Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:24

What does Ephesians 5:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:24 means

Just as the church is subject to Christ, so wives are to be to their husbands “in everything.” The analogy sets the direction: willing, respectful alignment for the sake of unity and purpose. “In everything” does not sanction sin; all obedience is bounded by loyalty to the Lord. The emphasis is on the comprehensive posture rather than selective convenience. This verse upholds the goodness of ordered relationships when patterned after Christ’s loving rule. It anticipates that the husband’s leadership is sacrificial and sanctifying (vv. 25–27), making such submission not demeaning but part of a harmonious, Christ-honoring partnership within the covenant of marriage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And as the church is under Christ's authority, so let wives be under the rule of their husbands in all things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but even as the assembly is subject to Christ, so also <FI>are<Fi> the wives to their own husbands in everything.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore as the church is subject to Christ: so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But even as the assembly is subjected to the Christ, so also wives to their own husbands in everything.

Context

Building on Christ’s headship (v. 23), Paul applies the analogy to wives: as the church submits to Christ, wives to husbands in everything. Immediately, verse 25 will address husbands with a weighty command—to love as Christ loved the church, giving Himself. The subsequent verses will dwell on Christ’s sanctifying purpose, showing the character of leadership to which wives respond. Understanding this structure keeps the focus on Christ’s model shaping both sides of the marital relationship.

v.23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.

v.24This passage

v.25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ephesians 5:33

    Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:

  • Titus 2:7

    in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,

  • Colossians 3:20

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.

  • Titus 2:9

    Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;

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