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Ephesians 5:29

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 5:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
Ephesians 5:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
27that he might present the church to himself a glorious [church], not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself:
29for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
30because we are members of his body.
31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.
32This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.
← Ephesians 5:28Ephesians 5:30 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, &c.] This is unnatural, contrary to the first principles of nature; (see <235807>Isaiah 58:7); which the f68 Jews understand of one that is near akin, and there is none nearer than a wife: but nourisheth and cherisheth it; feeds and clothes it: even as the Lord the church; who never hated her, but nourishes and cherishes her: Christ never hated his church and people; for his love is not only a love of benevolence, but of complacency and delight: there is a difference between anger and hatred, Christ may be angry with them, but not hate them; and there is a difference between persons and actions, Christ may hate their actions, but not their persons;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--Supply, and we all love ourselves: "For no man," &c. his own flesh-- (Eph 5:31, end). nourisheth--Greek, "nourisheth it up," namely, to maturity. "Nourisheth," refers to food and internal sustenance; "cherisheth," to clothing and external fostering. even as--Translate, "even as also." the Lord--The oldest manuscripts read, "Christ." Exo 21:10 prescribes three duties to the husband. The two former (food and raiment) are here alluded to in a spiritual sense, by "nourisheth and cherisheth"; the third "duty of marriage" is not added in consonance with the holy propriety of Scripture language: its antitype is, "know the Lord" (Hos 2:19-20) [BENGEL].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh - This is urged as an argument why a man should love his wife and show kindness to her. As no man disregards the happiness of his own body, or himself, so he should show equal care to promote the happiness of his wife. A sentiment similar to this is found in the classic writers. Thus, Curtius (lib. vii.) says, “Corporibus nostris quoe utique non odimus” - “We do not hate those things that pertain to our own bodies.” So Seneca (Epis. 14), “Fateor insitam nobis esse corporis nostri charitatem” - “I confess that there is implanted in us the love of our own body.” The word nourisheth here means properly to bring up, as e. g., children. The sense here is,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“His own flesh - That is, himself. Nourisheth and cherisheth - That is, feeds and clothes it. Ephesians 5:30”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“hated: Eph 5:31; Pro 11:17; Ecc 4:5; Rom 1:31 nourisheth: Isa 40:11; Eze 34:14, Eze 34:15, Eze 34:27; Mat 23:37; Joh 6:50-58 Ephesians 5:30”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification