Ephesians 5:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:32 serves as a profound interpretive key to the preceding discourse on marriage, revealing that the human institution of husband and wife becoming "one flesh" is not merely a social construct but a divinely ordained parable. Paul declares this truth to be a "great mystery"—a spiritual reality previously hidden but now disclosed by God—which specifically concerns the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His church, thereby elevating marriage to a sacred analogy of cosmic proportions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the climactic interpretive statement for Paul's extensive teaching on Christian marriage found in [Ephesians 5:22-31](/ephesians/5-22-31 "Ephesians 5:22-31 - Instructions for Wives and Husbands"). Paul begins by exhorting wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord and husbands to love their wives sacrificially, even as [Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church"). He then draws a direct parallel between a husband's love for his wife and Christ's love for His own body, the church, emphasizing that in loving his wife, a man loves himself, for they are "one flesh." The immediate preceding verse, [Ephesians 5:31](/ephesians/5-31 "Ephesians 5:31 - The One Flesh Union"), directly quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Become One Flesh"), the foundational text for marriage in the Old Testament. It is precisely after quoting this "one flesh" principle that Paul clarifies that his ultimate intention is not merely to discuss human marriage, but to unveil the deeper, spiritual reality it symbolizes: the union of Christ and the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, marriage was primarily a social and economic arrangement, often lacking the spiritual depth Christians would come to understand. While some philosophical schools might discuss love, the concept of marriage as a profound spiritual analogy for a divine relationship was revolutionary. Jewish tradition, rooted in [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis"), certainly valued marriage as a covenant and for procreation, but the specific emphasis on it as a type or shadow of the Messiah's relationship with His people was a distinctly New Testament revelation. Paul's audience in Ephesus, a bustling port city with diverse religious and cultural influences, would have been familiar with various mystery cults and their secret rituals. By using the term "mystery," Paul redefines it, not as something esoteric to be kept secret, but as a divine truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now openly revealed through the gospel of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Revelation of a Great Mystery**. Paul uses "mystery" (Greek: *musterion*) not to denote something unknowable, but a divine truth previously concealed in God's eternal plan and now unveiled through Christ and the apostles, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ and the nature of the church. Here, this mystery specifically illuminates God's eternal purpose for the church as the bride of Christ. A second key theme is **Marriage as a Divine Analogy**. The earthly union of husband and wife is presented as a profound, divinely instituted illustration and reflection of the spiritual union between Christ and His church. This elevates the sanctity and significance of marriage, demonstrating its purpose beyond human companionship and giving it profound theological weight. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Christ's Headship and the Church's Union**. It underscores Christ's role as the loving and self-sacrificing head of the church, and the church's intimate, "one flesh" connection to Him, echoing concepts found in passages like [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church") and [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head over All Things for the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to shut the mouth" (implying silence imposed by initiation into religious rites), is used by Paul to describe a divine truth previously hidden from human understanding but now revealed through God's gracious disclosure. In this context, it refers to the profound, spiritual reality of the union between Christ and the church, which the institution of marriage symbolizes. It is not something unknowable, but a truth that required divine revelation to be understood.
* **speak (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb means "to lay forth" or "to relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. Paul is not merely making a casual remark but is formally declaring or explaining a profound truth. His use of "I speak" emphasizes his apostolic authority in revealing this divine insight, clarifying the ultimate subject of his preceding discourse on marriage.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** Derived from "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically, a religious congregation. In the New Testament, it signifies the community of believers, the body of Christ, whether local or universal. Here, it refers to the collective body of all who are united to Christ by faith, whom He loves and for whom He sacrificed Himself, and with whom He shares an intimate, "one flesh" spiritual union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is a great mystery:"**: Paul identifies the profound truth he is about to reveal as a "great mystery." The "this" refers back to the "one flesh" union described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Foundation of Marriage"), which he has just quoted. He is asserting that the union of husband and wife, while a physical and social reality, carries a deeper, spiritual significance previously veiled but now brought to light. It is "great" not only in its profundity but in its cosmic and eternal implications.
* **"but I speak concerning Christ and the church."**: With this clarifying statement, Paul reveals the true subject of the "mystery." The conjunction "but" (G1161, *dé*) indicates a shift in emphasis or a clarification. While the immediate context is human marriage, Paul's ultimate concern and the true meaning of the "one flesh" union is the spiritual, covenantal relationship between Christ and His church. He is not merely offering advice on human relationships; he is unveiling a divine truth about the very nature of God's redemptive plan and the spiritual union between the Savior and His redeemed people.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 5:32 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism** and **Analogy**. Paul uses the earthly institution of marriage, particularly the "one flesh" union from [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Become One Flesh"), as a profound symbol and analogy for the spiritual union between Christ and the church. This elevates human marriage from a mere social contract to a living parable of divine love and covenant. The term "**mystery**" itself functions as a literary device, signaling a divine **Revelation** of previously hidden truth. Paul's declaration that he is "speaking concerning Christ and the church" acts as a **Climax** or **Interpretive Key**, providing the ultimate meaning and purpose for the entire preceding discussion on marriage. This interpretive move transforms the understanding of marriage for the Christian reader, imbuing it with sacred significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:32 is a theological linchpin, transforming the understanding of marriage from a mere social convention into a profound theological truth. It asserts that human marriage, in its deepest essence, is a divinely designed reflection of the ultimate covenantal relationship between Christ and His church. This elevates the institution of marriage to a sacred status, revealing that its purpose extends beyond procreation and companionship to embody God's redemptive plan and the intimate union He shares with His people. It underscores the profound love, sacrifice, and unity that characterize Christ's relationship with His bride, the church, providing a divine blueprint for human marital love.

* [2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Betrothed to Christ")
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")
* [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, the Bride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This "great mystery" profoundly impacts how we view both marriage and the church. For those who are married, it serves as an incredibly high and holy calling. Your union is not just about you; it is meant to be a living, breathing parable of Christ's sacrificial love for His church and the church's responsive, devoted submission to Him. This understanding should inspire deeper commitment, greater patience, more profound forgiveness, and a relentless pursuit of self-giving love within the marital bond. For all believers, whether married or single, this verse enriches our appreciation for the church. It is not merely an organization, a building, or a social club, but the beloved bride of Christ, for whom He gave everything. This truth should ignite a passionate love for the body of Christ, fostering unity, service, and a deep sense of belonging. Ultimately, recognizing marriage as a reflection of Christ and the church reminds us that God's design for human relationships is intricately linked to His ultimate plan of redemption, embedding profound spiritual truths within our most intimate earthly experiences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding marriage as a "mystery" concerning Christ and the church change your perspective on its purpose and significance?**
* **In what specific ways can your own marriage (or the marriages you observe) more fully reflect the love and relationship between Christ and the church?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the church as the "bride of Christ," and what implications does that have for your involvement and commitment to the local body of believers?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "mystery" in this verse?**

Answer: In Pauline theology, a "mystery" (Greek: *mystḗrion*) does not refer to something unknowable or mystical in the modern sense, but rather a divine truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now revealed through Christ and the apostles. In [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery"), the "great mystery" is the profound spiritual reality that the human institution of marriage, particularly the "one flesh" union, is a divinely ordained symbol or analogy for the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His church. It's a truth that God has now chosen to disclose, illuminating His eternal purpose for the church as the bride of Christ.

**How does this verse connect to Genesis 2:24?**

Answer: Paul directly quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Principle") in [Ephesians 5:31](/ephesians/5-31 "Ephesians 5:31 - Quoting Genesis 2:24") before stating [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Mystery Revealed"). Genesis 2:24 describes the foundational principle of marriage: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Paul uses this foundational passage not just to teach about human marriage, but to reveal its deeper, spiritual meaning. He clarifies that while the "one flesh" principle applies to husband and wife, its ultimate and "great mystery" points to the spiritual "one flesh" union between Christ and His church. Thus, Genesis 2:24 provides the earthly analogy, and Ephesians 5:32 reveals its heavenly fulfillment and true significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:32 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing that the ultimate purpose and meaning of marriage find their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great mystery" Paul unveils is that the intimate, self-sacrificing love of a husband for his wife, leading to a "one flesh" union, is a divinely ordained shadow of Christ's unparalleled love for His church. Christ, as the heavenly Bridegroom, left His Father's side in glory to cleave to His bride, the church, offering Himself up as a spotless sacrifice to sanctify and cleanse her, making her holy and blameless before God ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Cleansing of the Church")). Just as Adam's deep sleep preceded the formation of Eve from his side, Christ's death on the cross brought forth the church, His very body, from His wounded side. This verse foreshadows the glorious consummation of this divine marriage, anticipated in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) and the New Jerusalem, described as the "bride, the wife of the Lamb" ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, the Bride")). Thus, human marriage, in its beautiful design, continually points to the ultimate reality of Christ's covenantal love and His eternal union with His redeemed people.

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

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

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.

Isaiah 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Isaiah 62:5

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.