Ephesians 5:27

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.

That {G2443} he might present {G3936} it {G846} to himself {G1438} a glorious {G1741} church {G1577}, not {G3361} having {G2192} spot {G4696}, or {G2228} wrinkle {G4512}, or {G2228} any {G5100} such thing {G5108}; but {G235} that {G2443} it should be {G5600} holy {G40} and {G2532} without blemish {G299}.

in order to present the Messianic Community to himself as a bride to be proud of, without a spot, wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and without defect.

and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Commentary

Ephesians 5:27 is part of a profound passage where the Apostle Paul uses the intimate relationship between a husband and wife to illustrate the deep spiritual bond between Christ and His Church. This verse describes the ultimate goal of Christ's sacrificial love and cleansing work for His Bride.

Context

This verse follows Paul's exhortation to husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). The preceding verse, Ephesians 5:26, explains that Christ's purpose in giving Himself was "that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Ephesians 5:27 then reveals the glorious outcome of this divine purification: a Church presented to Himself in perfect splendor.

Key Themes

  • The Church as Christ's Glorious Bride: The imagery here is that of a bride meticulously prepared for her wedding day. Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, is preparing His Church to be presented not just to the world, but "to himself," signifying a deeply personal and eternal union. The term "glorious" (Greek: endoxon) suggests honor, splendor, and majesty, reflecting the divine beauty imparted by Christ.
  • Christ's Purifying Work: The negative descriptions—"not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing"—emphasize the absolute removal of all imperfections. A "spot" (Greek: spilos) refers to moral stain or impurity, while a "wrinkle" (Greek: rhytis) suggests the effects of age or imperfection, a lack of smooth, youthful perfection. Christ's work ensures the complete eradication of sin and its effects from His Church.
  • The Goal: Holiness and Blamelessness: The positive affirmation, "but that it should be holy and without blemish," defines the perfect state. "Holy" (Greek: hagios) means set apart for God's sacred use, consecrated. "Without blemish" (Greek: amomos) was often used for sacrificial animals, indicating they were perfect and suitable for offering. This signifies the Church's moral and spiritual perfection, making it fit for eternal communion with God. This divine transformation is the ultimate destiny of believers, a promise also seen in other passages such as Colossians 1:22, where believers are presented "holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used paint a vivid picture: spilos (spot) denotes a moral stain or defilement, like a dirty mark. Rhytis (wrinkle) literally means a fold or crease, symbolizing the imperfections that come with age or wear. By contrast, hagios (holy) speaks of being set apart for God, consecrated and pure, while amomos (without blemish) implies faultless perfection, often used for sacrificial animals that had to be without defect. These terms collectively highlight Christ's exhaustive work of purification to achieve spiritual and moral perfection for His Church.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse offers immense hope and a call to live in light of this glorious future. It reminds us that our sanctification is not solely our effort, but primarily Christ's ongoing work within us. While we strive for holiness, our ultimate perfection and blamelessness are secured by Christ's finished work and His continuous cleansing by the Word. This understanding fosters humility, gratitude, and confidence in our standing before God. It also challenges the Church collectively to reflect Christ's purity now, living out its identity as a people set apart, anticipating the day when it will be presented in its full, radiant glory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:22

    In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • Ephesians 1:4

    According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:2

    For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:7

    Thou [art] all fair, my love; [there is] no spot in thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:14

    Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.