Ephesians 5:26-27
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The phrase "by the word" doesn't just refer to spoken words, but to God's divine truth, specifically the Gospel, which is the active power that works with the water of baptism to cleanse and sanctify. This means that the outward ritual of baptism is intrinsically linked to the inner reality of God's truth, making the spiritual cleansing inseparable from the symbolic act.
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the incredible sacrifice of Christ for the Church, likening it to a husband's sacrificial love for his wife. He emphasizes that Christ gave himself up for the Church not out of obligation, but out of deep love, with the ultimate goal of presenting her to himself, pure and spotless. This verse details how Christ achieves this purification for his bride, the Church.
Ever wondered about the distinct actions Christ takes for His Church? This verse unpacks two crucial, yet related, steps.
Paul uses two powerful Greek words here to describe Christ's work on the Church: 'sanctify' (hagiasō) and 'cleansed' (katharisas).
These aren't just two words; they represent the negative and positive aspects of our salvation: first, freedom from sin, and second, dedication to God.
The imagery of a bride's purification points to something profound. What's the role of water and the Word in this spiritual washing?
The phrase 'washing of water with the word' is rich with meaning. It clearly alludes to baptism, the outward sign of our union with Christ.
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This combination signifies that our spiritual cleansing isn't just a ritual; it's deeply connected to the truth and power of God's Word, applied to us in the sacrament of baptism.
Understand the original words
hagiazō · Greek Verb
To set apart for a holy purpose or to make holy. In a theological sense, it refers to the process by which God the Holy Spirit progressively conforms believers to the image of Christ.
hagios · Greek Adjective
The state of being morally pure or set apart for God's use. Holiness is the essential attribute of God, and His people are called to participate in this purity through Christ.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
A gathered assembly of believers who belong to Christ. It refers to both the local congregation and the universal body of all who have been redeemed by Him.
amōmos · Greek Adjective
A state of being completely free from moral defect or stain. In the context of the church, it signifies the perfection achieved through Christ's sacrifice, rendering the believer acceptable before God.
c. 50-55 AD— this verse
Paul Writes Ephesians
Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, penned the letter to the Ephesians. This letter explores the profound unity of the church, both Jewish and Gentile believers, in Christ.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection form the theological bedrock of the church's identity and Christ's saving work. This event is the ultimate basis for the church's sanctification.
c. 30-60 AD
Spread of the Gospel and Formation of Early Churches
Following Pentecost, the apostles and early believers rapidly spread the Christian message across the Roman Empire, establishing numerous house churches and communities.
Early 1st Century AD
Practice of Baptism in the Early Church
Baptism, signifying repentance and inclusion in Christ's work, became a central rite in the early church, symbolizing cleansing and new life in Christ.
Jesus says, 'You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.' This highlights the connection between God's word and spiritual cleansing and sanctification.
1 Corinthians 6:11This verse lists past actions of believers: 'But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.' It parallels the cleansing and sanctification described in Ephesians 5, linking it to both the name of Jesus and the Spirit.
Titus 3:5Paul speaks of salvation not by works but by God's mercy, 'He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.' This passage, like Ephesians 5:26, connects washing, renewal, and the Holy Spirit in the context of salvation.
Hebrews 13:12The author states, 'So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.' This emphasizes that Christ's sacrificial death is the ultimate source of sanctification, which Ephesians 5:26 unpacks through the imagery of washing and the word.
1 Peter 3:21This verse connects baptism with the answer of a good conscience toward God, stating, 'Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience.' It resonates with Ephesians 5:26 by emphasizing that the outward act of washing is tied to an inward reality and the 'word' or appeal to God.
vincentEphesians 5:26: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"
Sanctify and cleanse (ἁγιάσῃ καθαρίσας)Rev., might sanctify, having cleansed. The Rev. brings out the proper succession of sanctification as a consequence of cleansing: might sanctify after having cleansed.With the washing of water (τῷ λουτρῷ τοῦ ὕδατος)Λουτρόν washing is properly laver. Note the article, the laver, as something well known. There is no satisfactory evidence for the meaning…
barnesEphesians 5:26: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"
That he might sanctify - The great object of the Redeemer was to purify and save the church. The meaning here is, that a husband is to manifest similar love toward his wife, and a similar desire that she should be prepared to "walk before him in white". And cleanse it with the washing of water - In all this there is an allusion doubtless to the various methods of purifying and cleansing those who were…
The phrase "by the word" doesn't just refer to spoken words, but to God's divine truth, specifically the Gospel, which is the active power that works with the water of baptism to cleanse and sanctify. This means that the outward ritual of baptism is intrinsically linked to the inner reality of God's truth, making the spiritual cleansing inseparable from the symbolic act.
Paul is explaining the incredible sacrifice of Christ for the Church, likening it to a husband's sacrificial love for his wife. He emphasizes that Christ gave himself up for the Church not out of obligation, but out of deep love, with the ultimate goal of presenting her to himself, pure and spotless. This verse details how Christ achieves this purification for his bride, the Church.
Paul is explaining the incredible sacrifice of Christ for the Church, likening it to a husband's sacrificial love for his wife. He emphasizes that Christ gave himself up for the Church not out of obligation, but out of deep love, with the ultimate goal of presenting her to himself, pure and spotless. This verse details how Christ achieves this purification for his bride, the Church.
"that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." — The phrase "by the word" doesn't just refer to spoken words, but to God's divine truth, specifically the Gospel, which is the active power that works with the water of baptism to cleanse and sancti…
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Last reviewed October 2026
