Ephesians 5:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." This verse is found in the New Testament and is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul provides practical instruction for Christian living.

The theme of mutual submission is central to this verse and the ensuing passage. By encouraging believers to submit to one another, Paul is promoting the idea of humility and selflessness within the Christian community. This concept of mutual submission is based on the teaching of Jesus, who exemplified service and humility throughout his earthly ministry. In John 13:14-15, Jesus says, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

In the larger context of Ephesians 5, Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church. He instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ. This passage has been the subject of much debate and controversy, but it is important to note that Paul is not advocating for a one-sided, authoritarian relationship. Instead, he is calling for mutual love, respect, and submission within the marital relationship, mirroring the love and submission between Christ and the church.

The phrase "in the fear of God" at the end of Ephesians 5:21 is significant. It underscores the motivation behind mutual submission. The fear of God does not refer to a terror of God, but rather a reverence, awe, and respect for God. Believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for God and in obedience to His commandments. This fear of God is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving as a reminder of God's holiness, justice, and authority. It compels believers to live in a manner that honors and pleases God, including how they interact with one another.

This verse is also deeply rooted in the cultural and social context of the time in which it was written. During the era of the early church, societal norms and roles were heavily influenced by patriarchal systems. Paul's instructions regarding submission and authority within the family and the church were likely radical and countercultural in a society where hierarchical structures were the norm. The emphasis on mutual submission challenges the traditional power dynamics and encourages a more egalitarian approach to relationships within the Christian community.

Symbolically, Ephesians 5:21 can be seen as a reflection of the Christian virtue of humility. The act of submitting to one another requires humility, a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Bible. Philippians 2:3-4 affirms this, stating, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." This attitude of humility and selflessness is foundational to Christian living and is exemplified in the submission encouraged in Ephesians 5:21.

In conclusion, Ephesians 5:21 is a verse that carries profound significance for Christian living. It promotes the virtues of mutual submission, reverence for God, and humility within the context of relationships, both within the family and the broader Christian community. It challenges cultural norms and societal expectations by advocating for mutual respect and selflessness. Ultimately, this verse serves as a call to live in a manner that reflects the love, service, and submission demonstrated by Christ, both within the Christian community and in the wider world.