Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:29

"for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;" — Ephesians 5:29 (ASV)

The apostle appeals to a self-evident fact. It will hardly be denied that no one ever hates his or her own body (Genesis 2:23; Ephesians 5:30–31). Rather, one devotes oneself to looking after it and provides for it in every way, supplying it with food to promote its development and maintain its health. Everyone cares for his or her own body and cherishes it. This is how Christ loves his body, the church (v.25), argues Paul. He appeals to the same principle when addressing husbands as he did when addressing wives. Just as wives are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, so husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church.