Ephesians 5:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:33 serves as a concise yet profound summary of Paul's instructions for Christian marriage, emphasizing the distinct yet complementary responsibilities of husbands and wives. It exhorts every husband to love his wife with the same self-sacrificial devotion he has for himself, mirroring Christ's love for the Church, while simultaneously calling every wife to cultivate and express a deep reverence and respect for her husband, reflecting the Church's honor for Christ. This verse encapsulates the essence of a divinely ordered marital relationship, designed to reflect the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:33 concludes Paul's extensive and pivotal teaching on household codes, specifically focusing on the husband-wife relationship (Ephesians 5:22-33). This section is nestled within a larger block of practical exhortations (Ephesians 4:1-6:9) that follow the theological exposition of chapters 1-3. Paul begins this marital discourse by establishing the wife's submission to her husband "as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22) and then immediately pivots to the husband's profound call to love his wife "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). The analogy of Christ and the Church is central, with Paul even calling it a "profound mystery" (Ephesians 5:32). Verse 33 acts as a powerful summation, reiterating the two primary, distinct, yet interdependent commands for each spouse, ensuring that the essence of his teaching is clearly understood and applied. It brings the preceding detailed instructions to a succinct, memorable close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's instructions on marriage were revolutionary in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. While society largely granted husbands absolute authority over their wives, often treating them as property, Paul introduces a radical paradigm rooted in Christ. Roman law (paterfamilias) gave the male head of household immense power, including life and death authority over family members. Women, particularly wives, had limited legal rights and were primarily confined to the domestic sphere. Paul's command for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, "as Christ loved the church," was an unprecedented elevation of the wife's status and a direct challenge to the prevailing patriarchal norms that often permitted neglect or abuse. Similarly, while wives were expected to be subservient, Paul's call for "reverence" (rather than mere obligation or fear) implies a dignity and a relational dynamic far beyond the cultural expectations, framing the marital relationship within a spiritual, Christ-centered framework that transcended mere societal roles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Christian Conduct and Transformation**, showing how the gospel reshapes even the most intimate human relationships. The emphasis on the husband's love and the wife's reverence highlights **Complementary Roles** within marriage, not as a hierarchy of worth, but as distinct functions that together reflect the harmony of Christ and the Church. This directly ties into the theme of **Christ as the Head and Model**, as both the husband's love and the wife's reverence are patterned after the relationship between Christ and His body. Furthermore, the individual responsibility ("every one of you in particular") reinforces the theme of **Personal Accountability** in living out one's faith. The ultimate goal is for marriage to be a living **Gospel Witness**, displaying the profound mystery of Christ's union with His people, as explicitly stated in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church"). This vision elevates marriage from a mere social contract to a sacred covenant designed to glorify God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From G25, this word signifies a volitional, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love. It is not primarily an emotional feeling (though emotions may accompany it) but a deliberate choice and action that consistently seeks the highest good and well-being of the other person. For the husband, this means actively caring for, protecting, providing for, and nurturing his wife, mirroring God's own love for humanity as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Agape Love").
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** From G1135, this term specifically refers to a "woman" or, in this context, a "wife." Its inclusion here emphasizes the specific marital relationship to which these commands apply, distinguishing it from general interpersonal relationships. It highlights the unique covenantal bond that is the subject of Paul's instruction.
* **reverence (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From G5399, this word, while sometimes translated as "fear," carries the nuance of profound respect, honor, and awe in this context. It is not a cowering or terrified fear, but a deep regard and esteem, similar to the "fear of the Lord" (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord")). For the wife, it means honoring her husband's person, his role, and his leadership within the marriage, recognizing his dignity and valuing his contributions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless let every one of you in particular":** The word "Nevertheless" (G4133, _plḗn_) acts as a strong concluding particle, summarizing and emphasizing the preceding detailed instructions. The phrase "every one of you in particular" (G1520, _heîs_ and G1538, _hékastos_ combined with G2596, _katá_) underscores the personal and individual nature of these commands. Each spouse is individually accountable for their part, regardless of the other's performance. This is not a collective responsibility but a specific, personal exhortation to each husband and each wife.
* **"so love his wife even as himself":** This clause directs the husband to love (G25, _agapáō_) his wife (G1135, _gynḗ_) with the same intensity and care he naturally applies to himself (G1438, _heautoû_). The standard is not merely affection, but a deep, committed, and active care that values the wife's well-being, growth, and flourishing as much as his own. This echoes the earlier command in [Ephesians 5:28](/ephesians/5-28 "Ephesians 5:28 - Husbands to Love Wives as Their Own Bodies"), where Paul states, "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies." It implies protection, provision, and nurturing, rooted in self-giving.
* **"and the wife see that she reverence her husband":** The conjunction "and" (G1161, _dé_) introduces the complementary command for the wife (G1135, _gynḗ_). The phrase "see that" (G2443, _hína_) indicates purpose or intent—the wife is to ensure that she reverences (G5399, _phobéō_) her husband (G435, _anḗr_). This reverence is not a subservient fear but a profound respect, honor, and esteem for his person and his God-given role. It creates an atmosphere of safety, appreciation, and unity within the marriage, fostering mutual regard and acknowledging his leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Chiasm** implicitly in the broader passage (A: wife to husband, B: husband to wife, B': husband to wife, A': wife to husband, then a summary that reiterates both). In this specific verse, he uses **Juxtaposition** to place the distinct commands for husbands and wives side-by-side, highlighting their complementary nature. The command for the husband to "love" and the wife to "reverence" creates a **Parallelism** of responsibility, where each spouse has a unique, yet equally vital, duty. Furthermore, the phrase "even as himself" for the husband's love is a **Simile**, providing a relatable and high standard for the husband's self-giving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:33 is a theological cornerstone for understanding Christian marriage as a living parable of the gospel. It reveals that marriage is not merely a social contract or a means for personal happiness, but a divine institution designed to display the profound relationship between Christ and His Church. The husband's sacrificial love for his wife mirrors Christ's unconditional love and self-giving for His bride, the Church, while the wife's reverence for her husband reflects the Church's honor, respect, and submission to Christ as her head. This dynamic ensures that marriage is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the beauty and order of God's redemptive plan. When both spouses fulfill their distinct, God-given roles, the marriage becomes a vibrant testimony to the gospel, fostering an environment of mutual flourishing, spiritual growth, and deep intimacy.

* [Colossians 3:19](/colossians/3-19 "Colossians 3:19 - Husbands Love Your Wives")
* [1 Peter 3:1-7](/1_peter/3-1-7 "1 Peter 3:1-7 - Wives and Husbands")
* [Proverbs 12:4](/proverbs/12-4 "Proverbs 12:4 - A Virtuous Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:33 calls every Christian spouse to a profound level of intentionality and spiritual maturity within their marriage. For husbands, the command to love their wives "even as himself" is a lifelong pursuit of self-denial and active service. It means prioritizing her well-being, listening to her needs, protecting her, and nurturing her spiritual and emotional growth, just as Christ cherishes and sanctifies His Church. This love is not passive but proactive, requiring daily choices to put her first. For wives, the call to "reverence her husband" is an invitation to cultivate a deep respect and honor that acknowledges his God-given role and values his contributions. This reverence is expressed through supportive actions, appreciative words, and a willingness to trust his leadership, fostering an atmosphere of peace and mutual esteem. When both spouses commit to these distinct yet interdependent commands, their marriage transcends cultural norms and becomes a powerful, living demonstration of the gospel, bringing glory to God and fostering a secure, thriving environment for the family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Husbands, in what specific, tangible ways can you demonstrate sacrificial, Christ-like love for your wife this week?**
* **Wives, how can you intentionally cultivate and express deeper reverence and respect for your husband, even in areas of disagreement?**
* **How does your marriage, or how could it, more clearly reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church?**
* **What is one practical step you can take today to fulfill your individual responsibility in Ephesians 5:33, regardless of your spouse's actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "love" for the husband and "reverence" for the wife in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction lies in the specific Greek words used and their implications. For husbands, Paul uses *agapáō* (G25), which denotes a volitional, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love that seeks the highest good of the other, mirroring Christ's love for the Church. It's an active, giving love that prioritizes the wife's well-being. For wives, Paul uses *phobéō* (G5399), which in this context means profound respect, honor, and awe, not a cowering fear. It's akin to the "fear of the Lord" (as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")), recognizing and valuing the husband's person and his God-given role within the marriage. While different, these commands are complementary, creating a balanced and healthy marital dynamic where love fosters respect, and respect thrives in an environment of love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The husband's command to love his wife "even as himself" is a direct echo and application of Christ's own self-emptying love for His Church. Just as Christ "gave himself up for her" (as detailed in [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")), husbands are called to embody this same sacrificial, purifying, and nurturing love. This love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the wife's sanctification and flourishing, reflecting Christ's desire to present His Church "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Similarly, the wife's call to reverence her husband mirrors the Church's rightful and joyful submission to Christ as her Head. The Church honors, respects, and follows Christ's leadership because He first loved her and laid down His life for her. This mutual dynamic of Christ's loving headship and the Church's reverent response is the divine blueprint for marriage, making it a visible, tangible witness to the profound mystery of the gospel and the redemptive relationship between the Savior and His redeemed people, a relationship that began with Christ's incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")) and culminates in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

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.