"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
— Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)
Ephesians 5:25 is the verse people mean when they search the reference for "husbands, love your wives." This page is the passage and a plain reading. The longer Ephesians 5 marriage study on this site is Love in marriage: Ephesians 5. Marriage lists are Bible verses for marriage and Bible verses about marriage. Christ's self-giving love elsewhere is Romans 5:8 and John 15:13.
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The verse
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) reads: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
The King James says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Same measure: a husband's love is patterned on Christ's costly love for the church.
What the verse is saying
Paul is speaking into household life after calling the church to walk in love. Husbands are told to love — and the standard is not mood or culture. It is Christ, who loved the church and gave himself up for her. The verb is active self-giving, not ownership. The surrounding verses develop one-flesh union, nourishing care, and mutual love and respect. That chapter study is Love in marriage: Ephesians 5.
This page stays with the reference. The wider household passage is that study page.
How people use Ephesians 5:25
People look up the reference for weddings, men's studies, counseling, and cards that name a husband's calling. It pairs with Colossians 3:14 and Colossians 3:19 when the topic is love at home. Related pages are Love and marriage, Wedding Bible verses, and What does the Bible say about marriage.
Questions people ask
What does Ephesians 5:25 say?
It says husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
What does love your wives as Christ loved the church mean?
It means the measure is Christ's self-giving for the church, not a feeling that comes and goes. See Love in marriage: Ephesians 5.
Is this only for husbands?
The command in this verse addresses husbands. The same chapter also speaks to wives and to the whole church walking in love. The study page covers the full passage: Love in marriage: Ephesians 5.
How does this relate to Romans 5:8 or John 15:13?
Romans 5:8 and John 15:13 also name love proved by giving one's life. Ephesians 5:25 applies that pattern to a husband's love for his wife. See Romans 5:8 and John 15:13.
Where should I read next?
For the chapter study, read Love in marriage: Ephesians 5. For marriage lists, read Bible verses for marriage. For a daily verse, open Bible verse of the day.
