God has given that
prerogative to man
For the husband is
the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:
and he is the saviour of the body. - Ephesians 5:23
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ;
and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is
God. - 1Corinthians 11:3
While Christianity designed to elevate the
character of the wife, and to make her a fit companion of an
intelligent and pious husband, it did not intend to destroy all
subordination and authority. Man, by the fact that he was first
created; that the woman was taken from him; that he is better
qualified for ruling than she is, is evidently designed to be at
the head of the little community that constitutes a family. In
many other things woman may be his equal; in loveliness, and
grace, and beauty, and tenderness, and gentleness, she is far
his superior; but these are not the qualities adapted for
government. Their place is in another sphere; and there, man
should be as cautious about invading her prerogative, or
abridging her liberty, as she should be about invading the
prerogative that belongs to him. In every family there should be
a head—some one who is to be looked up to as the counselor and
the ruler; some one to whom all should be subordinate.
God has given that prerogative to man;
and no family prospers where that arrangement is violated.
Within proper metes and limits, therefore, it is the duty of the
wife to obey, or to submit herself to her husband.
- Albert Barnes, Barnes Notes
