King James Version

What Does Ephesians 5:27 Mean?

Ephesians 5:27 in the King James Version says “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it shoul...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Ephesians 5:27 · KJV

Context

25

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

26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28

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

29

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 5:27 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 5 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 5 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 5:27 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἵνα1 of 22

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παραστήσῃ2 of 22

“he might present”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

αὐτὴν3 of 22

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἑαυτῷ4 of 22

“to himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔνδοξον5 of 22

“a glorious”

G1741

in glory, i.e., splendid, (figuratively) noble

τὴν6 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίαν7 of 22

“church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

μὴ8 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχουσαν9 of 22

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

σπίλον10 of 22

“spot”

G4696

a stain or blemish, i.e., (figuratively) defect, disgrace

ἤ11 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ῥυτίδα12 of 22

“wrinkle”

G4512

a fold (as drawing together), i.e., a wrinkle (especially on the face)

ἤ13 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τι14 of 22

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν15 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοιούτων16 of 22

“such thing”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἀλλ'17 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἵνα18 of 22

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ᾖ19 of 22

“it should be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

ἁγία20 of 22

“holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ21 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄμωμος22 of 22

“without blemish”

G299

unblemished (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 5:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 5:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:22Hebrews 9:141 Peter 1:192 Corinthians 11:2Ephesians 1:4Song of Solomon 4:7

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