Greek word - (hupotasso G5293)
Quiz - Choose the answer that is closest to what you think SUBMIT is.
A - to place under
B - to send information
C - to give
D - to obey
Problem - Outdated, Misleading
KJV Example - "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22)
Explanation
Submit buttons are frequently seen on the internet today. In fact, their existence has changed the meaning of this word in our society. In this sense, it means to send the information that has been entered on a webpage. But when that first programmer was trying to figure out what those buttons would be called, submit meant to hand over or to give.
But what does submit mean in the Bible?
Even though the Greek word for submit, hupotasso, has one meaning, it is translated several different ways in the King James Version and in other Bible versions.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28 is a good example of this.
Can you find submit or the translation of its Greek word in the following King James Version text (or in your Bible version)?
How many times is it there?
"For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." KJV
How many did you find? In verse 28 alone the King James Version translates hupotasso three different ways. I will tell the total number later.
When a Greek word is translated several different ways in one verse, it hides the actual wording of the Greek text.
The King James Version translates hupotasso as submit (8 times), subject (15 times), be in subjection (6 times), be under obedience (once), put under (6 times), subdue (twice), and be obedient (twice).
The Greek word for submit, hupotasso, literally means to place or put (tasso) under (hupo).
It retains this literal meaning in the Bible. It means to put something under something else. This can refer to physical placement, to being under someone else's control or authority, or to do what someone else wants.
Now read 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 in the Breakthrough Version and guess again. In the Breakthrough Version, hupotasso is translated the same way every time.
"You see, He placed all things under His feet. But when He said, "All things have been placed under Him," it is obvious that it is outside of the One who placed all things under Him. When all things will be placed under Him, at that time the Son will place Himself under the One who placed all things under Him so that God may be all in all." BV
Did you find them. The correct number is six.
I am a strong proponent of translating Greek words consistently (the same way every time) when possible. That is just good translating practice. Unfortunately, most Bible versions do not translate consistently.
In the Bible, submit is to place under.
Modern Synonym - to place under
Bible Version Tally (how other versions translate this word) - submit (22 of 52), subject (15 of 52), obey, (2 of 52), place under (2 of 52)
Breakthrough Version - "the Wives — under your own husbands as under the Master" (Ephesians 5:22)