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Book of Ephesians - Chapter 5 - Verse 32

5:32
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Meaning

When the Apostle Paul wrote "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church," he was emphasizing a deep and profound truth about the relationship between Christ and the church. In this verse, Paul is highlighting the metaphorical connection between the union of Christ and his followers in the church. The mystery being referred to here is the intimate bond that exists between Christ as the head of the church and the body of believers that make up the church. This mystical union is often compared to a marriage, where Christ is the bridegroom and the church is his bride. This symbolism underscores the love, devotion, and unity that should characterize the relationship between Christ and his followers. By using this metaphor, Paul is reminding believers of the sacred and holy bond that exists between them and Christ, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and commitment in their relationship with him.

Theological Overview

When it comes to the theological interpretation of the verse, "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church," we see that Paul is referring to the deep and profound connection between Christ and the church. Throughout the New Testament, the relationship between Christ and the church is often described using the analogy of a marriage. In this verse, Paul alludes to this metaphor by referring to it as a "great mystery." This mystery points to the union between Christ and the church, with Christ being the head of the church and the church being his bride. This union signifies the intimate bond and unity that believers share with Christ and emphasizes the importance of the church as the body of Christ. Through this interpretation, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual relationship between Christ and his followers, highlighting the love, care, and unity that exist within the church as a result of our connection with Christ.

American Standard Version

This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.
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