#AskShatoyia 01: What Is the Biblical Definition of Submission?

 As of June 2025, I turned my femininity Facebook group into a question and answer forum for my #AskShatoyia series.

#AskShatoyia 01: What is the Biblical Definition of Submission? What Does It Mean to Submit in the Bible?

Question:

"[Hey Shatoyia], how to submit to God and spouse? I want to learn how to submit to God and spouse and how to become a virtuous woman.

-- Meredith

Answer:

Hi Meredith! 

Welcome to #AskShatoyia. Thank you for your question. I am very excited to answer this and provide some Biblical insight for practical action steps on How to Submit to God.

Unfortunately, most people's idea of submission is a worldly version of it, which holds a negative and utterly repulsive connotation, especially amongst women, whom the idea of submission has been preached to since the fall of mankind from the Garden of Eden. As a result, many people have rejected the idea of submission, even those who proclaim to be believers of the Holy Bible--UNLESS of course it pertains to the female community or even more so, women and marriage.

Regardless of how you were introduced to the concept of submission, it is very clear that to receive the grace and mercy of Yahweh, to be considered a Son or Daughter of Yahweh, to receive the inheritance of the Kingdom of Yahweh...to be a follower of Jesus Christ and use his example to follow to walk in the will of Yahweh, submission is non-negotiable.

I would like to begin answering your question, starting with understanding the Biblical definitions of "submit" and "submission." This topic is important to me, especially as it relates to godliness and Biblical Femininity. Submission, as defined by the Bible, is KEY to fulfilling the ultimate law, the greatest law and commandment, to love--first God/Yahweh, which will result in loving yourself and then you can adequately love others--thus fulfilling the greatest commandment. 

So first things is first...

Let's define what Biblical submission is, and explore Biblical examples for why it is necessary to the journey.

Biblical Definition of Submission

What is the Biblical meaning of submission?

When the topic of submission is mentioned in the Bible, you will often find it accompanied by an authority figure, head / leader or shepherd. 

As mentioned in Titus 3, Philippians 2, Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3, the Biblical definition of 'submit' is to be subject to someone or something, to humble yourself to the authority of someone or something, to obey or be obedient to.

A key word that establishes submission as Godly is the WILLINGNESS to submit, not forced subjugation or by dominance. Authentic submission is never forced but willed into effect by love and example of leadership. Worldly "submission," which is not really submission at all but rather a perverted version of submission. Worldly "submission" is subjugation by force or dominance (perverted submission). This is not the will of Yahweh, but the will of man. 

Study any in the Bible who submitted to Yahweh and the process they underwent to the place of submitting to Yahweh. All was voluntary and willingly, not forced.

👑Enlightenment note: The reason most people, especially women, viscerally reject the idea of submission is because they are conditioned to the idea of submission being connected to "worldly subjugation," a perverted form of submission via force and dominance. This is not the will of Yahweh, but the will of man. 

What does it mean to submit to or be in submission to Yahweh?

If you are a frequent churchgoer or even somewhat modestly in the church community, you may have heard the saying "God is not the author of confusion."

This is so true. The Bible actually states it like this...

What I have found in studying the Bible and meditating on the Word is that there is an order to everything Yahweh does, including authority. Yahweh and His law is the ultimate head and authority with His Word being "good and profitable" for teaching, reproof, correction, etc. Jesus as the Son and right hand to Yahweh, is second in command and then the angels. Then is man, whose head is Christ and Yahweh, then the wife whose head is her husband and Yahweh.

So then, what does it mean to be in submission to Yahweh? Or in more simplified words, what does it mean to be subject to Yahweh, to humble yourself under the authority of Yahweh... to obey or be obedient to Yahweh?

Coming in the next blog... What Does It Mean to Submit To or Be In Submission to Yahweh (God of the Holy Bible, Our Heavenly Father)?  >> Read Now

Start or Continue Your Biblical - Godly Femininity Journey with me as your mentor!

Are you ready to take your Bible study and/or your Biblical Femininity journey to the next level?

Get the How to Submit to God guide (complete with all Scriptural references, Biblical examples and 31 day Biblical Femininity Challenge) by pre-ordering the handbook, Vale Yon Fanm: The Power (and Necessity) of Submission >> Pre-order the handbook for less than $2 - $5 per day!

When you pre-order the book, you will are not only getting access to the workbook, but you will also get 12-month access to the Biblical femininity mentorship community for Vale Yon Fanm Bible study throughout the month (live and recordings) and exclusive community merchandise! You'll also be the first to know about new blog posts, new episodes on #AskShatoyia and giveaways!