Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul describes Christ's sanctifying work on the church through 'the washing of water with the word' — language that blends baptismal imagery with the cleansing power of God's spoken address. The Greek 'rhēma' (word, utterance) may refer to the confessional declaration made at baptism or to the continual proclamation of the gospel that accompanies sacramental practice; early church fathers generally held both in tension. The bridal metaphor (verses 25-27) draws on Ezekiel 16's portrait of God washing and adorning Jerusalem as his bride, now fulfilled in Christ's self-giving love for the church. Titus 3:5 ('the washing of regeneration') and John 15:3 ('clean through the word') offer parallel formulations.
Other Translations
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed <FI>it<Fi> with the bathing of the water in the saying,
So that he might make it holy, having made it clean with the washing of water by the word,
Cross References
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all …
Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with …
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem …
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, …
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the …
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing …
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, …
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the …
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for …