This verse in Greek starts with a strong adversative, expressing a contrast or exception, “except, however, nevertheless, despite.” Here it may be taken in two ways: (1) “However that may be,” “Notwithstanding this fact”: in this case the writer is going back to the main subject, treating the Christological exposition in verses 29b-31 as a digression (so Traduction œcuménique de la Bible); (2) “But besides the previous interpretation,” “In addition to this”: in this case the writer is saying that besides the allegorical application of Genesis 2.24 to the relation between Christ and the church, there is also the literal application to be made to Christian husbands and their wives. The second seems preferable; so Good News Translation, New English Bible, and others.

The statement But it also applies to you may be rendered as “but these words are also about you” or “but these words are in a sense also about you.”

The Greek of every husband is quite full: “all of you, each one in particular.” Here again the command is repeated: each husband must love his wife as himself.

Respect translates the Greek verb “to fear” (see the related noun “fear” in 5.21; 6.5), which means “to fear, have awe, reverence.” In the Old Testament “to fear God” (see the phrase “the fear of Christ” in 5.21) indicates the proper attitude an Israelite should have for Yahweh. Here most translations have “respect” or “show respect for.”

In some languages it may be appropriate to speak of respect as “to think of a person as being important” or “to see a person as being great” or “regarding a person as deserving to be honored.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert C. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1982. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .