EPHESIANS 5:29

“for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,”

I love to eat a good meal. My wife and I found a great Mexican restaurant here in Knoxville recently. (If you want the name of it, let me know, lol) Nourishing our bodies is why we eat, right? We also like to wear nice things. We want to look good when people see us. I don’t mean we have to have expensive things – just nice enough to look good.

In today’s verse Paul continues with the commands to the husband in regard to his wife. Many scholars believe Paul is referencing the commands echoed in Exodus 21:10. “If he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights.” Paul is not saying men should take multiple wives, but he is saying that he should nourish (not reduce her food) and cherish her (provide clothing). Men have a responsibility to provide for his wives need, just as much as he provides for his own needs.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “nourishes” is ektrephó which means to feed properly or bring to maturity. Paul uses the same word later in this letter to the Ephesians in Ephesians 6:4. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” These are the only two times this word is used. Paul is not saying husbands should treat their wives as children. Instead, he is saying husbands need to help bring their wives to a spiritual maturity.

When Paul tells husbands to cherish their wives, he uses the Greek word thalpó. HELPS Word studies defines this word this way. “to keep warm; (figuratively) “warm someone up” (= revive their health) by nourishing and nurturing.” What husband doesn’t want to keep their wife warm? That is done by providing clothing and a home. And what wife doesn’t want that?

Husbands, if you are reading this, take this command seriously. Your wife needs this, and you need to do it. Nourish her! Cherish her! Remember, you are doing this in response to Christ’s love for you. And wives, whether your husband is obedient to do this or not, remember you are cherished by your Lord. He knows you and loves you.

Father, lead all husbands to nourish and cherish their wives as Christ does toward the church.