Ephesians 5:28
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Ephesians 5:28
Verse 28: “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” Paul uses a striking, concrete image: a husband should care for his wife as he cares for his own body. This reflects the unity of two persons into one life, echoing Genesis 2 and Jesus’ teaching on marriage. Love functions as nourishment, protection, and provision. When a husband loves well, it sustains the wife’s well-being and, by extension, the health of the whole family and community. This verse is not about sentimentality but about practical, ongoing acts of blessing, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment. It also guards against self-centeredness: two become one, so harming or neglecting the spouse harms oneself. The broader context continues to unpack how husbands and wives relate in light of the gospel.
Theologically, this verse anchors the gospel’s ethic in marriage: love is expansive, sacrificial, and mutual. It grounds the husband’s responsibility in Christ’s own model of love for the church, which includes sacrifice, renewal, and care for the other’s good. This is a concrete expression of unity, a microcosm of how God intends community to function. It also underscores the inherent dignity and worth of spouses, calling both to self-giving love that respects the other as an integral part of God’s creation.
Practical steps: husbands, demonstrate love through small and large acts—sharing workloads, prioritizing your spouse’s needs, and supporting her growth. Consider regular “love checks”—questions like, “What can I do this week to help you feel cherished?” Wives, respond with appreciation, clear communication about needs, and participation in shared decisions. Build routines that reinforce intimacy: weekly check-ins, date nights, mutual spiritual disciplines, and joint service projects. In broader relationships, apply the principle by treating others with the care you give yourself—practical kindness, honest communication, and generosity.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 7:3; Colossians 3:19; Genesis 2:24; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25