Ephesians 5:2

KJV

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} walk {G4043} in {G1722} love {G26}, as {G2531} Christ {G5547} also {G2532} hath loved {G25} us {G2248}, and {G2532} hath given {G3860} himself {G1438} for {G5228} us {G2257} an offering {G4376} and {G2532} a sacrifice {G2378} to God {G2316} for {G1519} a sweetsmelling {G2175} savour {G3744}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and live a life of love, just as also the Messiah loved us, indeed, on our behalf gave himself up as an offering, as a slaughtered sacrifice to God with a pleasing fragrance.

Berean Standard Bible

and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

American Standard Version

and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:2 issues a profound call for believers to embody a life of sacrificial love, mirroring the ultimate example set by Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a direct continuation of Paul's exhortation to imitate God, emphasizing that Christian conduct is fundamentally characterized by a love that is active, self-giving, and pleasing to God, just as Christ's own offering was a fragrant and acceptable sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:2 stands as a pivotal command in the practical section of Paul's letter, which shifts from theological exposition in chapters 1-3 to ethical application in chapters 4-6. It immediately follows the imperative in [Ephesians 5:1](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1 - Imitate God") to "be imitators of God, as beloved children." This verse then grounds that general command in the specific, concrete action of "walking in love," providing Christ's self-sacrifice as the perfect paradigm. The subsequent verses in [Ephesians 5:3-14](/ephesians/5-3-14 "Ephesians 5:3-14 - Avoiding Immorality") further elaborate on what this love *does not* entail (sexual immorality, impurity, greed) and what it *does* entail (living as children of light, exposing darkness). Thus, [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love") functions as the foundational principle for all subsequent ethical instructions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Greco-Roman world in which the Ephesians lived was characterized by various forms of love, often self-serving or passionate (e.g., *eros*, *philia*). Paul's emphasis on *agapē*—a selfless, volitional, and divine love—would have stood in stark contrast to prevailing cultural norms. Sacrificial practices were common across many religions, including Judaism and pagan cults, where offerings were made to appease deities or gain favor. By describing Christ's death as "an offering and a sacrifice," Paul employs familiar religious terminology but redefines it through the lens of Christ's unique, once-for-all, and perfect atonement. The concept of a "sweetsmelling savour" (or "pleasing aroma") directly echoes Old Testament sacrificial language (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice"), [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Pleasing Aroma")), indicating divine acceptance and delight in the offering. This would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile converts familiar with such religious imagery.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. The theme of **Imitation of God** (or Christ) is central, as believers are called to reflect God's character, particularly His love, in their daily lives, as seen in [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving"). **Sacrificial Love** is paramount, with Christ's self-giving serving as the ultimate standard and motivation for Christian conduct. This concept is foundational to Paul's understanding of redemption and the new life in Christ, echoing themes found in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). The theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation** is implicitly present, as Christ's "offering and sacrifice" addresses the sin that separated humanity from God, making peace possible. Finally, the idea of **Acceptable Worship and Living** is highlighted, as a life lived in love becomes a spiritual offering that is pleasing and fragrant to God, much like the acceptable offerings described in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** This term, literally meaning "to tread all around" or "to walk at large," is used figuratively here to denote one's habitual conduct, lifestyle, or manner of living. It implies a continuous, ongoing activity that characterizes one's entire existence. Thus, "walk in love" means to live a life consistently governed and permeated by love.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** Distinct from other Greek words for love, *agápē* refers to a selfless, benevolent, and unconditional love. It is a volitional love, a choice to act for the well-being of others, rather than merely an emotion. This is the divine love exemplified by God and Christ, which seeks the highest good of the beloved, even at great personal cost.
* **given himself (Greek, _paradídōmi heautoû'_):** The verb *paradídōmi* means "to surrender," "to yield up," or "to transmit." Combined with the reflexive pronoun *heautoû* ("himself"), it powerfully conveys Christ's voluntary and complete self-surrender. This was not a forced act but a deliberate and willing offering of His very being for the sake of humanity.
* **sweetsmelling savour (Greek, _euōdía osmḗ'_):** *Euōdía* refers to "good-scentedness" or "fragrance," while *osmḗ* means "fragrance" or "odour." Together, they form a compound expression for a "pleasing aroma." This phrase is drawn from Old Testament sacrificial language, where an acceptable sacrifice was described as a "soothing aroma" or "pleasing fragrance" to the Lord, signifying God's acceptance and delight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And walk in love":** This is an imperative command, urging believers to live a life characterized by *agapē* love. It's not merely an internal feeling but an active, outward expression that defines one's daily conduct and interactions. This "walk" signifies the continuous and habitual nature of this loving lifestyle.
* **"as Christ also hath loved us":** This clause provides the standard and motivation for the command. The "as" (Greek: *kathōs*) indicates that Christ's love for humanity serves as the perfect pattern and measure for how believers are to love one another. It highlights the imitative nature of Christian discipleship.
* **"and hath given himself for us":** This specifies the ultimate demonstration of Christ's love. His act of "giving Himself" refers to His voluntary sacrifice on the cross. The phrase "for us" (Greek: *hyper hēmōn*) emphasizes that this self-giving was on our behalf, for our benefit, and in our place, addressing the sin that separated us from God.
* **"an offering and a sacrifice to God":** This describes the nature of Christ's self-giving in sacrificial terms. "Offering" (Greek: *prosphorá*) refers to a presentation or gift, while "sacrifice" (Greek: *thysía*) specifically denotes an offering made to God, often involving the shedding of blood. Together, they underscore the comprehensive and redemptive nature of Christ's atoning work, fulfilling and superseding the Old Testament sacrificial system.
* **"for a sweetsmelling savour":** This final phrase conveys the divine acceptance and pleasure in Christ's sacrifice. Echoing Old Testament imagery of acceptable sacrifices, it signifies that Christ's obedient and self-giving act was perfectly pleasing and delightful to God, fully satisfying His righteous demands and demonstrating His profound love.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love") to convey his message. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "as Christ also hath loved us." This comparison establishes Christ's love as the supreme model and benchmark for the believer's conduct, making the abstract concept of "walking in love" concrete and imitable. Furthermore, the verse uses rich **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** drawn from Old Testament sacrificial practices. Describing Christ's self-giving as "an offering and a sacrifice" uses cultic language to signify atonement and propitiation, while the phrase "a sweetsmelling savour" employs sensory imagery to symbolize divine acceptance and pleasure. This olfactory metaphor, rooted in ancient sacrificial rituals, powerfully communicates that Christ's obedience and death were perfectly agreeable to God. The initial command, "walk in love," is an **Imperative**, a direct command that emphasizes the urgency and necessity of this lifestyle for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:2 profoundly connects the believer's ethical conduct to the very heart of God's redemptive plan. It establishes Christ's sacrificial love as the foundational truth upon which all Christian living is built. Our "walk in love" is not merely a moral suggestion but a direct imitation of the divine nature revealed in Christ's self-giving. This act of Christ, presented as a "sweetsmelling savour," signifies the perfect obedience and atonement that satisfied God's justice and expressed His profound love. Consequently, when believers live out this love, their lives become a spiritual offering, a pleasing aroma to God, reflecting the very character of the One who saved them. This transforms ordinary acts of love into acts of worship, demonstrating that true spirituality is expressed not just in ritual but in relationship and selfless service.

* [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment to Love")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:2 challenges us to move beyond a passive understanding of love to an active, daily commitment. To "walk in love" means that love is not just a feeling we experience but a principle that governs every step, every decision, and every interaction. It calls us to emulate Christ's radical self-giving, which means prioritizing the needs and well-being of others, even when it requires personal sacrifice, inconvenience, or discomfort. This love is not conditional; it extends to those who are difficult to love, to strangers, and even to enemies, just as Christ loved us while we were still sinners. Our lives, permeated by this Christ-like love, become a living testament to God's transformative power, a spiritual offering that is truly pleasing to Him. It means choosing forgiveness over bitterness, compassion over judgment, and service over self-interest, continually asking, "How would Christ respond in this situation?"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life can you more intentionally "walk in love" this week, mirroring Christ's self-giving?**
* **How does understanding Christ's sacrifice as a "sweetsmelling savour" to God motivate your own acts of love and service?**
* **What practical steps can you take to prioritize the needs of others above your own, even in small ways?**
* **How does the concept of *agapē* love challenge your natural inclinations or cultural understandings of love?**

### FAQ
**What does "walk in love" mean in a practical sense for daily life?**

Answer: "Walking in love" (Greek: *peripatéō en agápē*) means living a life where love is the guiding principle and dominant characteristic of your actions, attitudes, and relationships. Practically, this involves actively seeking the good of others, demonstrating compassion, extending forgiveness, practicing patience, showing kindness, and engaging in selfless service. It means making choices that reflect Christ's self-giving, even when it's difficult or costly, rather than acting out of self-interest, anger, or bitterness. It's a continuous, intentional lifestyle of benevolence and goodwill towards all, rooted in the divine love that God has shown us through Christ.

**How was Christ's sacrifice "a sweetsmelling savour" to God?**

Answer: The phrase "sweetsmelling savour" (Greek: *euōdía osmḗ*) is an Old Testament idiom, often used in the Septuagint, to describe sacrifices that were pleasing and acceptable to God (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice"), [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Pleasing Aroma")). In the context of Christ's sacrifice, it signifies that His obedience, His perfect life, and His voluntary death on the cross were entirely agreeable to God. It means that Christ's offering fully satisfied God's righteous demands for justice against sin and perfectly expressed His holy character and profound love. It was not merely a ritual, but the ultimate act of filial obedience and redemptive love, which brought immense delight to the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:2 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the love He commands us to "walk in." Christ's life and death are the ultimate "offering and sacrifice," transcending and fulfilling the shadows of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could never truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Remove Sins")), Christ's "giving Himself for us" was a singular, perfect, and definitive act of atonement ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). He, the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly laid down His life, not under compulsion, but out of boundless love for His Father and for humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")). This self-surrender was the "sweetsmelling savour" that fully satisfied God's righteous demands, opened the way for reconciliation, and demonstrated the depths of divine *agapē* love. Therefore, our call to "walk in love" is not merely an ethical injunction but a participation in the very life and mission of Christ, empowered by the Spirit who enables us to love as He loved ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Colossians 3:14

And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all your things be done with charity.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.