Ephesians 5:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

NIV: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

NASB: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

CSB: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her

NLT: For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

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

NKJV: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

After addressing wives in verses 22 through 24, Paul switches focus to husbands. The first and foremost priority for a godly husband is to love his wife—with a particular emphasis on action. Paul also provides a high standard for the love a husband should express to his wife: the example of Christ for the community of believers. The husband's love should involve a deep, lifelong commitment and the willingness to make any sacrifices necessary on her behalf.

Husbands are called to a level of dedication which includes love unto death. Though given authority as the leader of the family, the corresponding responsibility is often overlooked. A husband must love his wife, dedicate his life to staying with his wife, and be willing to die for his wife if need be. Women are obligated to submission in marriage (Ephesians 5:22–24), and the modern world often rejects this principle. Nevertheless, the Bible's standard for husbands could certainly use better application among today's Christian men, as they seek to be "imitators of God" (Ephesians 5:1).

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.

Accessed 5/4/2024 5:43:20 AM