1 Timothy 2:13: For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

This passage highlights the order of creation, with Adam being formed first and Eve being created as a suitable helper for him. Some interpret this as a basis for the husband’s role as the head, pointing to the order of creation as indicative of a divine design.

12. Colossians 3:18: Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Similar to other passages, this verse reinforces the idea of wives submitting to their husbands, emphasizing the appropriateness of such submission within the context of the Lord’s design for marriage.

13. 1 Timothy 2:14: And Adam was not the one who deceived; it was the woman who deceived and became a sinner.

This verse refers to the events in the Garden of Eden, highlighting Eve’s deception and the subsequent introduction of sin into the world. Some interpret this as an explanation for why women, according to certain interpretations, are called to be in submission.

14. Proverbs 31:12: She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

This verse is part of the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. It emphasizes the positive and supportive role of the Wife, indicating that she brings goodness to her husband throughout their life together.

15. 1 Corinthians 11:10: For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

Although not explicitly about marital relationships, this verse has been cited concerning the idea of authority and submission. It speaks to the symbolism of a woman having a sign of authority on her head, suggesting a recognition of divine order and authority structures.

Conclusion:

In examining these scriptures, it is evident that the concept of the husband as the head of the Wife is deeply rooted in certain biblical passages. However, interpretations of these verses vary widely, and discussions surrounding gender roles within marriage continue to evolve within different Christian communities. It is crucial to approach these scriptures with sensitivity to historical and cultural contexts, recognizing that various denominations and individuals may interpret and apply these verses in different ways. In the end, love, respect, and dedication to the biblical principles of sacrificial leadership and mutual submission within the marital relationship should guide understanding the husband’s role as the Wife’s head.