Ephesians 5:24

Therefore [α λ λ α]. Rev, correctly, but. Offsetting the relation of savior. The comparison does not hold in respect of salvation, but it does hold in respect of subjection.

26 Sanctify and cleanse [α γ ι α σ η κ α θ α ρ ι σ α ς]. Rev., might sanctify, having cleansed. The Rev. brings out the proper succession of sanctification as a consequence of cleansing : might sanctify after having cleansed.

With the washing of water [τ ω λ ο υ τ ρ ω τ ο υ υ δ α τ ο ς]. Loutron washing is properly laver. Note the article, the laver, as something well known. There is no satisfactory evidence for the meaning washing. The allusion is to baptism. Some find a reference to the bride's bath before marriage.

By the word [ε ν ρ η μ α τ ι]. Rev., correctly, with the word. To be connected with having cleansed it by the laver of water : not with might sanctify, nor with the laver of water alone, as a descriptive epithet. With the word describes that which accompanies the rite and which is the peculiar element of baptismal purification. Compare John 14:3. Augustine says : "Take away the word, and what is the water but water ?"