Ephesians 5:29
What does Ephesians 5:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 5:29 means
Paul appeals to a universal human pattern: people do not hate their own bodies; they “nourish and cherish” them. This instinct becomes a moral pointer in marriage. A husband should meet his wife’s needs and tenderly care for her, just as he does for himself—indeed, more so, since in marriage she is part of him. The model again is Christ, who nourishes and cherishes the church. His care is attentive, patient, and strengthening. This rebukes harshness and neglect and commends steady, life-giving leadership. Love is not abstract; it feeds, protects, and warms, echoing the Shepherd’s care for His flock and the Savior’s care for His body.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For no man ever had hate for his flesh; but he gives it food and takes care of it, even as Christ does for the church;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for no one ever his own flesh did hate, but doth nourish and cherish it, as also the Lord--the assembly,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the church:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For no one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Christ the assembly:
Context
Expanding on loving one’s wife as one’s own body (v. 28), Paul adds the natural analogy of self-care, then immediately anchors it in Christ’s care for the church. Verse 30 will state that believers are members of His body, tightening the connection. From there, Paul will cite Genesis 2:24 (v. 31) to ground marital unity in creation design, then unveil its deeper significance as a mystery pointing to Christ and the church (v. 32).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
- Ezekiel 34:27
And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those that made bondmen of them.
- Ezekiel 34:14
I will feed them with good pasture; and upon the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
- Romans 1:31
without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:
- Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.
- Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.
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