This is part of a series on patriarchy, headship, and submission. See this index.

Ephesians 5:22-33 has a chiastic structure.

Structure

A: submission and respect together refer to honor

B: head-body metaphor refers to unity, not authority

C: Christ is savior of both men and women, who are both equal members of one body:

“For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.” — 1 Corinthians 11:12

D: Wives submit—voluntarily giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, carrying a burden (see here). Husbands nourish and care (feminine traits). Both are submissive actions focusing on cooperation, carrying burdens for another, service, etc.

E: Love

F: Holiness

G: Glory

Meaning

The primary focus of the passage is on glorification through holiness, love, and unity.