Ephesians 5:33

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 (KJV)

Context

Ephesians 5:33 concludes Paul’s teaching on marriage that begins in Ephesians 5:22. Throughout this passage, Paul draws a parallel between the relationship of Christ and the church and the relationship between a husband and wife. He emphasizes the sacrificial love of Christ for the church and instructs husbands to love their wives in the same selfless manner. The word “Nevertheless” signals a return to practical application after the theological explanation of the mystery of Christ and the church in Ephesians 5:32.

Meaning

The verse begins with “let every one of you in particular,” making the instruction personal and universal. Each husband is called to “so love his wife even as himself.” The Greek word for love here is agapao, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial love. This love mirrors the care a man naturally has for himself and is rooted in the unity of marriage, as Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 in Ephesians 5:31: “and they two shall be one flesh.“

The wife’s instruction is to “reverence” her husband. The Greek word phobeo can be translated as “fear” or “respect.” This reverence is not a cowering fear but a respectful acknowledgment of the husband’s God-given role as head, as described earlier in Ephesians 5:23. It involves honouring his leadership, decisions, and guidance, while also providing encouragement and support.

Biblical connections

This instruction is part of a broader teaching on mutual submission within marriage. Earlier in Ephesians 5:21, Paul writes, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” This verse sets the foundation for the following instructions and emphasizes the mutual respect, love, and submission that should exist between husbands and wives. The parallel between Christ and the church serves as the ultimate example: Christ’s sacrificial love for the church models the husband’s love, while the church’s reverence and submission to Christ exemplify the wife’s attitude.

Application

For husbands, this means actively seeking the well-being of their wives, putting their needs before their own, and demonstrating affection and care consistently. For wives, it means respecting their husbands’ leadership and supporting them, while also offering encouragement. This verse is a concluding call for every married person to take these instructions personally, reflecting the love and unity found in the relationship between Christ and the church.

Reflection

A Christ-centered marriage seeks to reflect the love, unity, and selflessness found in the relationship between Christ and the church. As you consider this verse, ask yourself how you can better love or reverence your spouse in a way that honours God and mirrors the gospel.