Ephesians 5 28

Ephesians 5:28 kjv

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Ephesians 5:28 nkjv

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

Ephesians 5:28 niv

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Ephesians 5:28 esv

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Ephesians 5:28 nlt

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 28 Meaning

Men ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. This is a divine mandate, equating marital love to self-love. It emphasizes cherishing, nurturing, and protecting one's wife as one would oneself. The depth of this love should be profound and intrinsically valuable, reflecting a deep, intrinsic worth.

Ephesians 5 28 Context

This verse is situated within Ephesians chapter 5, which is often referred to as the "household codes" or "household management" section. Paul is instructing believers on how they should conduct themselves within various relationships in the church and in society, specifically within the family. He likens the relationship between husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the Church, a profound metaphor for sacrificial, covenantal love. The preceding verse (Eph 5:28) lays the groundwork for this verse by urging husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. This verse then amplifies that directive, emphasizing the intimate and intrinsic value of this love.

Ephesians 5 28 Word Analysis

• Ὃν τρόπον (hon tropon): "In what manner" or "as." This phrase introduces a comparison or a standard. It points to a specific way of doing something.
• ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi): "Men" or "people." It is the plural of anthrōpos, which generally refers to humankind, both male and female, but in this context, addressing men directly about their wives.
• ἀγαπῶσιν (agapōsin): "Love." This is the present active indicative form of agapaō, signifying a continuous, active, and intentional love. This love is not merely emotional but volitional – a choice.
• τὰς ἑαυτῶν (tas heautōn): "Their own." This is the genitive plural feminine definite article ("the") and the genitive plural reflexive pronoun ("themselves"). It refers back to the men. It emphasizes possession and personal responsibility for their wives.
• γυναῖκας (gunaikas): "Wives." This is the accusative plural of gunaix, meaning "woman" or "wife." It specifies the object of the men's love.
• ὡς (hōs): "As." This is another comparative particle, drawing a parallel. Here it compares the manner of loving one's wife to the manner of loving one's own body.
• τὰ ἑαυτῶν (ta heautōn): "Their own." This is the accusative plural neuter definite article ("the") and the accusative plural reflexive pronoun ("themselves"). It refers to "bodies."
• σώματα (sōmata): "Bodies." This is the accusative plural of sōma, meaning "body." It refers to the physical vessel of a person.

Word Group Analysis:

• "love their own wives as their own bodies": The core instruction is to love one's wife. The comparison "as their own bodies" provides the intensity and nature of this love. It's not just a superficial or outward affection, but one that involves inherent value, care, and commitment akin to how one cares for their own physical being. The possessive "their own" highlights the unique and personal relationship between husband and wife, distinct from love for others.

Ephesians 5 28 Bonus Section

The analogy to "own bodies" is crucial. Just as one is naturally inclined to care for their own body to preserve its health and function, so a husband should care for his wife. This implies a deep, inherent valuing, a desire for her flourishing, and a protectiveness against harm. This level of intimate care is underscored by the preceding reference to Christ loving the Church so much that He gave Himself up for her (Eph 5:25). The command here intensifies this by saying love her as your own body. It’s about embracing the wife as essential to one’s own being.

Ephesians 5 28 Commentary

Paul elevates the husband's love for his wife to a standard of intense, intrinsic value, likening it to how a man cherishes and cares for his own body. This is a profound call to self-love that is redirected outward toward the wife, reflecting the profound union between Christ and the Church. It demands that husbands see their wives as an integral part of themselves, worthy of the same care, protection, and nurture. This love is to be an active, continuous choice, demonstrating an unwavering commitment that recognizes the wife's inherent worth and shared life in the marriage. It's not about mere sentiment but a deep, sacrificial valuing.

Practical usage:

• A husband actively prioritizing his wife's well-being, making her needs as important as his own.
• A husband defending his wife's honor and character as if it were his own.
• A husband cherishing and tenderly caring for his wife's physical and emotional needs, mirroring self-care.