Ephesians 5:29

Authorized King James Version

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐδεὶς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γάρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ποτε

G4218

ever yet

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

τὴν

G3588

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

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

his own

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

σάρκα

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἐμίσησεν

G3404

hated

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐκτρέφει

G1625

nourisheth

to rear up to maturity, i.e., (genitive case) to cherish or train

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

θάλπει

G2282

cherisheth

to brood, i.e., (figuratively) to foster

#12

αὐτήν

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

#13

καθὼς

G2531

even as

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

ὁ

G3588

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

#16

Κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#17

τὴν

G3588

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

#18

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

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 divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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