Ephesians 5:33
However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the husband's love is commanded to be like his own self, the wife's duty is described by a word that means "to show respect," "to honor," or even "to be in awe of." This isn't about control, but about recognizing the divinely established order within the marriage, where the wife's response is a deep, respectful deference to her husband.
Paul returns to the practical duties of marriage, directly addressing husbands and wives after drawing a profound analogy between Christ's love for the Church and marital commitment. He clarifies that while the ultimate model is Christ, this spiritual union translates into specific earthly responsibilities within the home, wrapping up his extended discussion on the topic.
The Bible doesn't just ask for love in marriage; it defines it in a way that can transform how we see our spouse and ourselves. What if loving your spouse means loving yourself in a profound new way?
The apostle Paul, after discussing the deep mystery of Christ's love for the Church, brings it back to the practical reality of marriage. He commands, "let each one of you love his wife as himself."
This isn't about a superficial affection or just treating your spouse kindly. The word "as" (Greek: hos) suggests a deep identification.
A Unified Identity
The wife's role is often misunderstood, but the Bible is clear: respect for her husband is not a sign of weakness, but a vital element for marital harmony. What does this 'reverence' truly look like?
The second part of the verse addresses the wife's responsibility: "and let the wife see that she respects her husband." This word for 'respect' is significant.
More Than Just Politeness
Understand the original words
agapatō · Greek Verb
The Greek word 'agape' denotes a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of personal cost or the merit of the recipient.
phobētai · Greek Verb
In this context, it signifies a deep-seated reverence, honor, and esteem for the husband, acknowledging his God-ordained role and seeking to uphold his position within the marriage covenant.
This verse directly echoes Genesis 2:24, which describes the original institution of marriage where a man leaves his parents to cleave to his wife, and they become 'one flesh.' This foundational text highlights the deep unity and bond that should exist between husband and wife, reinforcing the call for mutual love and respect.
1 Peter 3:7Peter echoes Paul's instruction here, urging husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, and as heirs with them of the grace of life. This passage emphasizes the 'honor' (similar to reverence) the wife is due and the understanding love the husband should give.
Colossians 3:18-19These verses provide a more concise parallel, instructing wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them. This directly mirrors the dual commands in Ephesians 5:33, presenting the practical application of these roles within the household.
Proverbs 31:10-31While this passage describes the 'virtuous wife,' its depiction of her character – industrious, wise, kind, and respected – inherently points to the kind of wife who would naturally inspire and receive love and reverence, fulfilling the latter half of Ephesians 5:33.
vincentEphesians 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."
NeverthelessNot to dwell longer on the mystical aspect of the subject.Even as himselfNot as much as he loves himself, but as being his very self.
barnesEphesians 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 - The apostle here resumes the subject which he had been discussing in Ephesians 5:21-29 , and says that it was the duty of every man to love his wife as he did himself. This was the main topic, from which he had been diverted by the discussion respecting the love which the Redeemer had shown for his church. And the wife see that she r…
While the husband's love is commanded to be like his own self, the wife's duty is described by a word that means "to show respect," "to honor," or even "to be in awe of." This isn't about control, but about recognizing the divinely established order within the marriage, where the wife's response is a deep, respectful deference to her husband.
Paul returns to the practical duties of marriage, directly addressing husbands and wives after drawing a profound analogy between Christ's love for the Church and marital commitment. He clarifies that while the ultimate model is Christ, this spiritual union translates into specific earthly responsibilities within the home, wrapping up his extended discussion on the topic.
Paul returns to the practical duties of marriage, directly addressing husbands and wives after drawing a profound analogy between Christ's love for the Church and marital commitment. He clarifies that while the ultimate model is Christ, this spiritual union translates into specific earthly responsibilities within the home, wrapping up his extended discussion on the topic.
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"However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." — While the husband's love is commanded to be like his own self, the wife's duty is described by a word that means "to show respect," "to honor," or even "to be in awe of." This isn't about control, bu…
