Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:32

What does Ephesians 5:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:32 means

The “mystery” of marriage is “great” because, beyond its creation design, it ultimately points to “Christ and the church.” In God’s plan, the covenantal, one-flesh bond prefigures the saving union between the Savior and His people. This does not erase marriage’s earthly reality; it elevates it as a living parable of the gospel. Christ’s headship and sacrificial love, and the church’s trusting submission, find reflection in a Christian marriage. Understanding this mystery reshapes priorities in the home: spouses see their relationship as a witness to Christ’s love and the church’s devotion, aiming to display the beauty of that greater union.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

This is a great secret: but my words are about Christ and the church.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

this secret is great, and I speak in regard to Christ and to the assembly;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

This is a great sacrament: but I speak in Christ and in the church.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly.

Context

Having quoted Genesis 2:24 (v. 31), Paul reveals its fuller meaning unveiled in Christ: marriage signifies the union of Christ and the church. This theological climax explains why he has grounded marital roles in the gospel. Verse 33 will then return to practical instruction—a summary charge to husbands to love and to wives to respect—so that the profound mystery yields concrete, everyday obedience that honors Christ.

v.31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.

v.32This passage

v.33Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

Cross references

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

  • Song of Solomon 1:1

    The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s.

  • Isaiah 54:5

    For thy Maker is thy husband; Jehovah of hosts is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is thy Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called.

  • Revelation 19:7

    Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

  • Isaiah 62:4

    Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

  • Psalms 45:9

    Kings’ daughters are among thy honorable women: At thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:2

    For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

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