Ephesians 5:25-27
What is written? (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 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.
What does it say?
Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Having been cleansed by the washing of water by the authority of His word, He sets the church apart in order that He might present her to Himselft in splendor, being holy and without any spot or blemish.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus giving encouragement and instruction. In this immediate context, Paul is instructing on household relationships. He speaks specifically to wives (vss 22-24, 33), to husbands (vss 25-33, 6:4), to children (6:1-3), and finally to the master-servant relationship (6:5-9).
How Ephesians 5:25-27 is applied across Bible answers
Top 5: Images of the church?
Christ is a metaphorical husband to the church ("her"), which He will "present to Himself" (exactly what John sees2). The church is to be holy and pure (like a bride).
