A.T. Robertson Commentary


A.T. Robertson Commentary
"that he might present the church to himself a glorious [church], not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." — Ephesians 5:27 (ASV)
That he might present (ινα παραστηση). Final clause with ινα and first aorist active subjunctive of παριστημ (see Col 1:22 for parallel) as in 2 Corinthians 11:2 of presenting the bride to the bridegroom. Note both αυτος (himself) and εαυτω (to himself).
Glorious (ενδοξον). Used of splendid clothing in Lu 7:25.
Spot (σπιλος). Late word, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:13, but σπιλοω, to defile in Jas 3:6; Jude 1:23.
Wrinkle (ρυτιδα). Old word from ρυω, to contract, only here in N.T.
But that it should be holy and without blemish (αλλ' ινα η αγια κα αμωμος). Christ's goal for the church, his bride and his body, both negative purity and positive.