Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being "subjected" in the Bible often refers to the act of being placed under authority or control, whether by divine decree, human governance, or spiritual forces. This term is significant in understanding the hierarchical structures and relationships ordained by God, as well as the ultimate submission of all creation to His will.
Divine Order and Human AuthorityIn the context of human relationships and societal structures, the Bible frequently addresses the idea of subjection as part of God's ordained order. For instance, in
Romans 13:1 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that earthly authorities are established by God, and thus, individuals are called to submit to them as an act of obedience to God.
Similarly, in the family structure,
Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 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. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage highlights the parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing a divinely instituted order.
Spiritual SubjectionThe Bible also speaks of spiritual subjection, particularly in the context of Christ's authority over all spiritual powers. In
1 Peter 3:22 , it is stated, "who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him." This verse affirms the supremacy of Christ over all spiritual entities, indicating that all spiritual beings are under His dominion.
Furthermore, the concept of subjection is evident in the eschatological vision of the ultimate submission of all things to Christ. In
1 Corinthians 15:27-28 , Paul writes, "For 'God has put everything under His feet.' But when it says that everything has been put under Him, it is clear that this does not include the One who put everything under Him. When all things have been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all." This passage reveals the future reality where Christ's reign will culminate in the complete subjection of all creation, leading to the ultimate glorification of God.
Creation and Subjection to FutilityThe theme of subjection is also present in the context of creation's current state.
Romans 8:20-21 states, "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." Here, Paul explains that creation is temporarily subjected to a state of futility and decay as a result of the Fall, yet it holds the hope of future liberation and restoration through Christ.
Subjection in the Life of BelieversBelievers are called to live lives of subjection to God and His commandments.
James 4:7 exhorts, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This call to submission is an invitation to align oneself with God's will, resist evil, and experience the protection and guidance that comes from being under God's authority.
In summary, the concept of being "subjected" in the Bible encompasses a range of relationships and realities, from human authority structures to spiritual hierarchies, and ultimately to the eschatological hope of all creation being brought under the lordship of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Subject.
2. (a.) Subjacent.
3. (a.) Reduced to subjection; brought under the dominion of another.
4. (a.) Exposed; liable; subject; obnoxious.
Greek
5293. hupotasso -- to place or rank under, to subject, mid. to...... to obey NASB Word Usage put in subjection (5), subject (16),
subjected (7),
subjecting (1), subjection (4), submissive (3), submit (2).
...2634. katakurieuo -- to bend down
... according to," intensifying 2691 , "exercise lordship") -- properly, exercise control
(ward) as an with full jurisdiction; (passive) to be fullysubjected to a...
Library
Whether the Character beSubjected in the Powers of the Soul?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS A CHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether the character besubjected in the powers of the soul?...
The Best Way to Baffle the Craft of the Enemy, is to beSubjected...
... and External Penance. CHAP. I. The best way to baffle the Craft of the Enemy,
is to beSubjected to a Ghostly Father. 1. It is every...
He that Bore up the Earth was Borne up on a Tree. The Lord was...
... He that bore up the earth was borne up on a tree. The Lord wassubjected to ignominy
with naked body"God put to death, the King of Israel slain!...
On the Fact that those Men are More to be Pitied to whom it is not...
... Chapter XXXI. On the fact that those men are more to be pitied to whom it
is not given to besubjected to those temporal temptations....
Of the violation of the Consecrated and Other Christian virgins...
... The City of God.Book I. Chapter 16."Of the Violation of the Consecrated and Other
Christian Virgins, to Which They WereSubjected in Captivity and to Which...
Argument. --It is Proved from the Scriptures that Christ was...
... For if, since all heavenly things, earthly things, and things under the earth, are
subjected to Christ, even the angels themselves, with all other creatures...
That Varro Has Made Out that Two Hundred and Eighty-Eight...
... According, then, as bodily pleasure issubjected, preferred, or united to
virtue, there are three sects. It issubjected to virtue...
Argument. --But that God, the Son of God, Born of God the Father...
... For all things beingsubjected to Him as the Son by the Father, while He Himself,
with those things which aresubjected to Him, issubjected to His Father, He...
Book xii. At Length, with the Holy Ghost Speeding Our Way...
... Creator. But if He is a creature, He is both subject to corruption and exposed
to the suspense of waiting, and issubjected to bondage....
Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... What then is the meaning of then issubjected'?... How then shall He then besubjected,
and how shall He then deliver the kingdom to God the Father?...
Thesaurus
Subjected (18 Occurrences)...Subjected (18 Occurrences). Luke 10:17 And the seventy turned back with joy, saying,
'Sir, and the demons are being
subjected to us in thy name;' (YLT).
...Subjection (40 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 8:20 For the Creation fell into subjection to failure and unreality
(not of its own choice, but by the will of Him who sosubjected it) (WEY)....
Vanity (100 Occurrences)
... 14:15 we have mataios, "empty," translated "vanities" (of idols); mataiotes,
"emptiness," "transitoriness" (Romans 8:20, "The creation wassubjected to vanity...
Subject (99 Occurrences)
... 7. (a.) That which issubjected, or submitted to, any physical operation or process;
specifically (Anat.), a dead body used for the purpose of dissection....
Unsubject (1 Occurrence)
... Unsubject (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 2:8 thou hastsubjected all things under his feet....
But now we see not yet all thingssubjected to him, (DBY YLT)....
Futility (19 Occurrences)
... Futility (19 Occurrences). Romans 8:20 For the creation wassubjected to vanity,
not of its own will, but because of him whosubjected it, in hope (See NAS RSV)...
Frustration (3 Occurrences)
... Frustration (3 Occurrences). Romans 8:20 For the creation wassubjected to vanity,
not of its own will, but because of him whosubjected it, in hope (See NIV)....
Expel (29 Occurrences)
... Joshua 17:13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel had become strong,
that theysubjected the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly expel them....
Control (88 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 2:8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that he
subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him....
Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... The burden of taxation to which they had beensubjected during Solomon's reign was
very oppressive, and therefore the people assembled at Shechem and demanded...
Resources
Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about vanity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible have to say that would apply to animal testing? | GotQuestions.orgSubjected: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
