Ephesians 5:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,

NIV: After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church--

NASB: for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

CSB: For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

NLT: No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

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

NKJV: For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

Paul continues his focus on husbands loving their wives. Biblical love always carries an assumption of action: it is never an immobile emotion. One reason Paul gives for husbands to love their wives as themselves is because human nature inevitably pulls us to care for ourselves more readily than for anyone else. Instinctively, a man "nourishes and cherishes" his body. Similarly, the husband should have an instinctive desire to nourish and cherish his wife. This happens in the context of living self-sacrifice, as detailed in verse 25.

Once again, comparison is made with Christ's relationship with believers. The standard is Christ, not some human relationship which is prone to failure. This includes the idea of continual learning and growth. There is never a point at which a husband can claim he perfectly loves his wife and has no room to improve. Loving one's wife is a lifelong pursuit that resembles the lifelong pursuit of personal spiritual growth.

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 5/6/2024 11:58:19 AM