Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Truth to Learn
The responsibilities of husband and wife are not optional.
Behind the Words
“Nevertheless” is a translation of the Greek adverb plēn, which is a contracted form of pleion, meaning “more.” This word can have a number of nuances such as, “much more,” “rather,” “but yet,” or “nevertheless.” Paul’s use of this word here indicates that he is bringing his reader back to the primary objective of his teaching.
The expression “each one of you in particular” is an unusual idiomatic expression in the Greek text. “Each one of you” is from an expression that literally means “you one by one” (focusing on the individual being spoken to) and is followed by hekastos, which further individualizes the expression.
The verb “let … love” is once again from the Greek verb agapē. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command (identified in English by the use of “let”).
“Respects” is translated from the word phobeō, which is often translated as “fear.” However, this word is also used as a metaphor for “respect” or “awe.” The form of this verb (subjunctive coupled with hina) indicates the same emphasis as an imperative. In other words, this is a command for women to revere their husbands.
Meaning Explained
The opening word of this verse indicates that Paul is aware that he has strayed off topic a little bit and is bringing his reader back to the topic at hand, how a man is to behave toward his wife. The unusual expression that he used indicates that he wants to bring his reader’s attention back from a focus on Christ and the church, to a focus on individual responsibility. And, his use of the command form of agapē, just as he did back in verse twenty-five, indicates that this is not an option for men.
The main focus of this chapter has been on how Christians are to behave with respect to others in the church. For the past eleven verses, however, he has focused on how a man and woman are to behave toward each other in a marriage relationship. He told women that they are to “under-rank” themselves with respect to their husbands and he told men that they are to demonstrate a self-sacrificing love toward their wives. After taking a few verses to teach us the mystery regarding Christ and the church (a marriage relationship with responsibilities exactly like husband and wife), he now reiterates his teaching for husbands and wives.
Paul’s use of phobeō in this verse could be misinterpreted unless we recognize that to Greeks this word had two meanings. In an emotional sense, it refers to being fearful, but in a moral sense (as it is used here), it refers to recognition of authority and power (reverence, honor, or respect).
Application
Men, quit making excuses and demonstrate to your wife the kind of love that Christ has for you. Women, forget your excuses too, and submit to your husband as unto the Lord. God will honor your faithful obedience.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.