Ephesians 5:2

Authorized King James Version

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιπατεῖτε

G4043

walk

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀγάπῃ

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἠγάπησεν

G25

hath loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#10

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

παρέδωκεν

G3860

hath given

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

#13

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#14

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#15

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

#16

προσφορὰν

G4376

an offering

presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

θυσίαν

G2378

a sacrifice

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

#19

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

θεῷ

G2316

to God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#21

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

ὀσμὴν

G3744

savour

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

#23

εὐωδίας

G2175

a sweetsmelling

good-scentedness, i.e., fragrance

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation