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Ephesians 5:32 This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
<!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 5:32 This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/49_Eph_05_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 5:32 - Wives and Husbands" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." /><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'; 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but I speak as to Christ and as to the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />This mystery [of two becoming one] is great; but I am speaking with reference to [the relationship of] Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is a great mystery. (I'm talking about Christ's relationship to the church.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is a deep secret truth revealed in this scripture, which I understand as applying to Christ and the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is a great secret, but I am talking about the Messiah and the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is great--but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />That is a great truth hitherto kept secret: I mean the truth concerning Christ and the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and the assembly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />this secret is great, and I speak in regard to Christ and to the Assembly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />This mystery is great; but I speak as to Christ and as to the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> this secret is great, and I speak in regard to Christ and to the assembly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />This is a great mystery: but I speak to Christ and to the church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />This is a great Sacrament. And I am speaking in Christ and in the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and his church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about The Messiah and about his church.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Great is this mystery; but I speak of Christ and of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />This is a great mystery: but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />This mystery is great: but I am speaking with regard to Christ, and with regard to the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />That is a great truth hitherto kept secret: I mean the truth concerning Christ and the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />This mystery is great; but I am speaking of Christ and of the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />This mystery is great: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1055" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Wives and Husbands</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystērion (N-NNS) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">mystery</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: mega (Adj-NNS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">profound,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">am speaking</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">about</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">33</span>Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a></span><br />For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a></span><br />Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. / Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a></span><br />I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5-6</a></span><br />and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">1 Corinthians 6:17</a></span><br />But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a></span><br />And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a></span><br />The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-13</a></span><br />The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-4.htm">Romans 7:4</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5</a></span><br />For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19-20</a></span><br />So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-32</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8</a></span><br />Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Psalm 45:10-11</a></span><br />Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, / and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/4-7.htm">Song of Solomon 4:7</a></span><br />You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.</p><p class="hdg">a great.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19</a></b></br> And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8,16</a></b></br> Likewise <i>must</i> the deacons <i>be</i> grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; … </p><p class="hdg">speak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Psalm 45:9-17</a></b></br> Kings' daughters <i>were</i> among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14</a></b></br> The song of songs, which <i>is</i> Solomon's… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5</a></b></br> For thy Maker <i>is</i> thine husband; the LORD of hosts <i>is</i> his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Church</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Profound</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Reference</a> <a href="/luke/22-37.htm">Refers</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-12.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Profound</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-14.htm">Reference</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-13.htm">Refers</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-14.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>This mystery is profound</b><br>The term "mystery" in biblical context often refers to a divine truth that was once hidden but is now revealed. In Ephesians, Paul frequently uses "mystery" to describe the unfolding plan of God, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community (<a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Ephesians 3:6</a>). The profound nature of this mystery highlights its significance and depth, suggesting that it is beyond human understanding without divine revelation. The concept of mystery also connects to the Old Testament, where God's plans were often concealed until the appointed time (<a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Daniel 2:28-30</a>).<p><b>but I am speaking about Christ and the church</b><br>Here, Paul clarifies that the profound mystery he refers to is the relationship between Christ and the church. This relationship is often depicted as a marriage, with Christ as the bridegroom and the church as His bride (<a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a>). This imagery is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel is frequently portrayed as the bride of Yahweh (<a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5-6</a>). The union of Christ and the church is a type of the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, reflecting the intimate and sacrificial love Christ has for His people. This relationship is central to understanding the purpose and function of the church in the world, as it embodies the love, unity, and mission of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor where the early church was established. It was known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a></b><br>Central to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, whose relationship with the church is likened to that of a bridegroom and bride.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>The collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Bride of Christ in the New Testament.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/marriage.htm">Marriage</a></b><br>Used metaphorically in this passage to describe the intimate and covenantal relationship between Christ and the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_mystery.htm">Understanding the Mystery</a></b><br>The term "mystery" (Greek: "mysterion") refers to a divine truth that was once hidden but is now revealed. In this context, it is the profound relationship between Christ and the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_model_of_marriage.htm">The Model of Marriage</a></b><br>Earthly marriage is a reflection of the heavenly relationship between Christ and the church. This calls for a commitment to love, sacrifice, and unity in marital relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ's_sacrificial_love.htm">Christ's Sacrificial Love</a></b><br>Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, believers are called to love selflessly and sacrificially in their relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_oneness.htm">Unity and Oneness</a></b><br>The unity between Christ and the church serves as a model for unity within the body of believers and in marriage, emphasizing the importance of oneness in purpose and spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_gospel.htm">Living Out the Gospel</a></b><br>The relationship between Christ and the church is a living testimony of the gospel. Believers are called to reflect this relationship in their daily lives, demonstrating love, grace, and truth.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) <span class= "bld">This is a great mystery.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">This mystery is a great one.</span> The words apply to the type, as well as to the Antitype. (1) The indissoluble and paramount sacredness of marriage, as all history shows, is "a mystery"--that is (see <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm" title="Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:">Ephesians 1:9</a>), a secret of God's law, fully revealed in Christ alone. For in heathen, and, to some extent, even in Jewish thought, marriage was a contract far less sacred than the indissoluble tie of blood; and wherever Christian principle is renounced or obscured, that ancient idea recurs in modern times. It may be noted that from the translation here of the word "mystery," by <span class= "ital">sacramentum</span> in the Latin versions, the application of the word "sacrament" to marriage arose. (2) But the following words, "But I" (the word "I" being emphatic) "speak concerning Christ and the Church," show--what indeed the whole passage has already shown--that St. Paul's chief thought has passed from the type to the Antitype. He has constantly dwelt on points which suit only Christ's relation to the Church, and to that relation he has, by an irresistible gravitation of thought, been brought back again and again. (3) Yet the two cannot be separate. The type brings out some features of the Antitype which no other comparison makes clear; and history shows that the sacredness of the type in the Church has depended on this great passage--bearing, as it does, emphatic witness against the ascetic tendency to look on marriage as simply a concession to weakness, and as leading to a life necessarily lower than the celibate life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">This mystery is a great one; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the Church.</span> The matter referred to is the typical relation between the marriage of man and wife, and the union of Christ and the Church. It is called a mystery, and it is not said, as is said of another mystery, referred to before (<a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5</a>), that it has been completely explained. Some light has been thrown upon it, but that is all. It is implied that there is something of mystery in many of the relations between things natural and things spiritual, but that in the depth and grandeur of the subject, the mystery connected with the marriage relation is pre-eminent - it is "a great mystery" The analogy of the wind to the Holy Spirit; the springing up of plants to the resurrection; the melancholy sounds of nature to the prevalence of sin; and many other analogies, present vague shadows of truth, the clear, full forms of which we cannot see. When the day breaks and "the shadows flee away," such things will appear in a clearer light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">This</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(touto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">mystery</span><br /><span class="grk">μυστήριον</span> <span class="translit">(mystērion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστίν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">profound,</span><br /><span class="grk">μέγα</span> <span class="translit">(mega)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Large, great, in the widest sense. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστὸν</span> <span class="translit">(Christon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">church.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίαν</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-32.htm">Ephesians 5:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:32 This mystery is great but I speak (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 5:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:33" /></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>