Ephesians 5:32

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Complete Jewish Bible:

There is profound truth hidden here, which I say concerns the Messiah and the Messianic Community.

Berean Standard Bible:

This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

American Standard Version:

This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

This^{G5124} is^{G2076} a great^{G3173} mystery^{G3466}: but^{G1161} I^{G1473} speak^{G3004} concerning^{G1519} Christ^{G5547} and^{{G1519}{G2532}} the church^{G1577}.

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Commentary for Ephesians 5:32

Ephesians 5:32, "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church," is a verse that encapsulates the Apostle Paul's teaching on marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. In the historical context, Paul is writing to the Ephesian church, addressing household codes and relationships in a society where husbands were the recognized heads of households and wives were expected to submit to their authority.

The verse comes at the end of a passage where Paul has been discussing the duties of husbands and wives. He instructs wives to submit to their husbands as they do to the Lord, and he tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. The "great mystery" that Paul refers to is the profound spiritual truth that the union between a man and a woman in marriage is meant to mirror the intimate, self-sacrificial love that exists between Christ and the Church.

In this context, the verse serves to elevate the status of marriage to something sacred and symbolic, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. It also serves to guide the behavior of believing couples, encouraging them to pattern their marital relationship after the example of Christ's relationship with His followers. This concept was revolutionary in a culture where marriage was often seen as a practical or business arrangement rather than a spiritual union.

Theologically, this verse is foundational in Christian teachings on marriage, emphasizing mutual submission, love, and respect, and it has informed the Church's understanding of the sacrament of matrimony for centuries. It also underscores the idea that human relationships, when lived out in accordance with God's will, can reflect divine realities and serve as a testament to the Gospel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5124
   There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τοῦτο
   Transliteration: toûto
   Pronunciation: too'-to
   Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
   
2. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3173
   There are 185 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέγας
   Transliteration: mégas
   Pronunciation: meg'-as
   Description: (including the prolonged forms, feminine , plural , etc.; compare also μέγιστος, μείζων); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):--(+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3466
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μυστήριον
   Transliteration: mystḗrion
   Pronunciation: moos-tay'-ree-on
   Description: from a derivative of (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites):--mystery.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
6. Strong's Number: G1473
   There are 334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐγώ
   Transliteration: egṓ
   Pronunciation: eg-o'
   Description: a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):--I, me. For the other cases and the plural see ἐμέ, ἐμοί, ἐμοῦ, ἡμᾶς, ἡμεῖς, ἡμῖν, ἡμῶν, etc.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
9. Strong's Number: G5547
   There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Χριστός
   Transliteration: Christós
   Pronunciation: khris-tos'
   Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
    
11. Strong's Number: G1577
    There are 115 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐκκλησία
    Transliteration: ekklēsía
    Pronunciation: ek-klay-see'-ah
    Description: from a compound of ἐκ and a derivative of καλέω; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.