Ephesians 5:29 nasb — for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

NASB

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

— Ephesians 5:29, NASB

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Ephesians 5:29 in Other Translations

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Ephesians 5 — Context

26

so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

27

that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

28

So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;

29

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

30

because we are members of His body.

31

FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.

32

This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:29 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ephesians 5:29 say?
Ephesians 5:29 in the NASB reads: “for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,”
Where is Ephesians 5:29 in the Bible?
Ephesians 5:29 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 29.
Who wrote Ephesians?
Ephesians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle (from Roman imprisonment). It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Ephesians about?
Ephesians is the church's great song of God's plan — Father, Son, and Spirit working from before the foundation of the world to gather one new people in Christ. Chapters 1–3 lay the doctrine, chapters 4–6 work out the life that flows from it, ending in the armor of God.
What are the major themes of Ephesians?
Ephesians explores themes including Grace, Unity in Christ, New Humanity, Spirit-Filled Life, Spiritual Warfare. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ephesians 5:29.
What translation should I read Ephesians 5:29 in?
Ephesians 5:29 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ephesians 5:29?
Ephesians 5:29 reads (NASB): “for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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