Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:2 mean?

Ephesians 5:2 calls believers to live their lives guided by love, following the example of Christ, who loved humanity so deeply that he gave himself up as an offering and sacrifice to God, which was pleasing to God. The verse highlights that Christ’s self-giving love is the model for how Christians are to treat others.

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, encouraging them to imitate Christ’s love in their daily lives. The verse uses the language of Old Testament sacrifices to describe Jesus’ death, showing that his act was both a gift and a pleasing sacrifice to God. This sets a high standard for Christian love, rooted in selflessness and devotion.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:2

• ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This word for "love" means a selfless, sacrificial kind of love. Paul is not talking about feelings or affection but about a deliberate choice to seek the good of others, just as Christ did.
• προσφορά (prosphora, G4376) and θυσία (thysia, G2378): These words mean "offering" and "sacrifice." Paul uses both to show that Jesus’ death was not just a payment but an act of worship and devotion, echoing the language of temple sacrifices.
• εὐωδία (euōdia, G2175) and ὀσμή (osmē, G3744): These words together mean "a sweet-smelling aroma." In the Old Testament, sacrifices that pleased God were described this way, so Paul is saying that Christ’s sacrifice was fully accepted and pleasing to God.

Why Ephesians 5:2 matters

• Ephesians 5:2 clarifies that Christian love is not just about kindness or tolerance but is modeled on Christ’s self-giving, sacrificial love.
• The verse connects Jesus’ death to Old Testament sacrifices, helping readers see the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the message of Jesus.
• By calling Christ’s sacrifice "a sweet-smelling savour," Paul emphasizes that God fully accepted Jesus’ offering, giving believers confidence in the sufficiency of Christ’s love and sacrifice.