Chapter
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Verse

Ephesians 5:2

ESV And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
NIV and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
NASB and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
CSB and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
NLT Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
KJV And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

What does Ephesians 5:2 mean?

In addition to imitating God (Ephesians 5:1), believers are to continually act out of love. The phrase translated "walk in love" is used only here in Scripture. The Greek expression peropateite en agape refers to "continuing in selfless love." The theme of "walking" refers to a consistent, purposeful practice. This is a common topic in Ephesians (Ephesians 2:2, 10; 4:1, 17; 5:8, 15). Believers are told, "Look carefully then how you walk" (Ephesians 5:15). The example for how to walk—how to live as a matter of habit—is Christ.

The description of Christ in this verse revolves around four themes. First is Christ's love for mankind. Second is Christ's sacrifice, made on our behalf. Third, this sacrifice is described as "a fragrant offering." This refers to the idea of a sweet-smelling offering in the tabernacle or temple. Fourth, Jesus gave His life for us, as a sacrifice to God, both for our good and as an act of worship to the Father. The book of Hebrews develops this theme in greater detail, showing that Christ offered a once-for-all sacrifice. As a result, believers in Jesus are no longer bound by the sacrifices of the Jewish law (the Torah), but are instead bound to Christ.
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