Ephesians 5:31-33

5:31

“For this reason – start of quote from Genesis 2:24. God’s act of bringing our first parents together provides the reason for…

a man will leave his father and mother – go from home; establish some independence

and be united to his wife [NLT: is joined to his wife] – marriage covenant

and – this conjunction is used 3 times in close proximity. The first time simply separates father and mother. But the other 2 indicate a sequence of events: First, I established some identity or independence distinct from my parents. Second, I enter into a covenant with my wife. Third, after those 2 steps then we unite in the flesh.

the two will become one flesh.” – Physical union, intercourse, usually represented in the resulting offspring who are genetically part of each.

5:32

This is a profound – deep, multifaceted

mystery – difficult to understand, not immediately obvious

but – contrast

I am talking about – Does Paul mean that the quote from Genesis refers to God the Son leaving His home to covenant Himself to His bride? Without going too far into theology, I would contend that it only partially applies. Yes, God the Son left His home. But no, He did not establish independence; rather He remained intimately One with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Christ and the church [ NLT: it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.] – pattern, example for me and Nancy. As Christ gave Himself up for the church, so I need to give myself up for Nancy. Similarly, as the church is to Christ, Paul calls wives to live in the same attitude and behavior toward their husbands.

5:33

However – although talking about Christ and the church, nevertheless…

each one of you – no exceptions

also – in addition to Christ and His bride

must – imperative, demand, insistent; above he said "ought," but here he switches to demand

love – demonstrated value and intimacy

his wife – my precious gift from God, my completer

as – in the same way that

he loves himself – I’m not sure I demonstrate this very well. But certainly I value myself and I’m very intimate with myself.

and – in addition

the wife – she who makes me complete

must – here is the demand again

respect – I don’t know how to define it. But I know it when I see it. Honor, value, significance

her husband – God’s gift to her and the one who makes her complete.