Ephesians 5 29

Ephesians 5:29 kjv

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

Ephesians 5:29 nkjv

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

Ephesians 5:29 niv

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

Ephesians 5:29 esv

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

Ephesians 5:29 nlt

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

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 29 Meaning

This verse instructs believers not to speak evil of anyone, but to build others up with words that are gracious and fitting for the occasion, benefiting those who hear them. It emphasizes the importance of constructive and edifying communication among Christians.

Ephesians 5 29 Context

Ephesians 5:29 is situated within Paul's practical instructions for Christian living. The preceding verses (Ephesians 5:18-28) describe the life of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with the ways of the world. Paul urges believers to be filled with the Spirit, which manifests in spiritual worship and submission within relationships. Specifically, verses 22-24 discuss the wife's submission to her husband, and verses 25-28 speak of the husband's sacrificial love for his wife, likening it to Christ's love for the Church. Verse 29 then extends these principles of love, respect, and edification to the believer's speech in general, following the emphasis on healthy relationships. The overall theme is about walking in a manner worthy of the calling, which includes the way Christians interact and speak to one another.

Ephesians 5 29 Word Analysis

• ὥστε (hōste): So that, in order that, with the result that. This conjunction links the preceding principle or command to its intended outcome or purpose.

• οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn): Building up, edification. The noun refers to constructing, strengthening, or improving something, often in a spiritual sense for the church.

• τῇ χρείᾳ (tē chreiā): To the need. Refers to what is necessary or beneficial for the moment or the specific situation.

• τῆς εὐεργεσίας (tēs euergēsias): Of benefit, of doing good. Signifies actively imparting good or advantage. The combination with "tē chreiā" emphasizes helpful and opportune speech.

• unwholesome talk (Sapphros logos):

  • σαπρὸς (saphros): Rotten, corrupt, morally decayed, foul, stinking. Refers to speech that is morally offensive, debased, or spiritually detrimental. It suggests something that has gone bad or is spoiled.
  • λόγος (logos): Word, speech, discourse, account. The basic term for spoken or written communication.

• that which is good for building up (to pros oikodomēn):

  • πρὸς (pros): Towards, for, according to, in accordance with. Here it signifies direction or purpose.
  • οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn): Building up, edification. As previously noted. This phrase highlights constructive, strengthening speech.

• speaking graciouly (tēs charitos):

  • χάρις (charis): Grace, favor, kindness, charm, pleasantness. Refers to speech that is marked by kindness, pleasing in quality, and infused with divine favor. It implies attractiveness and good will.

Ephesians 5 29 Bonus Section

The Greek term "saphros" (corrupt) carries a strong connotation of decay or rottenness, suggesting speech that is morally polluted and damaging, much like spoiled food. This powerfully illustrates the harmful effect of unkind, deceitful, or judgmental words on the spiritual health of both the speaker and the listener. The directive to speak "to meet the need of what is good" highlights the contextual and practical nature of Christian speech. It implies that our words should be discerning, tailored to the situation, and aimed at ministering positively to those hearing them, acting as a form of spiritual nourishment or healing. This contrasts with speech that is merely witty, self-serving, or habitual without regard for impact. The Apostle Paul consistently emphasizes that speech flows from the heart and is a primary indicator of a transformed life. His instruction here is a practical application of being "filled with the Spirit," whose fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) – all qualities that would inform and shape one's speech towards edification.

Ephesians 5 29 Commentary

This verse is a direct mandate against slander, gossip, and any speech that degrades or tears down individuals. Instead, the believer is called to a higher standard of communication that is purpose-driven: to build up, edify, and benefit the listener. This is not about empty flattery or avoiding truth, but about communicating with grace and wisdom, considering the specific needs of the person and the context. Such speech is seasoned with divine grace, making it beneficial and effective. This positive communication is a hallmark of the Spirit-filled life, demonstrating love, respect, and concern for others, mirroring Christ's own self-giving love and His purposeful words. The contrast is stark: speech that rots versus speech that builds; speech that serves self versus speech that serves the need of the moment to the benefit of another. It implies a thoughtful and prayerful approach to our conversations, ensuring our words contribute to the spiritual well-being and growth of those we encounter.

Practical examples:

• Instead of criticizing a coworker's mistake harshly, offer a suggestion for improvement with gentleness.
• When speaking about someone absent, focus on their positive attributes or avoid speaking at all, rather than participating in gossip.
• Offer encouragement to a struggling friend, reminding them of God's promises or their own strengths in Christ.
• In a discussion, listen actively and respond in a way that seeks understanding and shared progress, rather than trying to "win" an argument.