Ephesians 5:33

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πλὴν

G4133

Nevertheless

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

καὶ

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς

G5210

of you

you (as subjective of verb)

οἱ

G3588

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

καθ'

G2596

in particular

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἕνα

G1520

every one

one

ἕκαστος

G1538

each or every

τὴν

G3588

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

ἑαυτόν

G1438

himself

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

#10

γυνὴ

G1135

the wife

a woman; specially, a wife

#11

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#12

ἀγαπάτω

G25

let

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#13

ὡς

G5613

even as

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

#14

ἑαυτόν

G1438

himself

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

#15

ἡ

G3588

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

#16

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#17

γυνὴ

G1135

the wife

a woman; specially, a wife

#18

ἵνα

G2443

see that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#19

φοβῆται

G5399

she reverence

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#20

τὸν

G3588

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

#21

ἄνδρα

G435

her husband

a man (properly as an individual male)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human 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

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?
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 love 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