The Meaning of Ephesians 5:25 Explained

Ephesians 5:25

KJV: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

YLT: The husbands! love your own wives, as also the Christ did love the assembly, and did give himself for it,

Darby: Husbands, love your own wives, even as the Christ also loved the assembly, and has delivered himself up for it,

ASV: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even as  Christ  also  loved  the church,  and  gave  himself  for  it; 

What does Ephesians 5:25 Mean?

Study Notes

even as Christ
Christ's love-work for the church is threefold: past, present, future:
(1) For love He gave Himself to redeem the church ( Ephesians 5:25 );
(2) in love He is sanctifying the church ( Ephesians 5:26 );
(3) for the reward of His sacrifice and labour of love He will present the church to Himself in flawless perfection, "one pearl of great price" ( Ephesians 5:27 ) Matthew 13:46 .

Verse Meaning

In the Greco-Roman world in which Paul lived, people recognized that wives had certain responsibilities to their husbands but not vice versa. [1] Paul summarized the wife"s duty as submission and the husband"s duty as love. The word he used for love (agapate) means much more than sexual passion (eros) or even family affection (philia). It means seeking the highest good for another person (cf. Ephesians 2:4). Husbands are to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church. The extent to which He went for her welfare was giving Himself up in death to provide salvation for her (cf. Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 2:5-11). He gave up His rights yet maintained His responsibilities. The biblical concept of authority emphasizes responsibility, not tyranny.
Love requires an attitude of unconditional acceptance of an imperfect person not based on her performance but on her intrinsic worth as God"s gift to her husband. The verbalization of this acceptance is part of loving. Love also requires sacrificial action. It involves doing something, specifically, placing the wife"s needs before his own, such as doing something for her that she hates to do. It also involves self-denial, such as giving up something he would enjoy doing to do something she would like to do. This kind of love arises out of a commitment of the will, not just passing feelings.
Different people feel loved as a result of receiving different expressions of love. Giving words of affirmation effectively communicates love to some people, giving quality time does to others, giving gifts, giving acts of service, and giving physical touches communicate love to others. [2] The husband who wishes to make his wife feel loved should discover which of these expressions of love best communicate his love to his wife.

Context Summary

Ephesians 5:22-33 - Love Of Husband And Wife
The Apostle has been urging us to be filled with the Spirit, and now proceeds to show how Spirit-filled people should act in their homes. He has been exhorting to praise and joyfulness, and now urges that our lives, as well as our lips, should be attuned to music.
What a lofty ideal of wedded love is here! Chrysostom says: "Wouldest thou that thy wife obey thee as the Church doth Christ? Have care for her, then, as Christ for the Church." Our earthly relationships are similitudes and emblems of sacred realities, and the more we can import into the time sphere the inspiration and virtue of the eternal, the more transcendental and beautiful will they become. The Lord has taught us the utter renunciation of love. Men of the world reckon how much love they can get; the children of eternity how much they can give; but such giving always means getting back with compound interest. Notice those phrases about nourishing and cherishing. O wounded member of Christ's body, He suffers in thee, nourishes, cherishes, and will heal! [source]

Chapter Summary: Ephesians 5

1  After general exhortations to love;
3  to flee sexual immorality;
4  and all uncleanness;
7  not to converse with the wicked;
15  to walk carefully;
18  and to be filled with the Spirit;
22  he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;
25  and husbands ought to love their wives,
32  even as Christ does his church

Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:25

Even as Christ also loved the church [κατως και ο Χριστος ηγαπησεν την εκκλησιαν]
This is the wonderful new point not in Colossians 3:19 that lifts this discussion of the husband‘s love for his wife to the highest plane. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:25

John 13:1 Unto the end [εἰς τέλος]
Interpretations differ. The rendering of the A.V. and Rev. is of doubtful authority. The passages cited in support of this, Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13, may all be rendered to the uttermost. Morever, other formulas are used where the meaning to the end is unquestionable. In Revelation 2:26, the only other instance in John's writings where τέλος is used in an adverbial phrase the expression is ἄχρι τέλους , unto the end. Similarly Hebrews 6:11. In Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14, μέχρι τὲλους , unto the end. The phrase may mean at last, and so is rendered by many here, as Meyer, Lange, Thayer (Lex.). “At last He loved them;” that is, showed them the last proof of His love. This is the most probable rendering in Luke 18:5, on which see note. It may also mean to the uttermost, completely. So Westcott and Godet. But I am inclined, with Meyer, to shrink from the “inappropriate gradation” which is thus implied, as though Jesus' love now reached a higher degree than before ( ἀγαπήσας ). Hence I prefer the rendering at last, or finally He loved them, taking ἠγάπησεν , loved, in the sense of the manifestation of His love. This sense frequently attaches to the verb. See, for instance, 1 John 4:10(“love viewed in its historic manifestation” Westcott), and compare John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4; Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Revelation 3:9. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Gave himself for our sins []
Comp. Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14. Purposely added with reference to the Galatians' falling back on the works of the law as the ground of acceptance with God. For or with reference to sins ( περὶ ) expresses the general relation of Christ's mission to sin. The special relation, to atone for, to destroy, to save and sanctify its victims, is expressed by ὑπὲρ onbehalf of. The general preposition, however, may include the special. [source]
Ephesians 4:19 Have given themselves over [παρέδωκαν]
See on Matthew 4:12; see on Matthew 11:27; see on Matthew 26:2; see on Mark 4:29; see on Luke 1:2; see on 1 Peter 2:23. The verb is frequently used of Christ giving Himself for the world. Romans 4:25; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:5, Ephesians 5:25. It indicates a complete surrender. Meyer says, “with frightful emphasis.” Where men persistently give themselves up to evil, God gives them up to its power. See Romans 1:24. [source]
Ephesians 1:22 Gave him to be head [αυτον εδωκεν κεπαλην]
Gave (εδωκεν — edōken first aorist active indicative of διδωμι — didōmi) to the church (the universal spiritual church or kingdom as in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24) Christ as Head (κεπαλην — kephalēn predicate accusative). This conception of εκκλησια — ekklēsia runs all through Ephesians (Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:24, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:27, Ephesians 5:29, Ephesians 5:32). [source]
Ephesians 1:22 Gave [εδωκεν]
This conception of εκκλησια — ekklēsia runs all through Ephesians (Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:24, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:27, Ephesians 5:29, Ephesians 5:32). [source]
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify it [ινα αυτην αγιασηι]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of αγιαζω — hagiazō Jesus stated this as his longing and his prayer (John 17:17-19). This was the purpose of Christ‘s death (Ephesians 5:25). [source]
Ephesians 5:29 Cherisheth [ταλπει]
Late and rare word, once in a marriage contract in a papyrus. In N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 2:7. Primarily it means to warm (Latin foveo), then to foster with tender care as here. Even as Christ also (κατως και ο Χριστος — kathōs kai ho Christos). Relative (correlative) adverb pointing back to ουτως — houtōs at the beginning of the sentence (Ephesians 5:28) and repeating the statement in Ephesians 5:25. [source]
Ephesians 5:29 Even as Christ also [κατως και ο Χριστος]
Relative (correlative) adverb pointing back to ουτως — houtōs at the beginning of the sentence (Ephesians 5:28) and repeating the statement in Ephesians 5:25. [source]
1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself [ὁ δοὺς ἐαυτὸν]
The phrase with the simple verb only here, Galatians 1:4, and Titus 2:14. Paul uses the compound verb παραδιδόναι, Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:25. Comp. Romans 8:32. [source]
Revelation 19:7 The marriage of the Lamb []
For the figure, compare Isaiah 54:1-8; Ezekiel 16:7-14; Hosea 2:19; Matthew 9:15; John 3:29; Ephesians 5:25. [source]
Revelation 19:7 Is come [ηλτεν]
Prophetic aorist, come at last.Made herself ready (ητοιμασεν εαυτην — hētoimasen heautēn). First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō and the reflexive pronoun. See Revelation 22:2 for ητοιμασμενην ως νυμπην — hētoimasmenēn hōs numphēn (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do (1 John 3:3; Judges 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ (Ephesians 5:25.). [source]
Revelation 19:7 Made herself ready [ητοιμασεν εαυτην]
First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō and the reflexive pronoun. See Revelation 22:2 for ητοιμασμενην ως νυμπην — hētoimasmenēn hōs numphēn (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do (1 John 3:3; Judges 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ (Ephesians 5:25.). [source]
Revelation 19:7 Let us give [δωμεν]
Second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμι — didōmi but A reads δωσομεν — dōsomen (future active) and P δωσωμεν — dōsōmen If the future indicative is read, the tone is changed from exhortation to declaration (we shall give glory unto him).The marriage of the Lamb (ο γαμος του αρνιου — ho gamos tou arniou). In the O.T. God is the Bridegroom of Israel (Hosea 2:16; Isaiah 54:6; Ezekiel 16:7.). In the N.T. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom (the universal spiritual church as seen by Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25., and by John in Revelation 3:20; Revelation 19:7, Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9; Revelation 22:17. In the Gospels Christ appears as the Bridegroom (Mark 2:19.; Matthew 9:15; Luke 5:34.; John 3:29). The figure of γαμος — gamos occurs in Matthew 22:2-14. Three metaphors of women appear in the Apocalypse (the Mother in chapter Rev 12, the Harlot in Rev 17-19, and the Bride of Christ here to the end). “The first and third present the Church under two different aspects of her life, while the second answers to her great rival and enemy” (Swete).Is come Prophetic aorist, come at last.Made herself ready (ητοιμασεν εαυτην — hētoimasen heautēn). First aorist active indicative of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō and the reflexive pronoun. See Revelation 22:2 for ητοιμασμενην ως νυμπην — hētoimasmenēn hōs numphēn (prepared as a bride). There is something for her to do (1 John 3:3; Judges 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1), but the chief preparation is the act of Christ (Ephesians 5:25.). [source]
Revelation 19:7 The marriage of the Lamb [ο γαμος του αρνιου]
In the O.T. God is the Bridegroom of Israel (Hosea 2:16; Isaiah 54:6; Ezekiel 16:7.). In the N.T. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom (the universal spiritual church as seen by Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25., and by John in Revelation 3:20; Revelation 19:7, Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9; Revelation 22:17. In the Gospels Christ appears as the Bridegroom (Mark 2:19.; Matthew 9:15; Luke 5:34.; John 3:29). The figure of γαμος — gamos occurs in Matthew 22:2-14. Three metaphors of women appear in the Apocalypse (the Mother in chapter Rev 12, the Harlot in Rev 17-19, and the Bride of Christ here to the end). “The first and third present the Church under two different aspects of her life, while the second answers to her great rival and enemy” (Swete). [source]

What do the individual words in Ephesians 5:25 mean?

- Husbands love the wives just as also - Christ loved the church and Himself gave up for her
Οἱ ἄνδρες ἀγαπᾶτε τὰς γυναῖκας καθὼς καὶ Χριστὸς ἠγάπησεν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν καὶ ἑαυτὸν παρέδωκεν ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς

Οἱ  - 
Parse: Article, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἄνδρες  Husbands 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
ἀγαπᾶτε  love 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀγαπάω  
Sense: of persons.
γυναῖκας  wives 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: γυνή  
Sense: a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow.
καθὼς  just  as 
Parse: Adverb
Root: καθώς  
Sense: according as.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστὸς  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
ἠγάπησεν  loved 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀγαπάω  
Sense: of persons.
ἐκκλησίαν  church 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
ἑαυτὸν  Himself 
Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἑαυτοῦ  
Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves.
παρέδωκεν  gave  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παραδίδωμι  
Sense: to give into the hands (of another).
αὐτῆς  her 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.