What does Ephesians 5:29 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 5:29 is a verse that elaborates on how individuals should treat themselves with respect and care, drawing an analogy to how Christ cares for the church.

On a literal level, the verse suggests that no one naturally despises their own body.

Instead, people take care of and love their body.

The deeper meaning extends this concept to the relationship between Christ and the church, indicating that just as one looks after oneself, Christ nourishes and cherishes the church, which is seen as His body.

Historical Context

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

This letter was sent to the church in Ephesus, an important city in ancient Asia Minor, that is, modern-day Turkey.

Ephesus was significant both commercially and religiously.

The cultural background of the time included a mix of Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions.

In this passage, Paul is admonishing the believers in Ephesus to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ, including instructions for household relationships which, at the time, would include marriage and family life.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives might highlight various aspects of this verse.

A traditional view would focus on the sanctity and integrity of marriage, seeing it as a divine reflection of Christ's relationship with the church.

A more contemporary interpretation might use this verse to discuss Christ’s unconditional love for the church and thus emphasize the importance of self-care and compassion, extending this care to others as reflections of the body of Christ.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 5:29 can serve as a reminder for individuals to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as self-neglect can hinder one's ability to serve others effectively.

It can also be applied to how one treats family, friends, and community, urging kindness and nourishment in relationships.

The verse encourages believers to emulate Christ's love and concern for the church in all relationships and communities.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 5:25-28: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
• 1 Corinthians 6:19: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
• Romans 12:4-5: "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this passage include:

• "Nourisheth" (ἐκτρέφει - ektrephei): to nurture or bring up, related to feeding and caring for.
• "Cherisheth" (θάλπει - thalpei): to warm, to foster with tender care, to cherish with affection.

These imply a deep caring relationship that goes beyond mere responsibility, suggesting action that is driven by affection and dedication.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various cultures had myths and rituals emphasizing the nurturance of the self or the community as parallels to divine care.

In some Greco-Roman myths, gods care for their progeny or creations in a manner that could be seen as reflective of how individuals should care for what belongs to them.

In religious interpretations, the concept of caring for oneself could vary, but many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of treating oneself with respect as a temple of the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and medical sciences support the notion that self-care is integral to one's overall wellbeing.

Taking care of one's physical body through proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep has direct effects on mental health and emotional stability.

Likewise, nurturing social relationships and spiritual practices can contribute positively to one's health and life satisfaction, paralleling the holistic care advocated in this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentaries on Ephesians 5:29 generally emphasize the importance of self-care and self-love as the basis for interpersonal relationships.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the particular duty of those united by marriage to care for each other as they naturally would for their own bodies.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the analogical relationship between the loving treatment one should give to their own body and how Christ interacts with the church.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible provides a view that the nourishing and cherishing are reflective of Christ's providence and supports for His church.