Ephesians 5:23

23 The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing.

Ephesians 5:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 5:23

For the husband is the head of the wife
(See Gill on 1 Corinthians 11:3).

Even as Christ is the head of the church;
all the elect; (See Gill on Ephesians 1:22). And he is the Saviour of the body; not "of our body", as the Ethiopic version reads, of that part of man, which is called the body; though that indeed is redeemed and saved by Christ, as well as the soul; but "of his body", as the Vulgate Latin version reads; that is, of the church, which is his body; see ( Ephesians 1:23 ) ; of which he is the Saviour; he provides everything for it, preserves and protects it, and has wrought out salvation for it, which every member of it partakes of.

Ephesians 5:23 In-Context

21 Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.

22 Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ.

23 The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing.

24 So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.

25 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting.