What does submitting mean to you?

I agree with you, but I would also add that, the passage that you are talking about--Ephesians 5:21-33--begins by saying: "Submitting yourselves one to another in fear of God..." then it proceeds to talk about wives reverencing their husbands (honor them, treat them with preference, treat them with reverential obedience). That is how a wife is supposed to submit to her husband. Men need to be honored, to be recognized for their achievements, and to be obeyed--it was built into part of the curse in Genesis 3:16--"Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." Colossians 3:18-19 puts more of a qualification on it, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." Wives are to reverence, obey, and honor their husbands because it is the right thing to do if you love the Lord. However, wives are not to submit to them if they are told to do something evil or displeasing to the Lord. As far as husbands go, they are, as you said Carmelanirel, to love their wife as Yeshua loves the church (which means completely and sacrificially). They are also, according to Colossians 3:19 not to be bitter towards them. I wonder about the source of this bitterness? Maybe because moms are closer to their kids than dads (this becomes obvious as soon as your baby gets hurt..."Moooommyyyy!" Even if they're a "daddy's girl." Perhaps it also could stem from the fact that a lot of women are really smart, more mature than many men, and can talk rings around them. It is for this reason that I believe the Lord chose to say through the Apostle Sha'ul first "Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God," then the wife is addressed first, "Submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord." How does one do that practically? Don't be a smart alec, don't put him down, especially in front of others (treat him as if you are both standing before ADONAI Tseba'ot). This is a difficult thing for many women. I think it is part of that curse in Eden where God told Eve that her desire would be for her husband (wives just want to be held by their husbands and adored...but this doesn't always happen). And many times when that need in a wife is not fulfilled, then she lashes back and maybe jokingly, maybe not, says some put-down remark. These kinds of behavior drive a wedge between husband and wife, and they can be the root cause of divorce eventually. What a shame! Both husbands and wifes need to come before Yeshua Messiah DAILY, admitting their sins and failure to obey these commands, and then repent (turn around, don't do it again) with the help of the Holy Spirit of God. It's the only way to do it! While I was writing this, I have thought of times when I didn't submit to my husband and how very hurt that must have made him feel. "The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword...and is a dicerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:11). Ouch!

You are correct ASL, I was just going by memory in discussing this. It is such a touchy subject, especially with women who have not been treated right, I was trying to point out that submission is not like a dog submitting to his master like some think..

Wow! Lot's of good information. I think that's a nice summary - Respect. Thanks!