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Ephesians 5:2

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And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

And {G2532} walk {G4043} in {G1722} love {G26}, as {G2531} Christ {G5547} also {G2532} hath loved {G25} us {G2248}, and {G2532} hath given {G3860} himself {G1438} for {G5228} us {G2257} an offering {G4376} and {G2532} a sacrifice {G2378} to God {G2316} for {G1519} a sweetsmelling {G2175} savour {G3744}.

and live a life of love, just as also the Messiah loved us, indeed, on our behalf gave himself up as an offering, as a slaughtered sacrifice to God with a pleasing fragrance.

and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)

Ephesians 5:2 is a profound call to imitate God's love in our daily lives, building directly on the previous verse's command to "be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian conduct: living a life characterized by sacrificial love, mirroring the ultimate example set by Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's practical exhortations in the latter half of his letter to the Ephesians, following his theological explanations of God's grace and salvation. Chapter 4 concludes with specific instructions on how believers should live, emphasizing unity, truthfulness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). Chapter 5 opens with a direct command to emulate God's character, particularly His love, and then immediately grounds this command in Christ's own actions.

Key Themes

  • Walking in Love: The phrase "walk in love" signifies a continuous, active lifestyle permeated by love. It's not merely an emotion but a principle that governs all actions and relationships, akin to the command to love one another as Christ has loved us. This love is selfless and outward-focused.
  • Christ as the Pattern: Jesus Christ serves as the supreme example of this love. His willingness to "give himself for us" demonstrates the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, providing redemption and reconciliation with God. This act of giving is the standard for Christian love.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: Christ's self-giving is described as "an offering and a sacrifice." This language immediately evokes Old Testament sacrificial practices, yet points to Christ's unique, once-for-all atoning sacrifice that cleanses from sin and makes reconciliation possible.
  • A Sweetsmelling Savour: This evocative phrase, osmē euōdias in Greek, means a "fragrance of a good smell" or "pleasing aroma." It draws from the Old Testament concept of sacrifices that were pleasing and acceptable to God (e.g., Noah's sacrifice in Genesis 8:21). Christ's sacrifice was perfectly pleasing to God, fulfilling all righteousness and demonstrating divine love and justice. For believers, walking in love becomes a spiritual offering that is also pleasing to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "walk" (peripateō) often means to conduct one's life or behave. It implies a continuous, habitual action. The term "offering" (prosphora) refers to a presentation or gift, while "sacrifice" (thysia) specifically denotes an offering made to God. Together, they emphasize the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work. The phrase "sweetsmelling savour" (osmē euōdias) is a common Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) rendering for a pleasing aroma from an acceptable sacrifice, highlighting God's delight in Christ's obedience and self-giving.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:2 calls believers to live a life of active, selfless love, mirroring Christ's example. This means:

  • Self-Sacrifice: Being willing to put the needs and well-being of others before our own, even when it costs us something. This can manifest in small acts of kindness or significant personal sacrifices.
  • Forgiveness and Grace: Extending grace and forgiveness to others, just as Christ extended it to us (see Colossians 3:13).
  • Imitation of Christ: Constantly asking, "How would Christ respond?" and striving to embody His character in our interactions, attitudes, and decisions. Our lives, when lived in love, become a pleasing offering to God.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • John 13:34 (30 votes)

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • Galatians 2:20 (26 votes)

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  • Colossians 3:14 (20 votes)

    And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:15 (17 votes)

    For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:14 (10 votes)

    Let all your things be done with charity.

  • Titus 2:14 (10 votes)

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Matthew 20:28 (10 votes)

    Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.