Ephesians 5:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

NIV: However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

NASB: Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

CSB: To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

NLT: So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

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

NKJV: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Paul concludes his words on marriage in this verse, summarizing with two statements.

First, he repeats the admonition that men should love their wives—meaning in action, not only in emotion—as much as they would themselves. Husbands are to care for their wives with the same concern they show for maintaining their own interests. When husbands love their wives as themselves, they offer a marriage-focused application of the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34–40).

This flies in the face of humanity's natural attitude towards men and women. Historically, most societies consider women inferior and less deserving of care than men. Women throughout world history have fared immeasurably better as Christianity replaced paganism. Today, women living in nations with a Christian heritage enjoy far more extensive rights than those living in nations without such a history.

Second, Paul teaches wives to be diligent in showing respect to their husbands. Again, this runs counter to many cultural preferences. Modern society, in particular, seems to revel in the idea of wives who are patronizing, disrespectful, or unreasonable towards their husbands. What some would call "empowerment," the Bible would consider poison. Mutual love, respect, unity, and submission are the recipe to a God–honoring marriage.

Given that Paul focuses such clear language on the foundation of Christian marriage, it is likely there were troubled marriages among the Ephesian believers. This is not surprising, given that many cultures, especially ancient Rome, taught a concept of marriage drastically out of step with God's intended plan.

A Christian marriage is not guaranteed to be without problems, yet there are godly solutions. Paul offers hope for those struggling to honor God in marriage, noting the example of Jesus as the standard for those who seek to show greater love between husbands and wives.

Ephesians 5:22–33 is an often-cited but frequently misunderstood passage. Here, Paul explains how Christian husbands and wives should apply their understanding of salvation within their marriage. Wives are commanded to ''submit'' to their husbands as they would to Christ, and to show them respect. Often overlooked, however, is that men are equally obligated. Husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loved the church: with humility and sacrifice, as if caring for their own bodies. Despite popular myth, the Bible does not permit either sex to be abusive or unloving within a marriage.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.