Ephesians 5:23 kjv
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Ephesians 5:23 nkjv
For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
Ephesians 5:23 niv
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Ephesians 5:23 esv
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Ephesians 5:23 nlt
For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.
Ephesians 5 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 1:22 | And gave Him as head over all things to the church | Christ's universal headship |
| Ephesians 4:15 | but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in every respect into Him who is the head, that is, Christ | Church growth in Christ |
| Colossians 1:18 | And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that all things he might hold preeminence. | Christ's preeminence in the church |
| Colossians 2:19 | and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God. | Connection to Christ for growth |
| 1 Corinthians 11:3 | But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. | Headship relationships |
| Philippians 3:21 | who will transform our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things unto Himself. | Christ's power and transformation |
| Genesis 3:15 | I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. | Protoevangelium, Christ's victory |
| Psalm 8 | What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put all things under his feet. | Dominion given to humanity, a forefigure of Christ's ultimate dominion |
| Isaiah 9:6-7 | For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end… | Prophecy of Christ's sovereign rule |
| John 15:5 | I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. | Christ as the source of life and fruitfulness for believers |
| Romans 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many parts, and all these parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individual members of one another. | Unity of the body in Christ |
| 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 | Paul’s extended teaching on the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, emphasizing Christ as the head. | Detailed analogy of the church as Christ's body |
| Ephesians 4:11-16 | Describes Christ giving gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body until all attain the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God. | Christ equips and builds the church |
| 1 Peter 2:4-5 | As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to you, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. | Believers as living stones in a spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone |
| Revelation 19:11-16 | Describes Christ returning as King of kings and Lord of lords, exercising authority over all. | Christ's ultimate sovereign authority |
| Ephesians 3:21 | to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. | Glory given to God through the church and Christ |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. | The law of love instituted by Christ |
| Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity and equality in Christ |
| Acts 2:42-47 | Early church devotion to apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, all characterized by communal life and joy. | The church functioning under Christ's guidance |
| Matthew 28:18 | And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." | Christ's universal authority |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 23 Meaning
Christ is the head of the church. This headship is spiritual and authoritative. Christ's role as head implies care, direction, and authority over His body, the church. It signifies His sovereign leadership and ultimate authority in all matters pertaining to the church. This position is foundational to the church's existence and purpose.
Ephesians 5 23 Context
This verse is situated within a broader discussion in Ephesians 5 about Christian conduct, particularly concerning marriage and relationships. Paul has just instructed wives to submit to their husbands (v. 22) and is now explaining the reason for this submission, drawing a parallel between the husband-wife relationship and the relationship between Christ and the church. The immediate context is the analogy of marriage, emphasizing Christ's headship as the divine pattern and basis for earthly leadership within the family and the church. Historically, this passage speaks into the Greco-Roman world where hierarchical structures were common, but Paul redefines headship in terms of sacrificial love and service, reflecting Christ's model.
Ephesians 5 23 Word Analysis
- αὐτός (autos): He himself. Emphasizes Christ uniquely and exclusively.
- δέ (de): But. A conjunction indicating a shift or continuation of thought, here contrasting or further explaining the previous statement about husbands.
- ἐστιν (estin): is. A verb indicating existence or state of being.
- κυρίῳ (kyriō): Lord. A title denoting sovereignty, authority, and supreme power, given to Christ after His resurrection. It implies His mastership over all, including the church.
- αὐτὸς (autos): He himself. Reiteration for emphasis.
- ἐστιν (estin): is.
- κεφαλὴ (kephalē): Head. This Greek word signifies more than just a physical head; it denotes source, origin, authority, and the one who governs or leads. For the church, Christ is the ultimate source and governing authority.
- τῆς (tēs): of the. Genitive article.
- σώματος (sōmatos): body. Refers to the church as a unified entity, distinct yet comprising many members, all united to the head. The body receives life, direction, and nourishment from the head.
- τῆς (tēs): of the. Genitive article.
- ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias): church. The assembly of called-out ones, the community of believers.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- αὐτὸς ἐστιν… αὐτὸς ἐστιν (autos estin… autos estin): The repetition of "He is" powerfully underscores Christ's sole and ultimate status as the Head.
- κεφαλὴ τῆς σωματος (kephalē tēs sōmatos): This is a fundamental descriptor of Christ’s relationship with the church. Christ is not merely a head, but the Head, signifying His unique position of authority and vital connection.
- σώματος τῆς ἐκκλησίας (sōmatos tēs ekklēsias): This phrase establishes the church as the singular body animated and directed by Christ, its Head. The church's very existence and function are derived from its organic connection to Christ.
Ephesians 5 23 Bonus Section
The concept of headship in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament regarding Christ, is a rich theological theme. It contrasts with secular notions of lordship often based on dominance or coercion. Christ's headship is defined by His sacrificial love, as exemplified in the following verses (Eph. 5:25) and His perfect provision and care for the church. The emphasis on Christ being the "Head of the body" establishes a reciprocal relationship: as the head directs and sustains the body, the body, in turn, finds its purpose and vitality through that connection. This analogy also implies dependency; the church cannot function, grow, or remain spiritually healthy apart from its Head. Scholars often note that in the ancient world, the head was seen as the seat of thought and will, reinforcing Christ's role as the mind and director of the church.
Ephesians 5 23 Commentary
This verse succinctly declares Christ's unique and authoritative position over the church. He is not just the founder or a member, but the very Head, the divine source of life, government, and purpose for His body. This headship is a foundational truth, influencing every aspect of church life and doctrine. It means Christ leads, nourishes, and protects the church. His authority is absolute, and believers are called to recognize and submit to it, not out of coercion, but out of loving union with Him, much like the body follows the direction of its head. This spiritual authority underpins all functions and ministries within the church.