For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Read it in contextHusbands and wives
Start reading at Ephesians 5:22 (Ephesians 5:22 to Ephesians 5:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul applies the preceding appeal to marriage, using Christ's love for the church to define the husband's self-giving responsibility.
5:22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
5:23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
5:24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
5:25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
5:28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
5:29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
5:30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 4:1–5:33): Paul instructs the believers about unity and conduct, then speaks particularly to wives and husbands. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Husbands and wives. Read Ephesians 5:22 through Ephesians 5:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul applies the preceding appeal to marriage, using Christ's love for the church to define the husband's self-giving responsibility. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:22 to Ephesians 5:33).
Start reading at Ephesians 5:22. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul grounds loving conduct in Christ's self-giving while warning that sexual immorality and covetousness are incompatible with inheritance in the kingdom.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the preceding appeal to marriage, using Christ's love for the church to define the husband's self-giving responsibility.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.