Ephesians 5:32

Wives and Husbands · Ephesians 5:21–33
Read Ephesians 5

Translations

Modern
This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
Traditional
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Literal
This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ and as to the church.
Latin
Sacramentum hoc magnum est, ego autem dico in Christo et in Ecclesia.

Original

Greek
English
This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

Notes

This mystery is profound: Both the unity of husband and wife and the unity of Christ and the church are a great mystery(see study note on 1:8–10).

Christian husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the church. This means loving sacrificially, for Christ gave up his life for the church (5:2; compare Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).

Christian wives should respect and submit to their husbands. Equally important, Christian husbands should love their wives (see Colossians 3:18–19). Christian marriages reflect the union and relationship between the Lord and the church.

Paul provides clear guidance on how believers should interact in a Christian home (see also Colossians 3:18–4:1; 1 Peter 2:18–3:7). Love and respect should define all relationships among believers as a way to show their commitment to the Lord.

Parallels

Song of Solomon 1:1–17 1 Peter 3:1–7

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Bride of Christ Letter to the Ephesians New Jerusalem

Topics

Christ is God: As Husband of the Church Church: Christ, Head of Church: Christ's Love For Church: Lamb's Bride Fellowship with Christ Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Marriage: Christ's Union with his Church Marriage: Figurative Righteous: Unity of, with Christ Sacrament of Marriage The Bride of Christ Union with Christ: Illustrated: Husband and Wife