Ephesians 5:33
Verse
Context
Sermons
Denny KenastonDenny Kenaston
Chuck Smith
Alan Cairns
Carter Conlon
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Nevertheless - Πλην· Moreover, or therefore, on the consideration of God's design in the institution of marriage, let every one of you love his wife as himself, because she is both naturally and by a Divine ordinance a part of himself. That she reverence her husband - Let the wife ever consider the husband as her head, and this he is, not only by nature, but also by the ordinance of God. These are very important matters, and on them the apostle lays great stress. See the following observations. There is one subject in the preceding verse on which I could not enlarge sufficiently in the notes, and which I have reserved for this place; viz. what the apostle says concerning the mystery of marriage, which certainly has a deeper meaning than what is generally apprehended. Dr. Macknight has some good observations on this part of the subject, which I shall beg leave to lay before my readers. 1. "The apostle calls the formation of Eve from Adam's body, his marriage with her; and the intimate union established between them by that marriage, a great mystery, because it contained an important emblematical meaning concerning the regeneration of believers, and their union with Christ, which hitherto had been kept secret, but which he had discovered in the 30th verse. For there, in allusion to what Adam said concerning Eve, 'This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh,' the apostle says, concerning Christ and believers: We are bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh: that is, we are parts of his body, the Church. And by this application of Adam's words concerning Eve to Christ and to his Church, he intimates, First, That the formation of Eve of a rib taken out of Adam's body was a figure of the regeneration of believers by the breaking of Christ's body, mentioned Eph 5:25. Secondly, That Adam's love to Eve, on account of her being formed of his body, was a figure of Christ's love to believers because they are become his body, Eph 5:30. Thirdly, That Adam's marriage with Eve was a figure of the eternal union of Christ with believers in heaven, mentioned Eph 5:27. For he left his Father to be united to his Church. 2. "In giving this emblematical representation of these ancient facts, the apostle has not exceeded the bounds of probability. In the first age, neither the art of writing, nor any permanent method of conveying instruction, being invented, it was necessary to make such striking actions and events as could not easily be forgotten emblems of the instruction meant to be perpetuated. On this supposition, Adam, in whom the human race began, was a natural image of Christ, in whom the human race was to be restored; and his deep sleep, the opening of his side, and the formation of Eve of a rib taken out of his side, were fit emblems of Christ's death, of the opening of his side on the cross, and of the regeneration of believers by his death. The love which Adam expressed towards Eve, and his union with her by marriage, were lively images of Christ's love to believers, and of his eternal union with them in one society after their resurrection; and Eve herself, who was formed of a rib taken from Adam's side, was a natural image of believers, who are regenerated, both in their body and in their mind, by the breaking of Christ's side on the cross. Thus, the circumstances which accompanied the formation of Eve being fit emblems of the formation of the Church, we may suppose they were brought to pass to prefigure that great event; and, by prefiguring it, to show that it was decreed of God from the very beginning. 3. "The aptness, however, of these images is not the only reason for supposing that the formation of Eve, and her marriage with Adam in paradise, were emblems of the regeneration of believers by the death of Christ, and of their eternal union with him in heaven. The singular manner in which Eve was formed, and the declaration at her marriage with Adam, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh,' strongly lead to that conclusion. Eve was not formed of the dust of the earth, as all other living things were made, (not excepting Adam himself), but of a rib taken from Adam's side while he was in a deep sleep. Now, for this diversity, what reason can be assigned, if that which the apostle hath suggested is not admitted? Farther: unless some deep instruction were couched under the formation of Eve, what occasion was there for Adam, at his marriage with her, to declare, 'This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man: therefore shall a man leave,' etc.? For although the taking of Eve out of Adam might be a reason for Adam's affection towards her, it was no reason for the affection of his posterity towards their wives, who were not so formed. The reason of their love to their wives is their being creatures of the same species with themselves. This Eve might have been, though, like Adam, she had been formed of the dust of the earth. Wherefore Adam's declaration concerning Eve being taken out of his body, and concerning his love to her on that account, was intended for some purpose peculiar to himself; namely, as he was a type of Him who was to restore the human race by the breaking of his body on the cross, and who on that account loves them, and will unite them to himself for ever. Upon the whole, the formation of Eve and her marriage with Adam, and his love to and union with her because she was taken out of his side, and the declaration that, on that account, all his posterity should love their wives, and continue united to them through life, (a union which does not subsist among other animals), are events so singular, that I do not see what account can be given of them, unless, with the Apostle Paul, we suppose that, agreeably to the most ancient method of instruction, God intended these things as figurative representations of the regeneration of believers by the death of Christ, and of his eternal union with them in heaven; and that Adam and Eve were taught by God himself to consider them as such. 4. "It is no small confirmation of the apostle's emblematical interpretation of the formation and marriage of Eve, that in Scripture we find a variety of images and expressions founded on that interpretation. For example, Rom 5:14, Adam is expressly called a type of him who was to come, on which account, Co1 15:45, Christ is called the last Adam. Next, the catholic Church, consisting of believers of all nations, is called the body of Christ, and the members thereof are said to be members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones; in allusion to the formation of Eve, the emblem of the Church. For, as Eve was formed of a rib taken out of Adam's body during his deep sleep, so believers are regenerated both in mind and body, and formed into one great society, and united to Christ as their head and governor, by the breaking of his body on the cross. Thirdly, to this emblematical meaning of the formation of Eve, our Lord, I think, alluded when he instituted his supper. For instead of appointing one symbol only of his death, he appointed two; and, in explaining the first of them, he expressed himself in such a manner as to show that he had his eye on what happened to Adam when Eve was formed: This is my body which is broken for you - for your regeneration. Fourthly, the eternal union of the regenerated with Christ after the resurrection is called a marriage, Rev 19:7; and the new Jerusalem, that is, the inhabitants of the new Jerusalem, the society of the redeemed, is termed the bride, the Lamb's wife; and the preparing of men for that happy union, by introducing them into the Church upon earth through faith, and by sanctifying them through the word, is called, Co2 11:2, A fitting them for one husband, that at the resurrection they may be presented a chaste virgin to Christ; in allusion, I suppose, to the presenting of Eve to Adam, in order to her marriage with him; and to show that, in this expression, the apostle had the figurative meaning of Eve's marriage in his mind, he mentions, Co2 11:3, the subtlety of the devil in deceiving Eve. Finally, the union of the Jewish Church with God, as the figure of the catholic Church, consisting of the regenerated of all nations, is by God himself termed a marriage, Jer 3:14; Ezekiel 16:8-32; and God is called the husband of that people, Isa 54:5; and their union to him by the law of Moses is termed, The day of their espousals, Jer 2:2." 1. A truly Christian marriage has an excellence, holiness, and unity in it, that cannot be easily described; and let it be observed that, while it prefigures the union of Christ with his Church, it is one means of giving children to the Church, and members to the mystical body of Christ. It is an ordinance of God, and, cannot be too highly honored; endless volumes might be written on its utility to man: without marriage, by which every man is assigned his own wife, and every woman her own husband, even the multitude of spurious births which would take place would fail to keep up the population of the earth; and natural, moral, and political wretchedness would be the consequence of promiscuous, fortuitous, and transitory connections. For without that ascertainment of peculiar property which marriage gives to every man in his wife, and to every woman in her husband, the human progeny would be unnoticed, unclaimed, uneducated, and totally neglected. This would continually increase the wretchedness, and in process of time bring about the total depopulation of the world. 2. The husband is to love his wife, the wife to obey and venerate her husband; love and protection on the one hand, affectionate subjection and fidelity on the other. The husband should provide for his wife without encouraging profuseness; watch over her conduct without giving her vexation; keep her in subjection without making her a slave; love her without jealousy; oblige her without flattery; honor her without making her proud; and be hers entirely, without becoming either her footman or her slave. In short, they have equal rights and equal claims; but superior strength gives the man dominion, affection and subjection entitle the woman to love and protection. Without the woman, man is but half a human being; in union with the man, the woman finds her safety and perfection. In the above remarks there are many things solid and useful; there are others which rest more on fancy than judgment. 3. Of marriage the Church of Rome has made a sacrament, and it is one of the seven which that Church acknowledges. That it is an ordinance of God is sufficiently evident; that he has not made it a sacrament is not less so. Though the minister of religion celebrates it, yet the regulation of it, in reference to inheritance, etc., is assumed by the state. This is of great moment, as by it many evils are prevented, and many political and domestic advantages secured. If a man enter hastily into this state it is at his own risk; after he has once entered it, the seal of the legislature is imposed upon it, and with his engagements, he cannot trifle. A consideration of this has prevented many hasty and disproportionate alliances. Though they might hope to trifle with the Church, they dare not do it with the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nevertheless--not to pursue further the mystical meaning of marriage. Translate, as Greek, "Do ye also (as Christ does) severally each one so love," &c. The words, "severally each one," refer to them in their individual capacity, contrasted with the previous collective view of the members of the Church as the bride of Christ. Next: Ephesians Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:33 Paul summarizes his teaching on the relationship between husbands and wives (5:22-33). Christian marriages should be marked by love and respect.
Ephesians 5:33
Wives and Husbands
32This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.33Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation
By A.W. Tozer15K40:34CreationPSA 104:2PSA 104:5PRO 3:9MAT 22:21EPH 5:331PE 2:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding existence from a theological perspective, seeing things from the sanctuary to gain true focus. He describes how fragmented bits of truth in various fields of study can only be fully understood when seen in the context of the main sphere of truth. The speaker then references Psalm 104 to illustrate the beauty and order of nature, highlighting how God provides for all creatures. However, he also laments how humanity has become consumed with utility and material gain, losing sight of the true purpose of life.
(Godly Home) Part 21 - the Hidden Women
By Denny Kenaston5.3K1:20:28Godly Home SeriesEPH 5:33In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles that men face in a confused and mixed-up world. He talks about how men often get beaten down and criticized by their wives, leading them to lose their way. The preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to God as the ultimate authority and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. He also highlights the role of a supportive and believing wife in the life of a missionary, using the example of a missionary couple who endured hardships together. The sermon concludes with the preacher expressing gratitude for the support he receives from his own support unit during times of spiritual battle.
The Hidden Woman
By Denny Kenaston3.2K1:20:28WomanMAT 6:33EPH 5:33In this sermon, the speaker addresses the negative cycle that can occur in families, particularly between fathers and daughters. He emphasizes the impact of words and how they can shape the perception of a father figure. The speaker urges for a change in this pattern and calls for a stop to the cycle of criticism and disrespect. He encourages listeners to serve and support their fathers, just as Joshua served Moses, and to have a humble and grateful attitude towards God's care and protection. The sermon also highlights the importance of purifying motives and serving with an eternal perspective.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 5-6
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:15:26EPH 4:32EPH 5:3EPH 5:8EPH 5:20EPH 5:25EPH 5:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of forgiveness and walking in love as believers. He emphasizes that before instructing believers on how to live, the Bible first lays the foundation of God's love, grace, and blessings. The preacher highlights that God's forgiveness is our example, and we are called to be followers of God in forgiving others. He also mentions that holding bitterness and animosity in our hearts can harm our mental health, emphasizing the importance of having a forgiving spirit.
Challenges to Marriage
By Alan Cairns1.9K1:03:00ISA 32:17ISA 53:52CO 5:14GAL 2:20EPH 4:32EPH 5:25EPH 5:33HEB 12:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of selflessness in marriage, addressing challenges such as communication, children, morals, finances, and selfishness. It highlights the need for couples to prioritize the well-being of each other, rooted in the love of Christ. The ultimate solution to marital difficulties is found in living out the faith of the gospel, denying self, and running the race with patience while looking unto Jesus.
Relationships
By Carter Conlon1.8K55:56RelationshipsPRO 31:10MAT 7:241CO 7:25EPH 5:27EPH 5:33In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of media and its negative influence on society, particularly in the context of relationships and marriages. The speaker emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself from the harmful effects of media, especially in an urban environment like New York City. The speaker shares personal experiences of falling into destructive relationships and making regrettable decisions due to the influence of media. The sermon highlights the need to be discerning and not be swayed by the portrayal of unhealthy relationships in movies, as they can lead to the breakdown of marriages and the destruction of the foundation of love.
The Cross and Emancipation From Circumscribed Horizons
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:18:06The CrossMAT 6:33EPH 4:1EPH 5:22EPH 5:25EPH 5:31EPH 5:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the calling that God has given us, despite the difficult conditions of the world. He encourages husbands and wives to apply this principle in their relationships. The speaker also highlights the reality that sometimes, after a lifetime of costly ministry, there may be little visible fruit or recognition. However, he reminds listeners that even a small impact on someone's life can make a significant difference. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit in leading believers beyond their intellectual understanding and into a deeper spiritual experience.
Heavenly Comfort
By Erlo Stegen1.6K42:33ComfortMAT 6:33EPH 4:32EPH 5:22EPH 5:25EPH 5:33PHP 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy and peace in all circumstances, whether they are good or bad. He refers to a letter from Paul, who wrote about being happy at all times, even in the midst of terrible circumstances. The preacher shares a story about a black man who escaped from a trunk and sought comfort and forgiveness from God. He highlights the need for comfort in difficult times and the role of the Holy Spirit as a comforter.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Reconcilation
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:05:00ReconciliationPSA 104:5MAT 19:6JHN 19:3ROM 5:101CO 7:10EPH 5:33In the video, the preacher mentions various topics that have been covered in previous sermons, such as redemption, atonement, and the Lord's words for the resurrection. He then introduces the topic of demonology as a mighty subject. The preacher also discusses the three New Testament aspects of reconciliation, referring to Romans chapter five. He emphasizes that regardless of one's background or beliefs, everyone can experience the same blessedness by being in Christ and becoming a new creation.
Couples Night - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:13GEN 2:241SA 18:28PRO 21:9MAL 2:16MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:33COL 3:191PE 3:7
This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explores the impact of a spouse's character on one's faith and the potential struggles faced within Christian marriages, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and Godly behavior in relationships.
Lionhearted and Lamblike the Christian Husband as Head, Part 1
By John Piper1.3K41:08GEN 2:24EPH 5:21EPH 5:28EPH 5:33
This sermon reflects on the speaker's experience of his father's passing, expressing gratitude for his father's life and legacy. It transitions into a discussion on the importance of understanding the roles of husbands and wives in marriage, emphasizing the biblical concepts of headship and submission. The sermon highlights the need for husbands to lead with Christlike servant leadership, protection, and provision, while wives are called to honor and affirm their husband's leadership. The ultimate goal is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church through marriage.
Church - Part 2
By Ken Baird90859:20MAT 18:20EPH 5:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses four figures that God gives us to understand the church: the bride, the flock, the body, and the building. The first figure emphasizes the importance of our love and obedience to Christ as the head of the church. The second figure highlights Christ as the shepherd and the center of the flock, calling for mutual love and respect among believers. The preacher also mentions the importance of the church as a body, with Christ as the foundation and believers as the members. The sermon concludes with a mention of future discussions on the practical aspects of the church.
22. the Hidden Woman (Part 1)
By Denny Kenaston89645:12PRO 31:10EPH 5:22EPH 5:33
This sermon focuses on the importance of reverence and support that women, particularly wives, provide to their husbands. It emphasizes the power of a hidden woman who plays a crucial role in supporting and encouraging her husband, drawing examples from biblical figures and historical contexts. The speaker highlights the impact of reverence, submission, observation, honor, preference, love, admiration, and support in strengthening a man's leadership and character.
Become Little Children to Love One Another
By Ian Robson66519:00PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 13:331CO 13:42CO 6:11EPH 5:33EPH 6:4COL 3:141JN 4:7
This sermon emphasizes the importance of learning from children, particularly in their humility, love, and openness. It highlights Jesus' endearing words to his disciples as 'little children' and the commandment to love one another. The message stresses the significance of creating a loving and peaceful atmosphere in our homes, where children witness and experience genuine love and affection between parents, fostering a secure and nurturing environment for their growth.
Crash Course to a Wonderful Family - Part 2
By David Servant58959:09EPH 5:33COL 3:18
This sermon emphasizes the importance of traditional family values and the need for husbands and wives to communicate openly and make efforts to understand and support each other. It touches on the differences between men and women in roles and responsibilities within the family, highlighting the need for mutual respect and appreciation. The sermon encourages husbands and wives to seek constructive feedback from each other to improve their relationship and commitment to serving one another.
Marriage: Understanding and Appreciating Roles - Part 2
By Shane Idleman53646:11PSA 51:1EPH 5:25EPH 5:33
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling roles in marriage according to God's design. It highlights the significance of husbands loving their wives sacrificially and wives respecting their husbands, focusing on the impact of preconceived notions and unrealistic expectations on marital success. The sermon stresses the covenant nature of marriage, the need for realistic expectations, and the detrimental effects of divorce on the unity of one flesh. It calls for repentance, thankfulness, and prioritizing God's will in marriage to build strong, lasting relationships.
Love One Another
By R. Edward Miller37017:52LoveEXO 20:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:34JHN 15:13EPH 5:25EPH 5:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and its power to overcome sin and heal wounds. He highlights the deep longing within every human being to be loved and cared for. The preacher also discusses the commandment given by Jesus to love one another, even those who may not be lovable. He reminds the audience of Jesus' ultimate act of love by sacrificing his life for his friends. The sermon encourages believers to have faith in God's love and to allow the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts with love for others.
Woman, the Completer
By Jack Hyles0GEN 2:21EST 4:14PSA 139:23PRO 14:1EPH 5:33Jack Hyles preaches on the significant role of women in the family, drawing parallels between the Trinity and the family structure. He emphasizes that women represent the Holy Spirit in the home, responsible for comforting, teaching, and leading. Hyles highlights the power of women in determining the atmosphere of their surroundings, comparing them to the unseen yet essential Holy Spirit. He encourages women to embrace their role as the Holy Spirit of the family, bringing positivity, comfort, and strength to their homes and communities.
Day 93, 1 Corinthians 11
By David Servant0PRO 3:111CO 11:271CO 11:32EPH 5:23EPH 5:33David Servant discusses the importance of understanding the underlying spiritual principles behind Paul's words on women's head coverings, emphasizing the significance of honoring one's spouse above mere symbols. He highlights the need for wives to always honor their husbands, as instructed in Scripture. Additionally, he delves into the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of waiting for one another, self-examination, and avoiding selfish behaviors that detract from the sacredness of the meal.
The Fear of the Lord
By H.J. Vine0PRO 8:13MAL 4:2MAT 3:16ACT 9:311CO 1:29EPH 5:332TI 2:22HEB 5:7REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of being in the fear of the Lord throughout the day, emphasizing the reverent trustfulness and hatred of evil that comes with it. The presence of the Lord brings joy and reality to those who maintain this fear. By walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, true prosperity and unity are experienced, as seen in the early assemblies in the Acts.
1 Corinthians 11:2
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 2:24PRO 31:101CO 7:31CO 13:4EPH 5:33COL 3:18HEB 13:41PE 3:7John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of mutual respect and understanding in marriage, emphasizing the need for husbands and wives to fulfill their respective roles with love and patience. He highlights the significance of obedience, gentleness, and self-control in maintaining a harmonious relationship, urging couples to bear with each other's weaknesses and faults. Chrysostom encourages husbands to lead with kindness and wives to support with grace, reminding them of the rewards of enduring challenges together and the value of a peaceful home. He stresses the need for both partners to focus on their own responsibilities rather than pointing out the faults of the other, promoting a spirit of forgiveness and compassion in marriage.
Courtship by Principle
By Catherine Booth0PRO 18:222CO 6:14GAL 6:2EPH 5:33COL 3:13Catherine Booth emphasizes the importance of intentional courtship and marriage based on specific principles to avoid failure and misery. She highlights the significance of taking time to truly know each other's character, disposition, and beliefs before committing to an engagement. Booth stresses the necessity of seeking compatibility, shared religious views, mental strength, and mutual respect in a partner to ensure a harmonious and lasting relationship. She also shares personal resolutions and rules for a successful marriage, including transparency, unity in decision-making, and avoiding arguments in front of children.
1 Peter 3:2
By John Gill0Respect in RelationshipsMarriagePRO 31:10EPH 5:33COL 3:18HEB 13:41PE 3:2John Gill emphasizes the significance of a wife's chaste conduct in marriage, which includes cheerful submission, deep affection, and a commitment to honor the sanctity of the marital relationship. He highlights the importance of showing reverence to husbands and maintaining a respectful demeanor, driven by both love and the fear of God. This behavior not only strengthens the marital bond but also serves as a witness to others of the beauty of a God-centered marriage.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Nevertheless - Πλην· Moreover, or therefore, on the consideration of God's design in the institution of marriage, let every one of you love his wife as himself, because she is both naturally and by a Divine ordinance a part of himself. That she reverence her husband - Let the wife ever consider the husband as her head, and this he is, not only by nature, but also by the ordinance of God. These are very important matters, and on them the apostle lays great stress. See the following observations. There is one subject in the preceding verse on which I could not enlarge sufficiently in the notes, and which I have reserved for this place; viz. what the apostle says concerning the mystery of marriage, which certainly has a deeper meaning than what is generally apprehended. Dr. Macknight has some good observations on this part of the subject, which I shall beg leave to lay before my readers. 1. "The apostle calls the formation of Eve from Adam's body, his marriage with her; and the intimate union established between them by that marriage, a great mystery, because it contained an important emblematical meaning concerning the regeneration of believers, and their union with Christ, which hitherto had been kept secret, but which he had discovered in the 30th verse. For there, in allusion to what Adam said concerning Eve, 'This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh,' the apostle says, concerning Christ and believers: We are bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh: that is, we are parts of his body, the Church. And by this application of Adam's words concerning Eve to Christ and to his Church, he intimates, First, That the formation of Eve of a rib taken out of Adam's body was a figure of the regeneration of believers by the breaking of Christ's body, mentioned Eph 5:25. Secondly, That Adam's love to Eve, on account of her being formed of his body, was a figure of Christ's love to believers because they are become his body, Eph 5:30. Thirdly, That Adam's marriage with Eve was a figure of the eternal union of Christ with believers in heaven, mentioned Eph 5:27. For he left his Father to be united to his Church. 2. "In giving this emblematical representation of these ancient facts, the apostle has not exceeded the bounds of probability. In the first age, neither the art of writing, nor any permanent method of conveying instruction, being invented, it was necessary to make such striking actions and events as could not easily be forgotten emblems of the instruction meant to be perpetuated. On this supposition, Adam, in whom the human race began, was a natural image of Christ, in whom the human race was to be restored; and his deep sleep, the opening of his side, and the formation of Eve of a rib taken out of his side, were fit emblems of Christ's death, of the opening of his side on the cross, and of the regeneration of believers by his death. The love which Adam expressed towards Eve, and his union with her by marriage, were lively images of Christ's love to believers, and of his eternal union with them in one society after their resurrection; and Eve herself, who was formed of a rib taken from Adam's side, was a natural image of believers, who are regenerated, both in their body and in their mind, by the breaking of Christ's side on the cross. Thus, the circumstances which accompanied the formation of Eve being fit emblems of the formation of the Church, we may suppose they were brought to pass to prefigure that great event; and, by prefiguring it, to show that it was decreed of God from the very beginning. 3. "The aptness, however, of these images is not the only reason for supposing that the formation of Eve, and her marriage with Adam in paradise, were emblems of the regeneration of believers by the death of Christ, and of their eternal union with him in heaven. The singular manner in which Eve was formed, and the declaration at her marriage with Adam, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh,' strongly lead to that conclusion. Eve was not formed of the dust of the earth, as all other living things were made, (not excepting Adam himself), but of a rib taken from Adam's side while he was in a deep sleep. Now, for this diversity, what reason can be assigned, if that which the apostle hath suggested is not admitted? Farther: unless some deep instruction were couched under the formation of Eve, what occasion was there for Adam, at his marriage with her, to declare, 'This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man: therefore shall a man leave,' etc.? For although the taking of Eve out of Adam might be a reason for Adam's affection towards her, it was no reason for the affection of his posterity towards their wives, who were not so formed. The reason of their love to their wives is their being creatures of the same species with themselves. This Eve might have been, though, like Adam, she had been formed of the dust of the earth. Wherefore Adam's declaration concerning Eve being taken out of his body, and concerning his love to her on that account, was intended for some purpose peculiar to himself; namely, as he was a type of Him who was to restore the human race by the breaking of his body on the cross, and who on that account loves them, and will unite them to himself for ever. Upon the whole, the formation of Eve and her marriage with Adam, and his love to and union with her because she was taken out of his side, and the declaration that, on that account, all his posterity should love their wives, and continue united to them through life, (a union which does not subsist among other animals), are events so singular, that I do not see what account can be given of them, unless, with the Apostle Paul, we suppose that, agreeably to the most ancient method of instruction, God intended these things as figurative representations of the regeneration of believers by the death of Christ, and of his eternal union with them in heaven; and that Adam and Eve were taught by God himself to consider them as such. 4. "It is no small confirmation of the apostle's emblematical interpretation of the formation and marriage of Eve, that in Scripture we find a variety of images and expressions founded on that interpretation. For example, Rom 5:14, Adam is expressly called a type of him who was to come, on which account, Co1 15:45, Christ is called the last Adam. Next, the catholic Church, consisting of believers of all nations, is called the body of Christ, and the members thereof are said to be members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones; in allusion to the formation of Eve, the emblem of the Church. For, as Eve was formed of a rib taken out of Adam's body during his deep sleep, so believers are regenerated both in mind and body, and formed into one great society, and united to Christ as their head and governor, by the breaking of his body on the cross. Thirdly, to this emblematical meaning of the formation of Eve, our Lord, I think, alluded when he instituted his supper. For instead of appointing one symbol only of his death, he appointed two; and, in explaining the first of them, he expressed himself in such a manner as to show that he had his eye on what happened to Adam when Eve was formed: This is my body which is broken for you - for your regeneration. Fourthly, the eternal union of the regenerated with Christ after the resurrection is called a marriage, Rev 19:7; and the new Jerusalem, that is, the inhabitants of the new Jerusalem, the society of the redeemed, is termed the bride, the Lamb's wife; and the preparing of men for that happy union, by introducing them into the Church upon earth through faith, and by sanctifying them through the word, is called, Co2 11:2, A fitting them for one husband, that at the resurrection they may be presented a chaste virgin to Christ; in allusion, I suppose, to the presenting of Eve to Adam, in order to her marriage with him; and to show that, in this expression, the apostle had the figurative meaning of Eve's marriage in his mind, he mentions, Co2 11:3, the subtlety of the devil in deceiving Eve. Finally, the union of the Jewish Church with God, as the figure of the catholic Church, consisting of the regenerated of all nations, is by God himself termed a marriage, Jer 3:14; Ezekiel 16:8-32; and God is called the husband of that people, Isa 54:5; and their union to him by the law of Moses is termed, The day of their espousals, Jer 2:2." 1. A truly Christian marriage has an excellence, holiness, and unity in it, that cannot be easily described; and let it be observed that, while it prefigures the union of Christ with his Church, it is one means of giving children to the Church, and members to the mystical body of Christ. It is an ordinance of God, and, cannot be too highly honored; endless volumes might be written on its utility to man: without marriage, by which every man is assigned his own wife, and every woman her own husband, even the multitude of spurious births which would take place would fail to keep up the population of the earth; and natural, moral, and political wretchedness would be the consequence of promiscuous, fortuitous, and transitory connections. For without that ascertainment of peculiar property which marriage gives to every man in his wife, and to every woman in her husband, the human progeny would be unnoticed, unclaimed, uneducated, and totally neglected. This would continually increase the wretchedness, and in process of time bring about the total depopulation of the world. 2. The husband is to love his wife, the wife to obey and venerate her husband; love and protection on the one hand, affectionate subjection and fidelity on the other. The husband should provide for his wife without encouraging profuseness; watch over her conduct without giving her vexation; keep her in subjection without making her a slave; love her without jealousy; oblige her without flattery; honor her without making her proud; and be hers entirely, without becoming either her footman or her slave. In short, they have equal rights and equal claims; but superior strength gives the man dominion, affection and subjection entitle the woman to love and protection. Without the woman, man is but half a human being; in union with the man, the woman finds her safety and perfection. In the above remarks there are many things solid and useful; there are others which rest more on fancy than judgment. 3. Of marriage the Church of Rome has made a sacrament, and it is one of the seven which that Church acknowledges. That it is an ordinance of God is sufficiently evident; that he has not made it a sacrament is not less so. Though the minister of religion celebrates it, yet the regulation of it, in reference to inheritance, etc., is assumed by the state. This is of great moment, as by it many evils are prevented, and many political and domestic advantages secured. If a man enter hastily into this state it is at his own risk; after he has once entered it, the seal of the legislature is imposed upon it, and with his engagements, he cannot trifle. A consideration of this has prevented many hasty and disproportionate alliances. Though they might hope to trifle with the Church, they dare not do it with the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nevertheless--not to pursue further the mystical meaning of marriage. Translate, as Greek, "Do ye also (as Christ does) severally each one so love," &c. The words, "severally each one," refer to them in their individual capacity, contrasted with the previous collective view of the members of the Church as the bride of Christ. Next: Ephesians Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:33 Paul summarizes his teaching on the relationship between husbands and wives (5:22-33). Christian marriages should be marked by love and respect.