King James Version

What Does Ephesians 5:28 Mean?

Ephesians 5:28 in the King James Version says “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Ephesians 5:28 · KJV

Love

Context

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:

30

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 5:28 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 5:28 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 · 19 words
οὕτως1 of 19

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὀφείλουσιν2 of 19

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

οἱ3 of 19
G3588

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

ἄνδρες4 of 19

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀγαπᾷ5 of 19

“He that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὰς6 of 19
G3588

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

ἑαυτὸν7 of 19

“himself”

G1438

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

γυναῖκα8 of 19

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὡς9 of 19

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

τὰ10 of 19
G3588

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

ἑαυτὸν11 of 19

“himself”

G1438

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

σώματα12 of 19

“bodies”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ὁ13 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγαπᾷ14 of 19

“He that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὴν15 of 19
G3588

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

ἑαυτὸν16 of 19

“himself”

G1438

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

γυναῖκα17 of 19

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἑαυτὸν18 of 19

“himself”

G1438

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

ἀγαπᾷ19 of 19

“He that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

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 5:28 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 5:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:25Genesis 2:21-24Matthew 19:5Ephesians 5:33Ephesians 5:31

Test Your Knowledge

Ephesians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEphesians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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