Does the Bible really say that wives have to obey their husbands?

Yes it does - in a way. But, if you are a wife, don't despair (!) because, when written in context it means something very different from what you might expect.

The reference is Paul's Letter to the Colossians, plus a few other references:-

"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. "

Note that straight after the 'submit' statement for the wife, there is also a command that husbands should love their wives. In the Greek original of this letter, Paul implies that husbands should not just be a 'lover' but should be totally self-sacrificing for their wives and never ask them to do something that they would not do anyway to please him. In addition it goes on to imply that as Christians we should all submit,in a way, to each other, as is the Christian way of life (don't forget Jesus said 'The first will be last and the last first', and ' he who humbles himself will be exalted').

In the Church of England 1662 wedding service, (which is still occasionally used even today) one of the vows the bride makes is to 'love, honour and obey' her husband. In return the husband has to promise to 'love, cherish - and worship' his wife. In other Words he has to give her her worth (that is what 'worship' or 'worth-ship' means) and never belittle her or expect her to do something that she would not willingly do anyway. The 'obey' statement does not mean 'I'll do as you say whatever - even if I don't want to because you're the boss!' . It actually means something like 'I am willing to say that I will obey you because I love you so much I will place all my trust in you that you will never ask me to do something I do not want to - after all that is what you promised'.

Jesus made it clear that a marriage is not just a partnership. He said that the two individuals become one, and that, in Christian marriage, not even divorce (despite its legal position) should separate a man and wife married in the sight of God. So, the idea that one of the partnership should be 'the boss' is not relevant as the two are not in a 'partnership' but are one entity in the sight of God. One should trust the other implicitly and the other should be self sacrificing for the other. Do that, and that is the basis for a loving - and lasting - marriage.

By the way, I've been married for 32 years, and I've never been 'the boss' - take that as you will!

The Bible says that the husband's job is to protect their wife. the wife should in return love and respect them.

Another answer:

It goes without say that in any relationship someone has to have the final say unless you think married couples should do whatever they want. For instance, let's say a married couple is moving. The husband wants to move to New York, and the wife wants to move to San Diego. Do they just get a divorce? If that's the case, why would God have created marriage in the first place. The Bible says that it is not good for a man to be alone, so God made him a helper! He didn't say he made the woman a helper. Yes the woman is supposed to submit, but, and I say but, the man is not supposed to abuse her, or order her around like a dog. She is supposed to take pride in helping her husband with whatever he needs. Otherwise we end up with a bunch of broken marriages, and broken homes like we have today. Women are not being men's helpers anymore, but instead are becoming their competitors, and and it is tearing families apart.