What is the meaning of Ephesians 5?

Introduction to Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 stands as one of the most profound expositions of Spirit-filled living in the New Testament, presenting a radical vision of transformed relationships in light of our union with the Messiah. This pivotal chapter builds on the theological foundations laid in earlier chapters to show how our position in the Messiah should reshape every aspect of our lives – from our personal conduct to our most intimate relationships. The apostle Paul weaves together themes of light versus darkness, wisdom versus foolishness, and sacrificial love versus selfishness to paint a picture of what it means to “walk in love, as the Messiah loved us” (Ephesians 5:2).

The chapter’s enduring significance lies in its practical application of deep theological truths to everyday life. It bridges the gap between our heavenly position in the Messiah and our earthly practice, showing how the reality of our redemption should transform our relationships, particularly within marriage – which Paul reveals as a profound mystery reflecting the Messiah’s relationship with His church.

Context of Ephesians 5

This chapter sits at the heart of the letter’s practical section (chapters 4-6), where Paul transitions from explaining what God has done for believers to how believers should live in response. It follows directly from chapter 4’s emphasis on putting off the old self and putting on the new, now focusing on specific ways this transformation should manifest in daily life.

Within the broader context of Scripture, Ephesians 5 serves as a crucial bridge between Old Testament wisdom literature and New Covenant living. The chapter’s emphasis on wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17) echoes themes from Proverbs, while its teaching on marriage develops the creation mandate of Genesis 2:24 into a profound picture of the Messiah and His church.

Moreover, this chapter connects to the larger biblical narrative of God’s redemptive plan. The emphasis on light versus darkness recalls God’s first creative act in Genesis 1:3 and points forward to the ultimate victory of light over darkness in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23). The marriage metaphor develops themes found throughout Scripture, from Hosea’s marriage representing God’s covenant love to the wedding supper of the Lamb in Revelation.

Ancient Key Word Study

• μιμηταὶ (mimētai) – “imitators” (v.1): This term, from which we get “mimic,” implies active, intentional copying rather than passive observation. In ancient Greek culture, it was used for apprentices learning from masters through careful observation and replication of their actions.
• εὐωδίας (euōdias) – “fragrant aroma” (v.2): A compound of εὖ (good) and ὄζω (smell), this term carries rich sacrificial connotations from the Septuagint, where it describes acceptable offerings to God. Its use here connects Messiah’s sacrifice to Old Testament worship.
• πορνεία (porneia) – “sexual immorality” (v.3): A broad term encompassing all sexual activity outside God’s design for marriage. In the first-century Greco-Roman world, this word took on special significance as believers distinguished themselves from the prevalent sexual practices of their culture.
• μωρολογία (mōrologia) – “foolish talk” (v.4): A compound word combining μωρός (foolish) with λόγος (word/speech). This rare term specifically targets the kind of empty, thoughtless speech that reveals a heart disconnected from divine wisdom.
• περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) – “walk” (v.8): A present imperative emphasizing continuous action. This metaphor for lifestyle and conduct was common in both Jewish and Greek ethical teaching, suggesting deliberate, progressive movement toward a goal.
• ἀνακεφαλαιόω (anakephalaioō) – “submit” (v.21): From κεφαλή (head), this military term implies arranging under proper authority. Its middle voice usage suggests voluntary submission rather than forced subordination.
• μυστήριον (mystērion) – “mystery” (v.32): Unlike modern usage suggesting something puzzling, this term in biblical Greek refers to a divine truth previously hidden but now revealed. Its use in connection with marriage elevates the discussion beyond mere human relationships.
• ἐκτρέφει (ektrephei) – “nourishes” (v.29): A compound verb combining ἐκ (out) with τρέφω (feed/nourish), suggesting comprehensive care that produces growth and development. The word was used in ancient medical texts for promoting healthy development.

Compare & Contrast

• The choice of “περιπατεῖτε” (walk) over alternative terms like “πορεύομαι” (journey) or “ὁδεύω” (travel) emphasizes the daily, step-by-step nature of Christian living rather than focusing on the destination.
• In verse 2, “προσφορὰν” (offering) is used rather than “θυσίαν” (sacrifice) alone, linking Christ’s death to both sacrificial and gift offerings in the Temple system.
• The phrase “ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς” (spiritual songs) in verse 19 uses “πνευματικαῖς” rather than “ἱεραῖς” (sacred) or “θείαις” (divine), emphasizing the Spirit’s role in worship.
• The term “φῶς” (light) is chosen over “λάμπω” (shine) or “φέγγος” (brightness) in verse 8, connecting to creation themes and moral transformation rather than mere illumination.
• The use of “κεφαλή” (head) rather than “ἄρχων” (ruler) or “κύριος” (lord) in verse 23 emphasizes organic unity and life-giving leadership rather than mere authority.
• The choice of “σάρξ” (flesh) over “σῶμα” (body) in verse 29 connects to creation themes and emphasizes intimate unity rather than mere physical existence.
• In verse 33, “φοβῆται” (fear) is used rather than “τιμάω” (honor) or “σέβομαι” (revere), reflecting the profound respect appropriate in covenant relationships.

Ephesians 5 Unique Insights

The chapter’s structure reveals a sophisticated chiastic pattern common in Hebrew literature. The opening call to imitate God (v.1) finds its ultimate expression in the mystery of marriage (v.32), with progressive revelation of how divine love transforms human relationships in between.

Early rabbinical sources provide fascinating parallels to Paul’s teaching on marriage. The Babylonian Talmud (Yevamot 62b) discusses how a man should love his wife as himself and honor her more than himself, echoing Paul’s emphasis on sacrificial love. However, Paul’s revelation of marriage as a picture of Messiah and the church transcends these rabbinical insights.

The early church father Chrysostom saw in this chapter a profound connection between worship and ethics. He noted how the command to be filled with the Spirit (v.18) leads naturally to worship (v.19) and proper relationships (v.21-33), suggesting that true spirituality always manifests in transformed relationships.

The chapter’s emphasis on light versus darkness gains depth when considered against the background of Qumran literature, where similar imagery described the cosmic battle between good and evil. However, Paul transforms this dualistic imagery into a call for ethical transformation based on our new identity in Messiah.

The metaphor of marriage as revealing a “mystery” (μυστήριον) may reflect influence from Greek mystery religions, which claimed to reveal divine secrets to initiates. Paul subverts this concept by declaring that the true divine mystery is revealed not in secret rites but in the public display of Christian marriage.

Ephesians 5 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter profoundly reveals the Messiah’s character and work. His sacrificial love becomes both the model and motivation for Christian conduct (Ephesians 5:2). The emphasis on His self-giving love connects to His statement that He came “not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

The marriage metaphor particularly illuminates Yeshua’s relationship with His church. As the head of the church, He provides a perfect model of loving, sacrificial leadership that nurtures and cherishes. This reflects His own words about laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:11) and His prayer for unity with His people (John 17:21-23).

Ephesians 5 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes. The call to walk in love echoes the covenant language of Deuteronomy 10:12-13. The light/darkness imagery recalls Isaiah 60:1-3, while the marriage metaphor develops themes from Hosea 2:19-20 and Isaiah 54:5.

The emphasis on wisdom connects to Proverbs’ teaching about the wise and foolish life (Proverbs 9:1-6). The sacrificial language echoes Levitical offerings (Leviticus 1:9), while the marriage imagery develops from Genesis 2:24.

Ephesians 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine how thoroughly God’s love has transformed our relationships. The call to “walk in love” isn’t merely about being nice – it’s about imitating God’s sacrificial, purifying love that transforms everything it touches. How might our relationships look different if we consistently loved others as Messiah has loved us?

The emphasis on light versus darkness challenges us to live with radical transparency before God and others. This isn’t about perfectionism but about honestly walking in God’s light, allowing His truth to expose and heal our darkness. What areas of our lives still need to be brought fully into His light?

The teaching on marriage provides a powerful model for all relationships – sacrificial love, respectful submission, and mutual care that reflects Messiah’s relationship with His church. Whether married or single, we can apply these principles of selfless love and respect in all our relationships.

Did You Know

• The term “submit” in verse 21 uses a military term (ὑποτάσσω) that described soldiers arranging themselves under a commander, suggesting ordered harmony rather than oppressive control.
• The “foolish talk” condemned in verse 4 (μωρολογία) was a term used in ancient Greek literature to describe the kind of empty chatter heard in marketplaces and considered unworthy of educated people.
• The command to “sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” reflects the three main categories of songs in the ancient synagogue service.
• The phrase “making the most of time” (v.16) uses a commercial term (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι) that literally means “buying up the opportunity,” as one would purchase goods at a marketplace.
• The description of marriage as a “mystery” uses terminology (μυστήριον) that would have reminded first-century readers of the mystery religions popular in Ephesus.
• The command to “be filled with the Spirit” uses a present continuous tense in Greek, suggesting an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
• The reference to “darkness” had particular significance in Ephesus, where mystery cult initiations often took place in dark underground chambers.
• The imagery of “light” versus “darkness” would have resonated specially with readers familiar with the Dead Sea Scrolls, which used similar imagery extensively.
• The comparison of marriage to Messiah and the church develops an analogy found in Old Testament prophets who compared God’s relationship with Israel to a marriage.
• The term “nourishes” used for how Christ cares for the church was a medical term used for promoting healthy growth and development.