Ephesians 5:25

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἱ

G3588

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

ἄνδρες

G435

Husbands

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἠγάπησεν

G25

love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὰς

G3588

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

γυναῖκας

G1135

wives

a woman; specially, a wife

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

καθὼς

G2531

even as

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ

G2532

also

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)

#10

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

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

#11

ἠγάπησεν

G25

love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#12

τὴν

G3588

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

#13

ἐκκλησίαν

G1577

the church

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

#16

παρέδωκεν

G3860

gave

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

#17

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

#18

αὐτῆς

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

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Colossians 3:19 Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
— Husbands, love your wives
² 1 Peter 3:7 1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
— Giving honour unto the wife

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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