The phrase you quoted is from Ephesians 5:22 in the New Testament of the Christian Bible: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." This verse and others like it have been the subject of much discussion and sometimes misunderstanding. Here's what it doesn't mean:
Inferiority or Less Value: The verse does not imply that women are inferior to men or are of less value. In the Christian faith, all people are seen as equally valuable in the eyes of God.
Absence of Mutual Respect: Submission does not mean the absence of respect or the lack of a voice. A healthy relationship, according to Christian teachings and generally accepted standards, involves mutual respect and open, honest communication.
Acceptance of Abuse: This verse does not justify abusive relationships. It does not mean that women should stay in situations where they are being physically, emotionally, or psychologically abused.
Total Loss of Personal Autonomy: Submitting to one's husband does not mean a wife loses all personal autonomy or individuality. It does not suggest that a woman should disregard her own feelings, thoughts, or needs.
The verse is part of a larger context discussing mutual love and respect in relationships, with the advice immediately following in Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." This points to a model of sacrificial love and respect that husbands are to show towards their wives.
As with any religious text, interpretations vary widely based on cultural, personal, and theological perspectives. Some people interpret this as a guideline for a complementary relationship where each person has different roles, while others view it as a cultural relic not applicable to modern relationships. It's always important to understand the historical and cultural context in which these texts were written.