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 washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with …
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all …
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem …
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he …
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the …