Ephesians 5:29

KJV

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} no man {G3762} ever yet {G4218} hated {G3404} his own {G1438} flesh {G4561}; but {G235} nourisheth {G1625} and {G2532} cherisheth {G2282} it {G846}, even as {G2531}{G2532} the Lord {G2962} the church {G1577}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Why, no one ever hated his own flesh! On the contrary, he feeds it well and takes care of it, just as the Messiah does the Messianic Community,

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

American Standard Version

for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:29 serves as a foundational declaration within Paul's instructions on Christian marriage, asserting the self-evident truth that individuals instinctively care for their own physical bodies. This natural inclination for self-preservation and nurture is then presented as the baseline standard for a husband's comprehensive and tender care for his wife, mirroring the profound and unwavering love that the Lord Jesus Christ continually bestows upon His Church. The verse thus elevates marital love to a sacred reflection of the divine-human relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Paul's extensive teaching on Christian household relationships, found in [Ephesians 5:21-6:9](/ephesians/5-21-6-9 "Ephesians 5-6 - Household Instructions"). Specifically, it falls within the detailed instructions for husbands and wives, which begin with the overarching principle of mutual submission in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting to One Another"). Paul then addresses wives' submission to their husbands in [Ephesians 5:22-24](/ephesians/5-22-24 "Ephesians 5:22-24 - Wives and Husbands"), before launching into the more extensive and demanding command for husbands to love their wives. The immediate preceding verse, [Ephesians 5:28](/ephesians/5-28 "Ephesians 5:28 - Husbands to Love Wives as Their Own Bodies"), explicitly states that husbands should love their wives "as their own bodies," setting the stage for the explanatory "for" (G1063, _gár_) of verse 29, which then provides the rationale and illustration for this command by appealing to a universal human experience. The entire section culminates in the profound mystery of Christ and the Church as the ultimate paradigm for marriage in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's instructions on household codes (known as _Haustafeln_) were common in the Greco-Roman world, but his approach radically redefines them. Unlike typical ancient codes that emphasized the husband's absolute authority and the wife's subservience, Paul introduces the revolutionary concepts of mutual submission ([Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting to One Another")) and, crucially, the husband's sacrificial love modeled after Christ ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The concept of "flesh" (G4561, _sárx_) in this context refers to one's physical body, which was universally understood as something to be preserved and cared for, not despised. The early Christian communities, often composed of diverse social classes and backgrounds, were called to live out counter-cultural ethics that would bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel within the most intimate spheres of life. Paul leverages a common human experience (self-care) to illustrate a profound theological truth about Christ's love and its application in marriage.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. It underscores the **sacredness and significance of marriage** as a living parable of Christ's relationship with the Church. It highlights the **transformative power of the Gospel** to redefine conventional social structures, particularly within the family, by rooting them in Christ-like love and self-sacrifice. The theme of **Christ as the Head of the Church** is implicitly reinforced, as His active "nourishing and cherishing" demonstrates His ongoing leadership and care for His body. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **unity and interdependence** within the body of Christ, illustrating how Christ's care for the Church is akin to caring for one's own body, a concept Paul develops extensively in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") and [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). Ultimately, it speaks to the **practical outworking of Christian love** in daily life, moving from abstract theological principles to concrete actions within the most intimate of human relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hated (Greek, _miséō_):** This verb signifies to detest, to persecute, or by extension, to love less. In the context of "his own flesh," it refers to a deliberate act of rejection, neglect, or harm. Paul asserts that such an action is unnatural and contrary to fundamental human instinct. The absence of hatred is the baseline for the positive actions that follow.
* **nourisheth (Greek, _ektréphō_):** Derived from _ek_ (out) and _trephō_ (to feed, rear), this word means to bring up to maturity, to rear, or to provide sustenance and growth. It implies a comprehensive provision of all that is necessary for life, health, and development, extending beyond mere physical food to encompass emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. It is used elsewhere for raising children ([Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children")).
* **cherisheth (Greek, _thálpō_):** This term literally means to warm or keep warm, as a bird broods over its young. Metaphorically, it conveys tender care, comfort, fostering with affection, and protecting from harm. It speaks to intimacy, warmth, security, and gentle affection. Paul uses this same word to describe a nursing mother's tender care for her children ([1 Thessalonians 2:7](/1_thessalonians/2-7 "1 Thessalonians 2:7 - Paul's Gentle Care")). Together with "nourisheth," it paints a holistic picture of active, affectionate, and protective care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;":** This opening clause establishes a universal, self-evident truth based on human experience. It functions as a rhetorical statement, asserting that it is fundamentally unnatural and illogical for a person to intentionally despise, harm, or neglect their own body. This forms the irrefutable premise for the subsequent commands. The "flesh" here refers to one's physical body, which is instinctively protected and preserved.
* **"but nourisheth and cherisheth it,":** This clause presents the natural, positive counterpart to the preceding negative. Instead of hatred, the universal human inclination is to actively "nourish" (provide for growth and sustenance) and "cherish" (tenderly care for, protect, and warm) one's own body. These two verbs, _ektréphō_ and _thálpō_, describe a comprehensive and affectionate form of care that goes beyond mere survival, encompassing well-being, comfort, and thriving. "It" refers back to "his own flesh," emphasizing the direct object of this care.
* **"even as the Lord the church:":** This final clause introduces the divine paradigm, elevating the human analogy to a profound theological truth. The "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_), referring to Jesus Christ, is presented as the ultimate model for this "nourishing and cherishing" love. Just as a person naturally cares for their own body, and just as a husband is commanded to care for his wife in the same way, so too does Christ continuously and perfectly "nourish and cherish" His "church" (G1577, _ekklēsía_), which is His body. This comparison establishes Christ's ongoing, active, and tender care for His people as the supreme standard for all human relationships, especially marriage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ephesians 5:29 is a powerful **Analogy** or **Simile**. Paul draws a direct comparison between three entities: a person's natural care for their own body, a husband's commanded care for his wife, and Christ's perfect care for the Church. The phrase "even as" (G2531, _kathṓs_) explicitly signals this comparison, establishing Christ's relationship with the Church as the ultimate model. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a form of **Rhetorical Statement** in its opening ("For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;"), presenting a universally acknowledged truth to build an undeniable case. This statement functions as a premise that is so self-evident it requires no further proof, thereby strengthening the imperative that follows. The use of two distinct yet complementary verbs, "nourisheth" and "cherisheth," also demonstrates **Merism** or **Hendiatris**, where two words are used to express a single, comprehensive idea of tender and holistic care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:29 profoundly connects the earthly institution of marriage to the cosmic reality of Christ's relationship with His Church. It presents a theological anthropology where the human body is inherently valuable and worthy of care, reflecting God's design. More significantly, it elevates the husband's role to a Christ-like ministry, making his love for his wife a tangible expression of divine love and a witness to the Gospel. The verse underscores the active, ongoing nature of Christ's care for His people, emphasizing His continuous provision, protection, and affectionate nurture of the Church, which is His mystical body. This divine pattern transforms marriage from a mere social contract into a sacred covenant, imbued with spiritual significance and serving as a living parable of God's redemptive love.

* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church")
* [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church, His Body")
* [1 Corinthians 6:15](/1_corinthians/6-15 "1 Corinthians 6:15 - Your Bodies are Members of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:29 calls us to reflect deeply on the nature of love, care, and commitment, both within marriage and in our understanding of Christ's relationship with His Church. For husbands, it is a profound and challenging call to emulate Christ's active, tender, and selfless love. This means intentionally providing for the wife's holistic well-being—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually—and creating an environment of warmth, security, and affection where she can flourish. It demands a proactive and consistent commitment to her growth and comfort, mirroring the Lord's unwavering devotion. For all believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for Christ's ongoing, intimate care for us, His Church. He does not merely save us but actively sustains, protects, and nurtures us, ensuring our spiritual health and growth. This understanding should foster greater trust, security, and gratitude in our relationship with Him, knowing that we are loved and cherished by the Lord of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I, as a husband, "nourish" my wife beyond just providing for her physical needs?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of "cherishing" my spouse, reflecting tenderness, comfort, and protection in my daily interactions?**
* **What does Christ's continuous "nourishing and cherishing" of the Church tell me about His character and His commitment to me personally?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of Christ's care for His Church impact my own self-care and how I view my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the two words "nourisheth" and "cherisheth" in this verse?**
Answer: The Greek words _ektréphō_ ("nourisheth") and _thálpō_ ("cherisheth") are highly significant because they describe a comprehensive and tender form of care. _Ektréphō_ implies providing everything necessary for growth and development, like raising a child (as seen in [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children")). It speaks to active provision and sustenance. _Thálpō_ means to warm or keep warm, like a bird brooding over its young, or a nursing mother caring for her children ([1 Thessalonians 2:7](/1_thessalonians/2-7 "1 Thessalonians 2:7 - Paul's Example of Cherishing")). This word conveys tenderness, affection, comfort, and protection. Together, they paint a picture of holistic love that is both actively providing and intimately affectionate, going far beyond mere duty or obligation.

**How does this verse apply to single individuals or those not in a marital relationship?**
Answer: While the immediate context is marriage, the underlying principles of Ephesians 5:29 have broader applications for all believers. Firstly, the verse highlights the inherent value and natural inclination to care for one's own body, which applies to everyone. Believers are called to steward their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Secondly, the verse primarily serves to illustrate Christ's profound and ongoing care for the Church. All believers, whether married or single, are part of this Church, the body of Christ, and are recipients of His continuous "nourishing and cherishing" love. Understanding this deepens our appreciation for our identity in Christ and His faithfulness to us. It also sets a standard for how all believers should care for one another within the body of Christ, fostering an environment of mutual support and tender affection ([Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Love One Another with Brotherly Affection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse does not merely offer Christ as an example, but as the very source and ongoing reality of the "nourishing and cherishing" love that husbands are called to emulate. Christ, as the Head of the Church, His body, continuously provides for its spiritual sustenance, growth, and protection. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) and continually leads them to green pastures and still waters ([Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Leads Me Beside Still Waters")). His love is not a past event but an active, present reality, as He intercedes for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")) and sanctifies them, presenting the Church to Himself without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Therefore, the husband's love for his wife is not simply a human effort but a participation in and reflection of Christ's own divine, covenantal, and self-giving love for His beloved bride, the Church, demonstrating the very heart of the Gospel within the most intimate human bond.

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

Ephesians 5:31

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 34:15

I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

John 6:50

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

John 6:58

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Proverbs 11:17

¶ The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Ecclesiastes 4:5

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.