Ephesians 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church, its savior.
What Does Ephesians 5:23 Mean?
Paul draws a parallel: 'the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.' The relationship within marriage is set beside the relationship between Christ and His people. The earthly bond is meant to mirror a heavenly one.
Crucially, Christ as head 'is the saviour of the body.' His headship is defined by saving love, by giving Himself for those He leads. This sets the pattern for a husband: headship after the manner of Christ is not domination but sacrificial care. The comparison ennobles the relationship by tying it to Christ's own self-giving.
Ephesians 5:23 in the Original Language
kephale (κεφαλή), 'head' -- head, as the source and the one who cares for the body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesians 5:23
What does Ephesians 5:23 mean?
The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church, its savior.