Husbands, Love Your Wives

Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her — a sacrifice owed regardless of whether she returns the respect you demand.

Husbands are commanded to lay down their lives for their wives just as Christ did for the church. Ephesians 5:25 is clear: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” People like to argue, “Yeah, but she doesn’t listen. She doesn’t submit!” They think that because they aren’t receiving the respect they demand, they are exempt from the sacrifice they owe. But do you always listen to Christ? Does Christ stop being the Savior of the Church because we fail Him? Does He hold back His grace because we are stubborn? Christ laid down His life for people that often do not listen to Him, and He continues to sustain us despite our constant rebellion. Feelings do not change Scripture. Sound doctrine is that husbands are to lay their lives down for their wives — sacrificing their pride, their comfort, and their own desires — regardless of whether or not they think the wife is “deserving” of it. If you are withholding your sacrifice because she isn’t acting the way you want, you aren’t imitating Christ; you are just keeping a ledger of offenses.

Scriptures Referenced (KJV)

1 key passage from the King James Version (KJV).

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”

Ephesians 5:25 KJV Read Ephesians chapter 5 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Husbands, love your wives in the Bible

What does the Bible say about husbands, love your wives?
Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her — a sacrifice owed regardless of whether she returns the respect you demand. Key KJV passages: Ephesians 5:25.
What are the best Bible verses about husbands, love your wives?
The most important KJV passages on husbands, love your wives include: Ephesians 5:25. Read all 1 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about husbands, love your wives?
The Bible addresses husbands, love your wives throughout both Testaments. Key references include Ephesians 5:25. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about husbands, love your wives?
New Testament scriptures on husbands, love your wives: Ephesians 5:25. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about husbands, love your wives?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 1 passages on husbands, love your wives at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.