Ephesians 5:23

Authorized King James Version

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ

G3588

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

ἀνήρ

G435

the husband

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐστίν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

κεφαλὴ

G2776

is the head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

τῆς

G3588

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

γυναικὸς

G1135

of the wife

a woman; specially, a wife

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

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

#12

κεφαλὴ

G2776

is the head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

#13

τῆς

G3588

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

#14

ἐκκλησίας

G1577

of the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

αὐτὸς

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#17

ἐστίν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#18

σωτὴρ

G4990

the saviour

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

#19

τοῦ

G3588

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

#20

σώματος·

G4983

of the body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ephesians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation