Ephesians 5:27

and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Ephesian church, drawing the husband-wife analogy to its purpose clause: the result of Christ's cleansing (v. 26) is a presentation.

The words — Παραστῆσαι (parastēsē) is aorist active subjunctive of παραστήσω, "to set before" or "to present" — a deliberate act of bringing something into view. Ἐνδοξον (endoxon) modifies "church," meaning "glorious" or "in glory," the state of the church at the moment of presentation.

The thread — Colossians 1:22 uses the same triad (holy, unblemished, blameless) for the reconciled community. Hebrews 9:14 and 1 Peter 1:19 apply "blemish" language to Christ's own offering, the source of the church's condition.

Why it lands — The church's holiness is not a moral achievement but the result of Christ's work (v. 26), and the husband's role is to steward that reality in the marriage. The standard is set by the One who presents, not by the one presented.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Colossians 1:22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love
Song of Solomon 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw.
2 Corinthians 4:14 knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.
Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.