Ephesians 5:28-30

5:28

In the same way – parallel truth, or take the truth from the relation above and apply it to the relation below

husbands – submitting leaders

ought – curious that Paul’s instruction to wives appears more direct. No “ought” there but “be to the Lord.” Here however I see obligation instead of command.

to love – let my actions demonstrate how pricelessly precious she is to me; let my actions and words express how deeply she abides in my soul.

their wives – the one who completes me, who makes me whole

as – in the same way

their own bodies – not sure this is the best analogy, considering how I and many other husbands treat our bodies. But what if Paul means something akin to what I just said above: My wife has become so much a part of me that in many ways we have become one—so that what I do to myself, how I treat my body, I am also doing to her.

He who – If I…

loves his wife – demonstrates the priceless treasure she is…

loves himself – that expression of intimate adoration returns, echoes back to me

5:29

After all – This is self-evident

no one ever – generally true, but nowadays at least there are some who seem to hate their own bodies. Still it is generally true.

hated – despised, mistreated, abused, wanted it to go away, wished it never existed

his own body – my physical existence

but – contrast

he feeds – I nourish my body

and cares for it – I tend to any problems that arise in my body. I give my body enough food to keep it functioning, enough exercise and rest to keep some balance.

just as – similar to, in the same way

Christ – Anointed One, Messiah

does the church – He feeds the church and cares for the church. He gives us pastors and teachers to feed us so we can grow and remain healthy. He finds ways to exercise our faith and at other times He allows periods of rest and refreshment. Yes, He does this for me individually; but He also does this for the church.

5:30

for – reason for the above is found below

we – the bride of Christ, the church, the called-out community

are – present tense

members of – belonging to, a part of

his body – the body of Christ