CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 5:26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/49_Eph_05_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 5:26 - Wives and Husbands" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/5-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/5-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm" title="Ephesians 5:25">◄</a> Ephesians 5:26 <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm" title="Ephesians 5:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/5.htm">New International Version</a> to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. <a href="/esv/ephesians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water by the word, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], <a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. <a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. <a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He did this to make the church holy by cleansing it, washing it using water along with spoken words. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> He did this to dedicate the church to God by his word, after making it clean by washing it in water, <a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word, <a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, <a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, <a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order to make her holy, cleansing her with the baptismal water by the word, <a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that He might sanctify it, having cleansed [it] with the bathing of the water in the saying, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water by the word, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the bathing of the water in the saying, <a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> That he might consecrate it, having cleansed by the washing of water in the word,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life: <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so that he might sanctify her, washing her clean by water and the Word of life, <a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That he might sanctify and cleanse it, by the washing of water and by the word, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> To sanctify and purify her in the washing of water and in the word.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in order that he might sanctify her, having purified her by the washing of water through the word, <a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word, <a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word, <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order to make her holy, cleansing her with the baptismal water by the word, <a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of the water in the word, <a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, <a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1007" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Wives and Husbands</a> …25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26<a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/37.htm" title="37: hagiasē (V-ASA-3S) -- From hagios; to make holy, i.e. purify or consecrate; to venerate.">sanctify</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēn (PPro-AF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her,</a> <a href="/greek/2511.htm" title="2511: katharisas (V-APA-NMS) -- To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse.">cleansing her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">by the</a> <a href="/greek/3067.htm" title="3067: loutrō (N-DNS) -- A bath (of water, not the vessel), water for washing, washing. From louo; a bath, i.e., baptism.">washing</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5204.htm" title="5204: hydatos (N-GNS) -- Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.">with water</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">through</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmati (N-DNS) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">the word,</a> 27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/15-3.htm">John 15:3</a> You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a> Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a> let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22-23</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. / For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a> And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. <a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a> Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. <a href="/1_john/5-6.htm">1 John 5:6</a> This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a> and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a> But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— <a href="/romans/6-4.htm">Romans 6:4</a> We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. <a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a> I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a> Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-18</a> Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” / “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,he.<a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17-19</a> Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth… <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a> To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a> And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.with.<a href="/ezekiel/16-9.htm">Ezekiel 16:9</a> Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.<a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25</a> Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.<a href="/zechariah/13-1.htm">Zechariah 13:1</a> In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.by.<a href="/john/15-8.htm">John 15:8</a> Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.<a href="/john/17-7.htm">John 17:7</a> Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.<a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a> Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Bathing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/acts/15-9.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/acts/15-9.htm">Cleansing</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/acts/21-26.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/john/17-19.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-4.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/15-13.htm">Bathing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Cleansing</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Order</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a> 3. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a> 4. <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a> 15. <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a> 22. <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a> 32. <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>to sanctify her The phrase "to sanctify her" refers to the process of making something holy or setting it apart for a sacred purpose. In the context of <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26</a>, it speaks to Christ's work in the church, His bride. Sanctification is a key theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformation and purification of believers. In the Old Testament, sanctification involved rituals and sacrifices (<a href="/exodus/29-43.htm">Exodus 29:43-44</a>), but in the New Testament, it is primarily a spiritual process accomplished through Christ's sacrifice (<a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">Hebrews 10:10</a>). This sanctification is both a positional reality, as believers are declared holy through faith in Christ, and a progressive process, as they grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-4</a>).cleansing her The cleansing mentioned here is symbolic of spiritual purification. In the ancient world, cleansing rituals were common in both Jewish and pagan practices, often involving water as a symbol of purification. In the New Testament, cleansing is closely associated with forgiveness of sins and moral purity (1 <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>). This cleansing is made possible through the blood of Christ, which washes away sin (<a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a>). The imagery of cleansing also connects to the idea of the church as the bride of Christ, who is made pure and spotless for her union with Him (<a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-8</a>).by the washing with water This phrase evokes the imagery of baptism, a rite of initiation and purification in the Christian faith. Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (<a href="/romans/6-3.htm">Romans 6:3-4</a>). It represents the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ (<a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Acts 22:16</a>). The use of water in this context highlights the cleansing and renewing work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and renews believers (<a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a>). The washing with water is not merely a physical act but signifies an inward spiritual transformation.through the word The "word" here refers to the message of the Gospel and the Scriptures as a whole. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and minds (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>). It is through the Word that believers are taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained in righteousness (<a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a>). The Word acts as a cleansing agent, purifying the believer's heart and mind (<a href="/john/15-3.htm">John 15:3</a>). In the context of <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26</a>, the Word is instrumental in the sanctification process, as it reveals God's will and empowers believers to live holy lives. The connection between the Word and cleansing underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of the church and individual believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_at_ephesus.htm">The Church at Ephesus</a> The recipients of the letter, the Ephesian church was a significant early Christian community located in the city of Ephesus, a major center of trade and culture in the Roman Empire. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to this passage, Christ is depicted as the one who sanctifies and cleanses the church, His bride, through His sacrificial love and the power of His word. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church (Bride of Christ)</a> Symbolically referred to as the bride, the church is the collective body of believers whom Christ loves and purifies. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_word.htm">The Word</a> Refers to the message of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ, which have the power to cleanse and sanctify believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sanctification_through_the_word.htm">Sanctification through the Word</a> The process of sanctification involves being set apart for God's purposes. This is achieved through the transformative power of God's word, which cleanses and renews our minds and hearts. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_christ_in_cleansing.htm">The Role of Christ in Cleansing</a> Christ's love for the church is demonstrated in His desire to present her holy and blameless. His sacrificial act and His word are the means by which believers are purified. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_in_daily_life.htm">The Importance of Scripture in Daily Life</a> Engaging with Scripture regularly is crucial for spiritual growth and cleansing. It acts as a mirror, revealing areas in need of change and guiding us toward holiness. <a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_water.htm">The Symbolism of Water</a> Water is a powerful symbol of purification and renewal. Just as water cleanses the body, the word of God cleanses the soul, making us new creations in Christ. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_the_bride_of_christ.htm">Living as the Bride of Christ</a> As members of the church, we are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as the bride of Christ, striving for purity and holiness in our daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 5</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'washing_by_the_word'_mean.htm">What does "washing of water by the word" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_emotional_intelligence.htm">What does 'washing of water by the word' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_at_the_antioch_incident.htm">What is the washing of regeneration?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_washing_of_regeneration.htm">What is the washing of regeneration?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it . . .--The true rendering is, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it in the laver of the water in [the] Word. The reference in "the laver of the water" to baptism, is even more unquestionable than in "the laver of regeneration" of <a href="/titus/3-5.htm" title="Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;">Titus 3:5</a>. Hence we must conclude that the phrase "in the Word" is in some way connected with that sacrament. Of the two Greek words translated "word," the one here used is that which signifies not "the word" existing as a definite thought in the mind, but "the word" as audibly spoken. It has, indeed, in the original no article, but this is probably because it had assumed so technical a sense as to resemble a proper name; and it is best connected with the phrase "having cleansed it," thus being coordinated, not subordinated, to the "laver of the water." Accordingly it would seem to signify all that element of baptism which is "in word"--that is, the question of faith, "the answer of a good conscience" (<a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm" title="The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:">1Peter 3:21</a>), and, lastly, the solemn formula of baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." If we are to single out any of these, we must surely (with Chrysostom) take the last. But it is better to embrace the whole, and so include the whole spiritual element of baptism, both the acceptance of faith on the part of man, and the grace-giving blessing of God.To "sanctify" is here to consecrate to Himself (comp. <a href="/john/17-17.htm" title="Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.">John 17:17</a>; <a href="/john/17-19.htm" title="And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.">John 17:19</a>) after purification. In the same connection we have in <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm" title="And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.">1Corinthians 6:11</a>, "Ye were washed, ye were sanctified, ye were justified." In virtue of such consecration the Church visible is "holy" in idea and in capacity--the Church invisible here (which will be the Church triumphant hereafter), holy in the actual purity which becomes a consecrated nature. Of such consecration baptism is unquestionably the means; as we see in command in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm" title="Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:">Matthew 28:19</a>, and in fact in <a href="/acts/2-38.htm" title="Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.">Acts 2:38</a>; <a href="/acts/2-41.htm" title="Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.">Acts 2:41</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word. The immediate object of Christ was to cleanse her, and for this end he used the Word as a purifying agent, washing her by means of it. The difference between selfish and unselfish love is seen here: a selfish lover cares for his wife in his own interest - like Samson, desires to have her simply because she pleases him, and, in his converse with her, thinks, not of her good, but of his own enjoyment; but the love of an unselfish lover constrains him to seek her good, to do nothing that will hurt her and damage her in any manner of way, but to do everything that he believes will advance her well-being, especially in the highest sense. He finds her polluted (comp. <a href="/ezekiel/16.htm">Ezekiel 16</a>.), and his great instrument of cleansing is "the Word" (comp. <a href="/john/15-3.htm">John 15:3</a>; <a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a>) - the Word in all its searching, humbling, rebuking, correcting, informing, stimulating, refreshing, consoling power. There is no express allusion to baptism, τῷ λουτρῷ τοῦ ὕδατος is explained by ἐν ῤήματι, "the Word" being the great sanctifying medium, and baptism a figure (<a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">1 Peter 3:21</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. sanctify ἁγιάσῃ (hagiasē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_37.htm">Strong's 37: </a> From hagios; to make holy, i.e. purify or consecrate; to venerate. her, αὐτὴν (autēn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. cleansing [her] καθαρίσας (katharisas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2511.htm">Strong's 2511: </a> To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse. by the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. washing λουτρῷ (loutrō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3067.htm">Strong's 3067: </a> A bath (of water, not the vessel), water for washing, washing. From louo; a bath, i.e., baptism. with water ὕδατος (hydatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5204.htm">Strong's 5204: </a> Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively. through ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] word, ῥήματι (rhēmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify it having cleansed (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 5:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>