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Why in a Christian family should a wife obey and fear her husband?translated

November 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Reader question:

Hello! Why in a Christian family should a wife obey and fear her husband? They say to fear is to “respect reverently.” But shouldn’t a husband respect his wife reverently? True relationships and love are only possible with mutual respect. Moreover, the wife must obey her husband “as the Lord.” Why is this exaltation of the husband? After all, this creates a huge difference between husband and wife, and therefore does not serve unity. How can you demand or expect “obedience” from your wife, from an equal person whom you love and respect? How can you even impose a hierarchy on two free and loving people? Does this help love? Moreover, in my opinion, undeserved power (in a husband) is a great temptation, and unjustified submission (in a wife) is a cause for embarrassment and despondency. Yes, there are people for whom such a hierarchy in relationships is normal, they themselves want it. But there are also those who want to negotiate and solve through compromise. After all, when you love, you want to serve.

The wife wants to obey her husband and do what he wants, and the husband wants to obey his wife and do what she wants. Why can't you live like this?

Andrey

Priest's answer:

Archpriest Andrei EFANOV...

Source: Журнал ФОМА  ·  Read the full story →
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