Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Study Note
Study Note
The goal of Christ's self-giving love for the church — 'to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish' — draws on the marriage preparation and temple-offering contexts simultaneously. Bridal preparation language ('without spot or wrinkle') and sacrificial purity language ('holy and without blemish') combine to describe the eschatological state of the community that Christ is sanctifying through the word (verse 26). The verse belongs to the most extended New Testament reflection on the church-as-bride metaphor (verses 25-32), which draws on Hosea, Jeremiah 2, and the Song of Songs. Revelation 21:2 and 19:7-8 show the fulfillment: the new Jerusalem 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,' dressed in fine linen that is 'the righteous deeds of the saints.'
Other Translations
that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
that he might present it to himself the assembly in glory, not having spot or wrinkle, or any of such things, but that it may be holy and unblemished;
And might take it for himself, a church full of glory, not having one mark or fold or any such thing; but that it might be holy and complete.
Cross References
The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal …
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting …
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the …
And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of …
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us …
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may …
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and …