Ephesians 5:33

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

Nevertheless {G4133}{G2532} let {G25} every one {G1520}{G1538} of you {G5210} in particular {G2596} so {G3779} love {G25} his {G1438} wife {G1135} even as {G5613} himself {G1438}; and {G1161} the wife {G1135} see that {G2443} she reverence {G5399} her husband {G435}.

However, the text also applies to each of you individually: let each man love his wife as he does himself, and see that the wife respects her husband.

Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

Context

Ephesians 5:33 concludes Paul's extensive teaching on marriage, found within a larger section of Ephesians that outlines practical Christian living and spiritual conduct (Ephesians 4:1-6:9). Specifically, verses 22-33 address the distinct yet complementary roles of husbands and wives within a Christ-centered marriage. Paul uses the profound analogy of Christ's relationship with the Church as the ultimate model for a husband's love for his wife (Ephesians 5:25) and the Church's submission to Christ as the pattern for a wife's respect for her husband (Ephesians 5:24). Verse 33 serves as a concise summary and final exhortation, reiterating the core responsibilities.

Key Themes

  • Husband's Sacrificial Love: The command for the husband to "love his wife even as himself" echoes the preceding verses where Christ's self-sacrificing love for the Church is the standard. This is not merely affection but a deep, committed, and active care that values the wife's well-being as much as his own. It implies protection, provision, and nurturing, aiming for her flourishing.
  • Wife's Reverent Respect: The instruction for the wife to "reverence her husband" emphasizes a profound respect, honor, and esteem for his person and his God-given role. This reverence creates an atmosphere of safety and appreciation within the marriage, fostering unity and mutual regard. It complements the husband's love by acknowledging his leadership and valuing his contributions.
  • Individual Responsibility: The phrase "every one of you in particular" highlights that these are personal, non-negotiable duties for each spouse. It's not contingent on the other's performance; each person is individually accountable for fulfilling their part in the marital covenant.
  • Mutual Complementarity: While the commands are distinct, they are interdependent. The husband's loving leadership is best received when met with respectful reverence, and the wife's reverence is cultivated in an environment of genuine, self-giving love. Together, they form a dynamic that reflects the harmony of Christ and the Church.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two significant words here:

  • Love (ἀγαπάω - *agapaō*): For the husband's love, Paul uses *agapaō*, which signifies a volitional, self-sacrificing, and unconditional love. It is not primarily an emotional feeling but a deliberate choice and action that seeks the highest good of the other person, mirroring God's love for humanity (John 3:16).
  • Reverence (φοβέω - *phobeō*): For the wife's reverence, the Greek word is *phobeō*. While often translated as "fear," in this context, it carries the nuance of profound respect, honor, and awe, similar to the "fear of the Lord" (e.g., Proverbs 9:10). It is not a cowering or terrified fear, but a deep regard and honor for the husband's position and person, recognizing his dignity and authority within the marriage structure as ordained by God.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:33 provides a timeless framework for Christian marriage, emphasizing distinct yet synergistic responsibilities. For husbands, it's a call to actively demonstrate a Christ-like, selfless love that prioritizes his wife's well-being, spiritual growth, and emotional security. This love should be evident in daily actions, words, and decisions. For wives, it's an invitation to cultivate a deep respect and honor for her husband, recognizing his unique role and valuing his efforts. This reverence is expressed through supportive actions, appreciative words, and trust.

When both spouses commit to fulfilling their distinct commands, a marriage becomes a powerful testimony to the gospel, showcasing the beautiful relationship between Christ and His Church. It fosters an environment of mutual thriving, where both individuals feel loved, respected, and secure, laying a strong foundation for family and spiritual growth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 3:2

    While they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear.

  • 1 Peter 3:7

    Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

  • Ephesians 5:22

    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

  • Ephesians 5:25

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

  • Esther 1:20

    And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

  • Colossians 3:19

    Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.

  • Ephesians 5:28

    So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

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