Ephesians 5:28

Authorized King James Version

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὀφείλουσιν

G3784

ought

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

οἱ

G3588

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

ἄνδρες

G435

men

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀγαπᾷ

G25

He that loveth

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὰς

G3588

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

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

γυναῖκα

G1135

wife

a woman; specially, a wife

ὡς

G5613

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

#10

τὰ

G3588

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

#11

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

#12

σώματα

G4983

bodies

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

#13

ὁ

G3588

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

#14

ἀγαπᾷ

G25

He that loveth

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

#17

γυναῖκα

G1135

wife

a woman; specially, a wife

#18

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

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

#19

ἀγαπᾷ

G25

He that loveth

to love (in a social or moral sense)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation