What does Ephesians 5:26 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 5:26 speaks metaphorically about the relationship between Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (the bride), highlighting the transformative power of Christ's love and his word in the lives of believers.

The verse emphasizes the idea that just as a husband and wife are to be united in marriage, so Christ is united with the Church.

The "sanctification" and "cleansing" in this passage suggest a spiritual purification and preparation, where Christ's sacrifice and the word of God work to make the Church holy and without blemish.

"Sanctify" means to set apart for holy use, to consecrate, or to make holy.

"Cleansing" implies a washing away of impurities or sins. The "washing of water" is commonly understood as a reference to baptism, but also represents the purifying effect of God's word in the life of a believer.

The phrase "by the word" can refer to the spoken word of God, the message of the Gospel, or the broader teachings of the Bible.

Ultimately, the verse can be taken both literally, acknowledging the practice of baptism as an outward expression of an inner faith, and symbolically, where the word of God cleanses and renews the believer's heart and mind.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 60-62 while he was imprisoned in Rome.

The letter addresses the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that was known for its bustling trade, intellectual pursuit, and religious practices, including the worship of the goddess Artemis.

Paul's primary purpose in writing to the Ephesians was to encourage and strengthen the church in their Christian faith and to explain the nature and purpose of the Church, the body of Christ.

This particular verse is part of a larger section where Paul draws an analogy between the relationship of a husband and wife and that of Christ and the Church.

At the time, the concept of purity and ritual cleansing was a well-understood part of religious life for both Jews and pagans.

Baptism was a key part of Christian practice and was tied to the idea of new birth and spiritual cleansing.

Theological Insights

The verse has been interpreted in various ways depending on theological perspectives. In Catholic theology, this verse reinforces the sacramental nature of baptism, which is believed to not only symbolize purification but actually effect it, washing away the stain of original sin.

Protestant interpretations often emphasize the power of God's word in sanctifying believers, with a less sacramental and more symbolic understanding of baptism.

The "word" is seen as central to the believer's sanctification process, highlighting the importance of Scripture in spiritual growth and moral purity.

Some more mystically inclined traditions may view this verse as pointing to an inner cleansing that comes through a personal, experiential knowledge of God's word, beyond the written Scriptures.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 5:26 encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture, as it has the power to transform and sanctify. In daily life, this might mean regular Bible study, memorization, and meditation on Scripture.

It suggests an openness to being changed by what one reads and learns from the Bible.

The verse also calls for a commitment to purity in all aspects of life, not just spiritual or religious.

Christians are challenged to seek purity in their relationships, thoughts, and actions, reflecting the sanctifying work that Christ has already done for them.

Furthermore, the admonition to be cleansed "by the word" suggests that believers should allow the teachings of Jesus and the Bible to cleanse them from harmful ideologies, prejudice, and behaviors that are contrary to the gospel.

Cross-References

• John 15:3: "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."
• Titus 3:5: "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;"
• 1 Corinthians 6:11: "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."
• Revelation 19:7-8: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
• Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key terms in Ephesians 5:26 provide deeper insight:

• "Sanctify" (ἁγιάσῃ, hagiasē): From the root "hagios," meaning to make holy, consecrate, dedicate to God.
• "Cleanse" (καθαρίσας, katharisas): To purify, make clean, from physical stains or moral guilt.
• "Washing" (λουτρῷ, loutrō): A bath or bathing, often associated with ritual washing or baptism.
• "Water" (ὕδατος, hydatos): Water, which is used both literally and figuratively in religious ceremonies.
• "Word" (ῥήματι, rhēmati): A word spoken, saying, command, or message.

It can denote the written word (Scriptures) or the spoken Gospel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions, water carries connotations of purification and renewal. For instance, in Greco-Roman mythology, the ritual of baptism was sometimes associated with the mystery religions, symbolizing death and rebirth.

Judaism employs ritual washing (mikvah) for purification purposes.

The idea of ritual cleansing with water would not have been foreign to Jewish members of the early Christian community, but the Christian conception of baptism took on a new significance with association to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

In some ways, this Christian concept of cleansing through the "word" could be compared to Buddhist notions of purification through dharma (teaching) or the Hindu concept of inner cleansing through mantras and spiritual knowledge.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the concept of cleansing with water has hygienic benefits, but the verse does not deal with physical cleanliness; it deals with spiritual metaphorical cleansing.

That said, modern psychology recognizes the benefits of aligning one's beliefs and actions with positive ideals and narratives, finding that such congruence is associated with better mental health outcomes.

Scientific studies do not address spiritual washing or sanctification since they are outside the material scope of science, but they often acknowledge the positive social and personal effects of religious practices and community engagement associated with such beliefs.

Commentaries

Various commentators have provided insights into Ephesians 5:26:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Christ gave himself for the Church to sanctify and cleanse it, not because it was already pure but to make it so.
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the word of the Gospel as the means of purification, saying it is like the water of the bath, having the power to make the soul clean.
• John Calvin speaks about the power of water in Baptism as a symbol of the inner cleansing that takes place through the Holy Spirit and the word of Christ.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that "washing of water" could allude to both baptism and the moral cleansing effected in the lives of believers by the Word.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible interprets the "word" to mean the Gospel, which is the means of effectual calling, and instrumental in the sanctification and cleansing of the saints.