Ephesians 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.
Ephesians 5:33
Verse 33 returns to practical application, summarizing the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives in light of the mystery. The command for the husband to love his wife as himself echoes Leviticus and Jesus’ calls to sacrificial love, while the wife’s reverence for her husband reflects a posture of respect that sustains relational harmony. The exhortation is not about domination or subservience but about love and order within the covenant. In the broader context of Ephesians 5, Paul’s aim is to shape the Christian household into a living picture of Christ and the church, where love, respect, and mutual submission reflect the gospel. The cultural setting prized roles but often misunderstood authority; Paul redirects authority toward service and sanctification.
This verse underscores two complementary behaviors that foster healthy community: sacrificial love and respectful response. Love in marriage, modeled after Christ’s love for the church, embodies self-giving, patience, and generosity. Reverence from the wife highlights the dignity and trust essential for unity. The theological theme is mutual submission within a Christ-centered relationship, resisting domination while embracing responsible leadership that serves. The verse also reinforces the gospel’s social dimension: transforming households to reflect divine order is part of God’s plan to redeem all of life.
Practically, couples can enact this by daily acts of love and respect. Husbands: lead with service—pray with your wife, listen deeply, initiate joint decisions, and sacrificially meet her needs. Wives: cultivate thoughtful, respectful encouragement, supporting your husband’s leadership while maintaining your own voice in healthy ways. In broader family life, model mutual care in parenting, finances, and decisions that affect the whole household. Churches can support marriage health through premarital and marriage ministry, teaching constructive communication and conflict resolution. A practical example: a couple sets a weekly check-in to discuss goals, schedules, and spiritual practices, ensuring both partners feel loved and respected.
Cross-References: Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5:25-28; Titus 2:4-5; Proverbs 31:10-12