18.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with
the Spirit;
19.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20.
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21.
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head
of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives
be to their own husbands in every thing.
25.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it;
26.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by
the word,
27.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that
loveth his wife loveth himself.
29.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church:
30.
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined
unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32.
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the
church.
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 5:18-33
v
Questions About the Passage:
1.
Is the “filling of the Spirit” in verse 18 supposed to be compared or
contrasted to being “drunk with wine?”
2.
Noticing the grammatical continuation between verses 19 and 20, does
“giving thanks” literally mean to speak psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
and to sing melodiously in our hearts to the Lord?
3.
Is the submission spoken of in verse 22 done in the giving of thanks to
God or the actual “fear” of God?
4.
Does the “head” spoken of in verse 23 mean a leader, protector,
ruler, or authorizer?
5.
Is it acceptable to say that the interpretation of verse 24 is that just
as Jesus Christ is the perfect example for the church this is the reason why the
church should be “subject” to Christ? If
this is the case, then is this how the husband/wife relationship should be
fulfilled? Is this verse stating
that the husband should be the “perfect” example for the wife, and thus
cause her to literally want to be subject to him?
6.
What all does the word “love” entail in verse 25?
Is this a form of the “example?”
(See question 5.)
7.
Is the sanctification and cleansing of the wife spoken of in verse 26
accomplished through the edification and love of the husband?
8.
How does one properly “cherish” his wife as Christ “cherished”
the church?
9.
Are the “members” of the body spoken of in verse 30 an example of how
a man and woman become “one flesh” through a marriage relationship?
Is the word “joined” in verse 31 evidence of this?
10.
What is the “mystery” being spoken of here?
Is it the unfathomable mercy and grace extended upon a sinner by Jesus
Christ to accept him into the “body of Christ?”
v
Answers to Questions About the Passage:
1.
Is the “filling of the Spirit” in verse 18 supposed to be
compared or contrasted to being “drunk with wine?”
The “filling of the
Spirit” is a choice that is made by the individual person over the
choice of filling oneself with sensual pleasures.
2.
Noticing the grammatical continuation of verses 19 and 20, does
“giving thanks” literally mean to speak psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
and to sing melodiously in our hearts to the Lord?
The “giving [of] thanks”
is done as a person “speaks” and meditates upon the psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs. As he does this,
he can apply what he has meditated to his heart, and thus give thanks through
the melodious singing of his heart before the Lord.
3.
Does the “head” spoken of in verse 23mean a leader,
protector, ruler, or authorizer?
The word “head” in verse
23 is literally the “part most readily taken hold of.” This gives it the idea of being a leader and protector under
God’s appointed design.
4.
Is it acceptable to say
that the interpretation of verse 24 is that just as Jesus Christ is the perfect
example for the church this is the reason why the church should be “subject”
to Christ? If this is the case,
then is this how the husband/wife relationship should be fulfilled?
Is this verse stating that the husband should be the “perfect”
example for the wife, and thus cause her to literally want to be subject to him?
Yes, the verse is stating
that just as Christ is the perfect example for the church this is the reason
that the church is subject to Him. The
analogy continues to describe that the husband should follow this example for
the wife, who should be in subjection to him.
5.
What all does the word
“love” entail in verse 25? Is
this a form of the “example?”
The word “love” entails
all that Jesus Christ did for us through his death, burial, and resurrection.
It depicts the laying down of one’s life for another individual.
This mental concept of “giving” is what denotes this idea of love.
6.
What is the “mystery” being spoken of here?
Is it the unfathomable mercy and grace extended upon a sinner by Jesus
Christ to accept him into the “body of Christ?”
The “mystery” spoken of
here is two-fold. The part is that
“mystery” of the love which Jesus Christ has shown to the church through his
act of love by dying on the cross, be buried in a tomb, and rising again and
defeating death. The second part of
the “mystery” is that this form of love that Christ had for the church is
the same form of love that a man should have towards his wife.
Thus depicting a “death to self” and complete love be shown toward
the wife by the husband.
v
Word Studies:
q
Be Filled - 4137 pleroo
play-ro'-o
from 4134; to make replete,
i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to
furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a
period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.
Ø
Cross References:
·
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matthew 1:22
·
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all
principality and power:
Colossians 2:10
Ø
Application:
The
verse commands, “be filled with the Spirit.”
The idea of being filled literally means “to make replete, to
cram, level up.” It puts
God’s desire for our mental framework into perspective; we are to be
completely filled with the Holy Spirit, and therefore put aside any
sensual form of “drunkenness.”
If I personally will allow the Spirit to fill me, sensuality will
be put under control.
q
Speaking - 2980 laleo
lal-eh'-o
a prolonged form of an
otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words
Ø
Cross References:
·
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Acts 9:29
·
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable
words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
2 Corinthians 12:4
Ø
Observation:
This
term literally means what it says:
“to talk.” Thus,
in context with the verse, a person is to speak Scripture to himself.
This would be a form of meditation, which would ultimately give
thanks to God when the individual personally applies the meditated
Scripture to his own life.
q
Giving Thanks - 2168 eucharisteo yoo-khar-is-teh'-o
from 2170; to be grateful,
i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a
meal
Ø
Cross References:
·
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God
which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1 Corinthians 1:4
·
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which
art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power,
and hast reigned.
Revelation 11:17
Ø
Application:
The
Greek interpretation for “giving thanks” is to “(actively) express
gratitude (towards).” As
allow myself to “speak” and meditate upon the Scripture, I will then
be able to apply the Scripture to my own life.
As I apply the Scripture, I will begin to “actively” express
my thanks to God through the change in my life.
This would be a way to give thanks “always for all things unto
God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
q
Fear - 5401 phobos fob'-os
from a primary phebomai (to
be put in fear); alarm or fright
Ø
Cross References:
·
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
1 Peter 3:15
·
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
Ø
Application:
The verse reads,
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
The Greek interpretation for “fear” is derived from the word phembomai,
which means, “to be put in fear.” This
makes the verse become very personal to me as I realize that I am the only one
who can submit myself under the “fear of God.”
To have an understanding of the Almighty power of God and the utter
depravity of man humbles a person into this fear. If I would personally apply this submission to my own life, I
would be able to fear the Lord properly, and then partake in the “beginning
of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
q
Submit Yourselves - 5293 hupotasso hoop-ot-as'-so
from 5259 and 5021; to
subordinate; reflexively, to obey
Ø
Cross References:
·
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Romans 8:20
·
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;
that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the
conversation of the wives;
1 Peter 3:1
Ø
Observation:
The
Greek interpretation of “submit yourselves” means “to subordinate;
reflexively, to obey.” This
idea denotes a form of complete obedience and trust in the authority.
This is the form of respect the wife should have to her husband.
When the husband is fulfilling the commands set forth upon him by
God, this will provide the grounds for a Godly marriage relationship.
q
Head - 2776 kephale
kef-al-ay'
from the primary kapto (in
the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of),
literally or figuratively
Ø
Cross References:
·
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst
not make one hair white or black.
Matthew 5:36
·
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which
is become the head of the corner.
Acts 4:11
Ø
Observation:
The
“head” is defined and described as being “the part most readily
taken hold of.” This
denotes the idea of the highest form of superiority and protection.
In context to the verse, it means that just as Christ is the
superior protection for the church, so should the husband be the
superior protection for the wife. However,
for the husband to fulfill this position, he must be under complete
obedience and sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
q
Church - 1577 ekklesia
ek-klay-see'-ah
from a compound of 1537 and
a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting,
especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of
members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
Ø
Cross References:
·
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it.
Matthew 16:18
·
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye
endure:
2 Thessalonians 1:4
Ø
Observation:
The
word “church” has many different basic meanings.
However, in the context to which it is used in this verse, it
means the “religious congregation,” or those who are “call[ed]
out.” Thus, analogically, the church is compared to the wife in
that both are to be in subjection to their authorities: Jesus Christ and the husband respectively.
Again, just as Jesus Christ fulfilled all the necessary
requirements to be an Upright King over the church, so must the husband
fulfill his requirements for this form of subjection to be done in the
way for which God intends.
q
Love - 25 agapao
ag-ap-ah'-o
perhaps from agan (much) (or
compare 5689); to love (in a social or moral sense)
Ø
Cross References:
·
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have
ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Matthew 5:46
·
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
Ø
Observation:
The
term “love” here is literal, in that it is the giving of oneself for
a given purpose. Just as
Christ gave Himself through love by dying on the cross, so should the
husband give himself to the wife by loving her through a personal
“death” to self in Christ. When this personal “death” is conquered through the grace
of God, the husband will be able to perfectly love his wife.
q
Sanctify - 37 hagiazo
hag-ee-ad'-zo
from 40; to make holy, i.e.
(ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
Ø
Cross References:
·
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in
heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:9
·
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people
with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Hebrews 13:12
Ø
Observation:
This idea of “sanctify”
is interpreted from the Greek as to “(ceremonially) purify or consecrate.”
Through the marriage “ceremony” before the Lord, the man is
committing himself to the Lord and his wife.
When this and proper death to self (see observation on “Love”) is
done, the husband is then able to lead the couple in sanctification and
cleansing before the Lord. This
will purify and consecrate their marriage to the Lord.
q
Without Blemish - 299 amomos am'-o-mos
from 1 (as a negative
particle) and 3470; unblemished (literally or figuratively)
Ø
Cross References:
·
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Ephesians 1:4
·
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jude 1:24
Ø
Observation:
The
Greek term for “without blemish” literally means “unblemished.” This denotes the idea of not having any stain or mar in the
moral tapestry of one’s character.
In context to the verse, it speaks of being holy and just in the
sight of God. This is the
end result of a marriage relationship that follows God’s specific and
detailed design for marriage.
q
Bodies - 4983 soma
so'-mah
from 4982; the body (as a
sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Ø
Cross References:
·
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen
clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
John 19:40
·
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I
give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3
Ø
Observation:
The
Greek interpretation of the word “bodies” is literally “the body
(as a sound whole).” Thus,
in context to the verse, men should love their wife through a
relationship that is “soundly whole.”
This once again requires both parties to be in complete
submission and subjection to the laws that God has ordained for their
individual person within the marriage relationship.
q
Cherisheth - 2282 thalpo
thal'-po
probably akin to thallo (to
warm); to brood, i.e. (figuratively) to foster
Ø
Cross References:
·
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth
her children:
1 Thessalonians 2:7
Ø
Observation:
The
word “cherisheth” is translated from the original Greek as meaning
“to brood . . .to foster.” This
idea of nurturing depicts the nurturing that should be found within the
marriage relationship as given from the husband toward his wife.
The analogy from within the verse compares how the Lord takes
care of and provides for the church, so should the husband do for the
wife.
q
Members - 3196 melos
mel'-os
of uncertain affinity; a
limb or part of the body
Ø
Cross References:
·
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:13
·
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and
covetousness, which is idolatry:
Colossians 3:5
·
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not
hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
James 4:1
Ø
Application:
The word “members”
literally means “a limb or part of the body” in the Greek language.
It is very important that I should understand that I am a
“member” of the body of Christ. Within
the context of the verse, it says we are members of his body, flesh, and bones.
The fact that we are a part of the “bones” is very important.
This is because the bones are the manufacturing place for blood.
Because the picture being presented here is the analogy of Christ and the
Church, we are “members” of the body of Christ (the Church). Because our “membership” extends to the “bones,” we
become the very blood “lifeline” of the church.
Personally, this exhorts me to be a more complete member of the body of
Christ, which is an area that I can most definitely improve in.
q
Joined - 4347 proskollao
pros-kol-lah'-o
from 4314 and 2853; to glue
to, i.e. (figuratively) to adhere
Ø
Cross References:
·
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall
cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Matthew
19:5
·
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be
somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves:
who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to
nought.
Acts
5:36
Ø
Observation:
The
word “joined” in the Greek means “to glue to . . . to adhere.”
In context to the verse, this is the result of a marriage
relationship that is centered on the “cause” for which God intended
the marriage to fulfill. This
“cause” is the subjection the wife is to have towards the husband,
and the love that the husband is to express towards his wife.
When this is done, it fulfills the desire of God for the two to
be “joined” together.
q
Mystery - 3466 musterion
moos-tay'-ree-on
from a derivative of muo (to
shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence
imposed by initiation into religious rites)
Ø
Cross References:
·
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened
to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Romans 11:25
·
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Colossians 2:2
Ø
Observation:
The
“mystery” is literally translated from the Greek as “a secret.” Here, Paul is speaking of the secret that he has just
expressed through the passage of Ephesians 5:18-31.
The mystery is comprised of two realizations: the first being the expression of love, nurture, and
salvation given by Jesus Christ to the church, and the second being the
understanding that the Godly marriage relationship is a perfect
“type” of this expression by Jesus Christ.
q
Reverence - 5399 phobeo
fob-eh'-o
from 5401; to frighten, i.e.
(passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere
Ø
Cross References:
·
But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done
in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
Mark 5:33
·
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye
his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Revelation 19:5
Ø
Observation:
The
word “reverence” is translated from the Greek as being
“(passively) alarmed . . . to be in awe of.”
This awe depicts the respect that should be given from the wife
to the Godly husband in a marriage relationship.
However, the important point should still be emphasized that this
awe and respect will only be shown in its God-ordained way when the
husband is striving to fill his God-given responsibilities within the
marriage relationship.
v
Personal Observation of the Passage:
After
writing the above stated observations, I have noticed that I balanced the
commands given to the wife in this passage with the required
responsibilities given by God to the husband.
This is not meant to say that there is a “give-and-take” type of
relationship between the husband and wife.
Instead, it is to show the God’s desired functioning within the
marriage relationship. The wife
should always be in submission to her husband, unless he is violating
Scripture. The husband should
always love, nourish, and cherish his wife from a Godly perspective, no
matter her submission or subjection. Never
did I mean to be unclear in these areas during my writing of the above
observations.
v
Paraphrase of the Passage in the First Person:
1.
I should not desire to fill myself with sensual pleasures, but should
instead fill myself to overflowing with God’s Holy Spirit;
2.
Speaking and meditating upon the Scriptures, and singing melodiously
from my heart to the Lord;
3.
Thus, in applying meditated things to my life, I can give thanks in
every situation to God in the Name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ;
4.
As I continue to apply Scripture to my life and give thanks to the
Lord for all He has done, I will be more ready to humble and submit myself to
others because I will have realized my depravity in the sight of God.
5.
The wife should come under the Divinely appointed leadership and
protection of the husband, just like they should have done to the Lord.
6.
Because the husband is the leader, protector, and guide of the
wife, just as Jesus Christ is the leader, protector, and guide of the church.
7.
Just as the church is under the superior Sovereignty of Jesus Christ,
so also should the wife be under the Godly superiority of her husbands in every
aspect of life.
8.
Husbands are to love their wife in every aspect by dying to his
personal self as Christ gave His life for the church,
9.
Thus in doing so, the husband will be able to ceremoniously
consecrate the marriage relationship in the sight of God through the purifying
power of His Word,
10.
So that the marriage relationship can be presented in complete
holiness before the Lord, without having any stain on the moral tapestry of the
marriage relationship.
11.
A man should love his wife in the same way that he loves his own
body, because she becomes a part of his body at the consummation of the
marriage.
12.
Because of this, no man has ever hated his own self, but instead
takes care of and nurtures it. This
is what he is to do to his wife, and is what Jesus Christ has done for the
church.
13.
Jesus Christ has done this because we as Christians are individual
parts of His body, even down to the actual lifeline of the blood.
14.
For the cause of sanctification and holiness before the Lord in
correctly fulfilling the duties imposed upon him by the marriage relationship is
the reason why a man should leave his family under the appointed authority of
his parents, and be joined together with his wife through the God-ordained
principles of marriage.
15.
The love of Christ shown towards the church, and the analogy spoken
of here between husband and wife is the great mystery, or secret, of this
passage.
16.
Under all conditions, let every single man love his wife as God has
ordained him to do, and let the wife completely respect and be in awe of her
husband as God has ordained her to do.
v
Personal Applications Drawn From the Passage:
1.
I need to make a more personal commitment in the area of filling myself
with the Holy Spirit instead of sensual things.
2.
I need to be more aware of my need for meditation upon Scripture and the
engrafting of it in my soul so I can appropriately show thanks to God for what
He has done for me.
3.
I need to be humble before the Lord in my approach towards Him by
understanding the depraved state of my natural, fleshly man, and the Exalted
Holiness of He and His Throne.
4.
I, as a future husband (as the Lord wills), need to be more committed to
the Lord to show love to my wife as the Lord has commanded me to do.
5.
I need to ground myself under the Divinely appointed authority that God
has for me right now so that I can be under His authority when I am
passed to that point by the approval of my parents in a marriage relationship.
6.
I need to be a stronger member of the body of Christ by understanding
that as a member, I am a part of the “bones,” or the actual lifeline of
Christ’s “body” here on earth.
7.
I need to purpose now to love my future wife in the same way that Christ
loved the church, and build upon that purpose through current meditation and
application of Scripture in my own life.