Ephesians 5:24

Commentary on Ephesians 5:24 (KJV)

Ephesians 5:24 is a pivotal verse within Paul's teachings on Christian household order, specifically addressing the role of wives within marriage. It states, "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing." This verse draws a direct parallel between the relationship of the church to Christ and that of a wife to her husband, emphasizing a posture of voluntary submission and respect.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ephesians (5:21-33) that outlines the Spirit-filled life's implications for various relationships, beginning with the foundational principle of mutual submission in Ephesians 5:21: "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Following this, Paul addresses wives (v. 22-24) and then husbands (v. 25-33), highlighting their distinct yet complementary responsibilities. The instruction for wives to be subject to their husbands is immediately followed by the command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it, providing crucial balance and context. The entire passage is rooted in the call to "walk in love" and "walk as children of light," as seen earlier in the chapter (Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:8).

Key Themes

• Biblical Submission: The core theme is the concept of submission, presented not as inferiority but as a voluntary ordering within relationships for harmony and effectiveness. For wives, this is a posture of respect and cooperation within the marriage, mirroring the Church's devotion to Christ.
• The Christ-Church Analogy: Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the Church as the ultimate model for marriage. This elevates the spiritual significance of the marital bond, showing it as a living parable of God's redemptive plan. The Church willingly aligns itself with Christ's leadership, and wives are called to a similar alignment with their husbands.
• Order and Harmony: The passage promotes a divine order within the Christian household, where clear roles contribute to peace, mutual respect, and spiritual growth. This order is designed to reflect the functional distinctions within the Godhead itself.

Linguistic Nuances

• "Subject" (Greek: hypotassō): This Greek word means "to arrange under," "to place oneself under," or "to be in subjection." It implies a voluntary alignment and recognition of authority, not forced servitude or a suppression of personhood. It's the same word used to describe Christ's submission to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:28) and mutual submission within the church (Ephesians 5:21). It speaks to order and cooperation rather than domination.
• "In every thing": This phrase can be easily misunderstood. It refers to the sphere of marital life, implying a general disposition of respect and cooperation within the marriage. It does not supersede a wife's primary allegiance to Christ or imply obedience to sinful requests. As with all biblical commands, it must be understood within the broader context of God's moral law and the principle of obeying God rather than men (Acts 5:29). The husband’s corresponding duty to love sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25) provides the necessary safeguard against abuse.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 5:24 offers profound insights into a God-honoring marriage:

• Understanding Roles: It encourages wives to embrace a posture of respect and cooperation towards their husbands, recognizing his leadership as a reflection of Christ's headship over the Church. This is a call to contribute to the harmonious functioning of the home.
• Context is King: It's crucial to interpret this verse alongside the husband's equally weighty command to love his wife sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church. True biblical submission flourishes in an environment of selfless love and care from the husband.
• Reflecting Christ: A healthy Christian marriage, with both husband and wife fulfilling their biblical roles in love and respect, serves as a powerful witness to the world of Christ's relationship with His Church. This divine design brings blessing and order to the home.

Other passages like Colossians 3:18-19 and 1 Peter 3:1-7 further elaborate on these complementary roles, emphasizing mutual respect, honor, and a shared commitment to Christ.