Ephesians

Ephesians front

Introduction to Ephesians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Ephesians

1. Greeting and prayer for the spiritual blessings in Christ (1:1-23)
2. Sin and salvation (2:1-10)
3. Unity and peace (2:11-22)
4. Mystery of Christ in the believers, made known (3:1-13)
5. Prayer for riches of his glory to make the believers strong (3:14-21)
6. Unity of the Spirit, building up the Body of Christ (4:1-16)
7. New life (4:17-32)
8. Imitators of God (5:1-21)
9. 1 Wives and husbands; children and parents; slaves and masters (5:22-6:9)
10. Armor of God (6:10-20)
11. Final greeting (6:21-24)

Who wrote the Book of Ephesians?

Paul wrote Ephesians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

The Apostle Paul helped start the church in Ephesus on one of his trips. He also lived in Ephesus for a year and a half and helped the believers there. Paul probably wrote this letter while he was in prison in Rome.

What is the Book of Ephesians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus to explain God’s love for them in Christ Jesus. He described the blessings that God was giving them because they were now united with Christ. He explained that all believers are united together, whether Jew or Gentile. Paul also wanted to encourage them to live in a way that pleases God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Ephesians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Ephesus” or “A Letter to the Christians in Ephesus.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the “mystery” in the book of Ephesians?

The expression translated in the ULT as “mystery” or “hidden” occurs six times. By it, Paul always meant something that God had to reveal to human beings because they could not know it on their own. It always referred to something about how God planned to save mankind. Sometimes it was about his plan to bring about peace between himself and mankind. Sometimes it was more specifically about his plan to save both Jews and Gentiles by uniting them through Christ. This hidden truth was that Gentiles are now able to benefit from the promises of Christ as equals with the Jews.

What did Paul say about salvation and righteous living?

Paul said much about salvation and righteous living in this letter and in many of his letters. He said that God has been very kind and saved Christians because they believe in Jesus. Therefore, after they become Christians, they should live in a righteous way to show that they have faith in Christ. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. The word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers who may read this letter. The three exceptions to this are: 5:14, 6:2, and 6:3. (See: Forms of You)

What did Paul mean by the “new self” or the “new man”?

When Paul spoke of the “new self” or the “new man,” he meant the new nature that a believer receives from the Holy Spirit. This new nature was created in God’s image (See: 4:24). The phrase “new man” is also used for God bringing about peace between Jews and Gentiles. God brought them together as one people group that belong to him (See: 2:15).

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Ephesians in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of several ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles: * Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the use of “holy” to express the fact that God views Christians as sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another use of “holy” is to express the idea that God is perfect and faultless. A third use is to express the idea that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “saints.” (See: 1:1, 4) * Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “saint” or “saints.” * Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” or “reserved for.” (See: 3:5)

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

This kind of expression occurs in 1:1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20; 2:6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22; 3:5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 21; 4:1, 17, 21, 32; 5:8, 18, 19; 6:1, 10, 18, 21. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union between Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the book of Ephesians?

• “in Ephesus” (1:1). Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include this phrase. It is likely that Paul intended this letter to be read in many churches, including Ephesus and many other cities. He may have originally left a blank space for the city name to be filled in by those copying the letter and carrying it to different cities. But “Ephesus” is the only name found on manuscripts that have a city name. Therefore, the ULT, UST, and many modern versions include it.
• “because we are members of his body” (5:30). Most modern versions, including the ULT and UST, read in this way. Some older versions read, “because we are members of his body and of his bones.” Translators might decide to choose the second reading if other versions in their area have it that way. If translators choose the second reading, they should put the additional words inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they are probably not original to the book of Ephesians.

(See: Textual Variants)

Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

“I pray”

Paul structures part of this chapter like a prayer of praise to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is teaching the church in Ephesus. He also tells the Ephesians how he is praying for them.

Special concepts in this chapter

Predestination

Many scholars believe this chapter teaches on a subject known as “predestination.” See the use of the word “predestine” in 1:5, 11. Some scholars take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject, so translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: predestine, predestined)

Ephesians 1:1

Paul names himself as the writer of this letter to the believers in the church at Ephesus (and elsewhere). Except where noted, all instances of “you” and “your” refer to the Ephesian believers as well as to all believers, and so are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Παῦλος, ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ…τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and the intended audience. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ … write this letter to you, God’s holy people”

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase in Christ Jesus and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him, picturing believers as being surrounded by Christ. Alternate translation: “in close relationship to Christ Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 1:2

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

This is a common greeting and blessing that Paul often uses in the beginning of his letters. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing.

Ephesians 1:3

In this book, unless otherwise stated, the words “us” and “we” refer to Paul, the believers in Ephesus, and all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Paul opens his letter by talking about the believers’ position and their safety before God.

εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς καὶ Πατὴρ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ εὐλογήσας ἡμᾶς

Alternate translation: “for God has blessed us”

πάσῃ εὐλογίᾳ πνευματικῇ

Alternate translation: “every blessing coming from the Spirit of God”

ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις

“in the supernatural world.” The word heavenly refers to the place where God is.

ἐν Χριστῷ

Here, in Christ could mean: (1) a metaphor referring to our close relationship with Christ. Alternate translation: “by uniting us with Christ” or “because we are united with Christ” (2) what Christ has done. Alternate translation: “through Christ” or “through what Christ has done” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 1:4

ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους

Paul uses these two similar words to emphasize moral goodness. If your language does not have two similar words, you can use one word for both, as in the UST. (See: Doublet)

ἀμώμους

The word blameless contains two negative ideas: “blame” or “fault,” and “-less,” which means “without.” If your readers would misunderstand this, the two negative ideas can be replaced with the corresponding positive idea, “perfect.” (See: Double Negatives)

Ephesians 1:5

The words “his,” “He,” and “he” refer to God.

προορίσας ἡμᾶς εἰς υἱοθεσίαν

The word us refers to Paul, the Ephesian church, and all believers in Christ. Alternate translation: “God planned long ago to adopt us” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

προορίσας ἡμᾶς

Alternate translation: “God chose us ahead of time” or “God chose us long ago”

εἰς υἱοθεσίαν

Here, adoption is a metaphor that refers to becoming part of God’s family. Alternate translation: “to become his children” (See: Metaphor)

διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

God brought believers into his family by the work of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:6

ἐχαρίτωσεν ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ ἠγαπημένῳ

Alternate translation: “he has kindly given to us by means of the One whom he loves”

τῷ ἠγαπημένῳ

Alternate translation: “the One he loves, Jesus Christ” or “his Son, whom he loves”

Ephesians 1:7

διὰ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτοῦ

The blood of Jesus is a metonym for his death. Alternate translation: “because he died” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ

Paul speaks of God’s grace as if it were material wealth. Alternate translation: “greatness of God’s grace” or “abundance of God’s grace” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 1:8

ἧς ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς ἡμᾶς

Alternate translation: “which he gave us in a great amount” or “being extremely kind to us”

ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ φρονήσει

This could mean: (1) because he has all wisdom and understanding. (2) so that we might have great wisdom and understanding.

σοφίᾳ καὶ φρονήσει

Here, wisdom and understanding mean very similar things. If your language does not have two similar words, you can use one word for both. (See: Doublet)

Ephesians 1:9

κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν αὐτοῦ

This could mean: (1) because he wanted to make it known to us. (2) which was what he wanted.

ἣν προέθετο ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “as he demonstrated this purpose in Christ”

ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “by means of Christ”

Ephesians 1:10

εἰς οἰκονομίαν

A new sentence can be started here. Alternate translation: “He did this with a view to an administration” or “He did this, thinking about a stewardship”

τοῦ πληρώματος τῶν καιρῶν

Alternate translation: “when the time is right” or “at the time that he has appointed”

ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “under his rule” or “under his authority”

Ephesians 1:11

καὶ ἐκληρώθημεν, προορισθέντες

Both pronouns we and We are inclusive in this verse. Paul is referring to all Christians, who were predestined to belong to Christ. In verses 12 and 13 he will divide this group into “we” (exclusive) Jewish Christians and “you” Gentile Christians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

καὶ ἐκληρώθημεν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God also chose us to be his possession. (2) God also chose us to be heirs. (See: Active or Passive)

προορισθέντες

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God chose us ahead of time” or “God chose us long ago” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 1:12

ἡμᾶς…τοὺς προηλπικότας ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ

Here, the word we is exclusive and refers to the Jewish believers who first heard the good news, not the believers at Ephesus. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς, εἰς ἔπαινον δόξης αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “so that we … would live to praise him for his glory”

Ephesians 1:13

Paul has been speaking in the previous two verses about himself and the other Jewish believers, but now he begins speaking about the Ephesian believers.

τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας

This could mean: (1) the message about the truth. (2) the true message.

ἐσφραγίσθητε τῷ Πνεύματι τῆς ἐπαγγελίας, τῷ Ἁγίῳ

In this metaphor Paul pictures the Holy Spirit as a seal, comparing him to the wax that was placed on a letter and stamped with a symbol representing the person who wrote the letter. Paul uses this custom as a picture to show how God has used the Holy Spirit to assure us that we belong to him. Alternate translation: “God has placed the Holy Spirit that he promised on you as if he were a seal” (See: Metaphor)

ἐσφραγίσθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has sealed you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 1:14

ἀρραβὼν τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν

Receiving what God has promised is spoken of in terms of one inheriting property or wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “an initial portion that we will receive from what God has promised” or “a guarantee that we will receive what God has promised to give us” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 1:15

Paul prays for the Ephesian believers and praises God for the power that believers have through Christ.

διὰ τοῦτο

The connecting phrase Because of this introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the Ephesians had believed the gospel and had been sealed by the Holy Spirit. The result is that Paul praises God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 1:16

οὐ παύομαι εὐχαριστῶν

Paul uses not stopped to emphasize that he continues to thank God. Alternate translation: “I continue to thank God” (See: Litotes)

οὐ παύομαι εὐχαριστῶν

Paul uses this exaggeration to emphasize that he thanks God very often. Alternate translation: “I continue to thank God” or “I often thank God” (See: Hyperbole)

Ephesians 1:17

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Paul prays for the Ephesians. The result is that God would enlighten the Ephesians about all that he has done for them through Christ. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πνεῦμα σοφίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως, ἐν ἐπιγνώσει αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “spiritual wisdom to understand his revelation”

Ephesians 1:18

πεφωτισμένους τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας

Here, heart refers to a person’s mind or thinking. Alternate translation: “that you may gain understanding” (See: Metonymy)

πεφωτισμένους τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God may give you understanding” or “that God may enlighten your mind” (See: Active or Passive)

τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας

The phrase eyes of your heart is a metaphor for one’s ability to gain understanding. Alternate translation: “that you may gain understanding and be enlightened” (See: Metaphor)

πεφωτισμένους

Alternate translation: “that … may be made to see”

τῆς κλήσεως αὐτοῦ

The calling of God refers to his choosing people to believe in him. Alternate translation: “that you have because he chose you to be his people”

τῆς κληρονομίας αὐτοῦ

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if one were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἁγίοις

Alternate translation: “those whom he has set apart for himself” or “those who belong completely to him”

Ephesians 1:19

τὸ ὑπερβάλλον μέγεθος τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “God’s power, which is far beyond all other power”

εἰς ἡμᾶς, τοὺς πιστεύοντας

Alternate translation: “for us who believe”

τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “his great power that is at work for us”

τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ

The words force and strength have very similar meanings and may be combined. Alternate translation: “of his great strength” (See: Doublet)

Ephesians 1:20

ἐγείρας αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν

Alternate translation: “when he made him alive again”

ἐκ νεκρῶν

This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: “from among all those who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καθίσας ἐν δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις

The person who sits at the right hand of a king sits at his right side and rules with all the authority of the king at whose right hand or side he sits. This is a metonym of location that represents the authority that the person in that location possesses. Alternate translation: “gave him all authority to rule from heaven” (See: Metonymy)

καθίσας ἐν δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ

To sit at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “seated him in the place of honor and authority beside him” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις

“in the supernatural world.” The word heavenly refers to the place where God is. See how you translated this in Ephesians 1:3.

Ephesians 1:21

ὑπεράνω πάσης ἀρχῆς, καὶ ἐξουσίας, καὶ δυνάμεως, καὶ κυριότητος

These are all terms for the ranks of supernatural beings, both angelic and demonic. If your language does not have four different terms for rulers or authorities, you can combine them. Alternate translation: “far above all types of supernatural beings” (See: Doublet)

παντὸς ὀνόματος ὀνομαζομένου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) every name that man gives. (2) every name that God gives. (See: Active or Passive)

ὀνόματος

This could refer to: (1) a title. (2) a position of authority.

ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ

Alternate translation: “at this time”

ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι

Alternate translation: “in the future”

Ephesians 1:22

ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

Here, feet represents Christ’s lordship, authority, and power. Alternate translation: “under Christ’s power” (See: Metonymy)

κεφαλὴν ὑπὲρ πάντα

Here, head is a metaphor that refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate translation: “ruler over all things” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 1:23

τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ

Just as the head (verse 22) rules all things pertaining to a human body, so Christ is the head of the church body. (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν πληρουμένου

Alternate translation: “for Christ fills the church with his life and power just as he gives life to all things”

τὸ πλήρωμα

This could have: (1) a passive sense, which would mean that Christ fills or completes the church. (2) an active sense, which would mean that the church completes Christ (as a body completes a head).

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter focuses on the life that a Christian had before coming to believe in Jesus. Paul then uses this information to explain how a person’s former way of living is distinct from a Christian’s new identity “in Christ.” (See: faith)

Special concepts in this chapter

One body

Paul teaches about the church in this chapter. The church is made of two different groups of people (Jews and Gentiles). They are now one group or “body.” The church is also known as the body of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“Dead in trespasses and sins”

Paul teaches that those who are not Christians are “dead” in their sin. Sin binds or enslaves them. This makes them spiritually “dead.” Paul writes that God makes Christians alive in Christ. (See: die, dead, deadly, death, sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and faith and Metaphor)

Descriptions of worldly living

Paul uses many different ways to describe how non-Christians act. They “lived according to the ways of this world” and are “living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air,” “fulfilling the evil desires of our sinful nature,” and “carrying out the desires of the body and of the mind.”

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“It is the gift of God”

Some scholars believe “it” here refers to being saved. Other scholars believe that it is faith that is the gift of God. Because of how the Greek tenses agree, “it” here probably refers to both things: the gift is that we are saved by God’s grace through faith.

Flesh

“Flesh” is sometimes used as a metaphor for a person’s sinful nature. The phrase “Gentiles in the flesh” indicates the Ephesians once lived without any concern for God. But “flesh” is also used in this verse to refer to the physical person, similar to “body part of man.” (See: flesh)

Ephesians 2:1

Paul reminds the believers of their past and the way they now are before God.

ὑμᾶς ὄντας νεκροὺς τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

This shows how the inability of a sinful person to obey God is similar to a dead person’s inability to respond physically. Alternate translation: “you were spiritually dead, unable to do anything but sin” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

The words trespasses and sins have similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize the greatness of the people’s sin. If your language has just one word for this, the two words can be combined. Alternate translation: “your many sins” (See: Doublet)

τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

The words trespasses and sins are abstract nouns that represent actions. You can use an adjective or a verb for this if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the sinful things that you did” or “always sinning against God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 2:2

ἐν αἷς ποτε περιεπατήσατε

Here, walk is a metaphor for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: “which is how you lived” or “which you did habitually” (See: Metaphor)

κατὰ τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

The apostles often used world to refer to the selfish behaviors and corrupt values of the people living in this world. Alternate translation: “according to the values of people living in the world” or “following the principles of this present world” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν ἄρχοντα τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ ἀέρος

This refers to the devil or Satan.

τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ νῦν ἐνεργοῦντος

Alternate translation: “the spirit of Satan, who is currently working”

τοῖς υἱοῖς τῆς ἀπειθείας

“people who routinely disobey God” (See: Idiom)

Ephesians 2:3

τὰ θελήματα τῆς σαρκὸς καὶ τῶν διανοιῶν

The words body and mind represent the entire person. Alternate translation: “the selfish things that people want to do” (See: Metonymy)

τέκνα…ὀργῆς

“people with whom God is angry” (See: Idiom)

Ephesians 2:4

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast relationship. The love and mercy of God is in sharp contrast to the evil way the Ephesians lived before they believed in God. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Θεὸς πλούσιος ὢν ἐν ἐλέει

The word mercy is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “God is abundantly merciful” or “God is very kind to us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ τὴν πολλὴν ἀγάπην αὐτοῦ, ἣν ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς

The word love is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “because he loved us so very much” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 2:5

χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God saved you by being gracious to you” (See: Active or Passive)

χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι

The word grace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “God saved you by being extremely kind to you” or “God saved you as a free gift” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 2:6

συνήγειρεν

Here, raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: Idiom)

συνήγειρεν

This could mean: (1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given Paul and the believers in Ephesus new spiritual life. Alternate translation: “God has given us new life because we belong to Christ” (2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Ephesus can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “we can be sure that God will give us life just as he has caused Christ to come alive again” (See: Predictive Past)

συνεκάθισεν

Paul talks about the believers as already seated in heaven with Christ because, although it is something that will happen in the future, it was guaranteed by what Christ did in the past. Alternate translation: “it is as though God has already seated us next to Christ” (See: Predictive Past)

ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις

The phrase heavenly places refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in Ephesians 1:3. Alternate translation: “in the supernatural world”

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase in Christ Jesus and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.

Ephesians 2:7

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of God raising up believers and seating them in heaven with Christ is to show the extent of his grace in Christ. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν τοῖς αἰῶσιν, τοῖς ἐπερχομένοις

Alternate translation: “in the future”

Ephesians 2:8

γὰρ

The connecting word For introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the Ephesians had been saved by God, and not by their own good works. The result is that people would see the grace of God to us in Christ. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τῇ γὰρ χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι διὰ πίστεως

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God saved you by grace because of your faith in him” (See: Active or Passive)

τῇ γὰρ χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι

The word grace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “God saved you as a free gift” or “God saved you because of his extreme kindness to you” See how you translated this phrase in Ephesians 2:5. (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦτο

The word this refers back to by grace you have been saved by faith.

Ephesians 2:9

οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων, ἵνα μή τις καυχήσηται

You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Salvation does not come from works, so that no one may boast” or “God does not save a person because of what that person does, so no one can boast and say that he earned his salvation”

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of God for saving believers by grace instead of by their works is that no person might boast. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Ephesians 2:10

γάρ

The connecting word For introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that God is the one who created us to do any good works that we do. The result is that people cannot boast. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase in Christ Jesus and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of God creating us as he did is that we would do the good works that he intended for us to do. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν αὐτοῖς περιπατήσωμεν

To walk on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Here, in them refers to the “good works.” Alternate translation: “we would always and continually do those good deeds” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:11

διὸ

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that they were saved by God and not by anything they had done on their own. The result is that the Ephesians would remember that they were once separated from God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Paul reminds these believers that God has now made Gentiles and Jews into one body through Christ and his cross.

τὰ ἔθνη ἐν σαρκί

This refers to people who were not born Jewish. (See: Metaphor)

ἀκροβυστία

Non-Jewish people were not circumcised as babies and thus the Jews considered them people who do not follow any of God’s laws. Alternate translation: “uncircumcised pagans” (See: Metonymy)

περιτομῆς

This was another term for Jewish people because all male infants were circumcised. Alternate translation: “circumcised people” (See: Metonymy)

ὑπὸ τῆς λεγομένης

You can translate this with an active form. Alternate translation: “by what people call” or “by those whom people call” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς λεγομένης περιτομῆς ἐν σαρκὶ χειροποιήτου

This could refer to: (1) the Jews, who are circumcised by humans. (2) the Jews, who circumcise the physical body.

Ephesians 2:12

ὅτι

The connecting word For introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that they were not part of the Jews, who were circumcised. The result is that the Gentile Ephesians were separated from God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

χωρὶς Χριστοῦ

Alternate translation: “unbelievers”

ξένοι τῶν διαθηκῶν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας

Paul speaks to the Gentile believers as if they had been foreigners, kept out of the land of God’s covenants and promise. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:13

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast relationship. The current condition of the Ephesian Gentile believers, after they believed in Christ, is that they are near to God. That is in contrast to their previous condition, before they believed in Christ, of being separated from God. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὑμεῖς οἵ ποτε ὄντες μακρὰν, ἐγενήθητε ἐγγὺς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Not belonging to God due to sin is spoken of as being far away from God. Belonging to God because of the blood of Christ is spoken of as being brought near to God. Alternate translation: “you who once did not belong to God now belong to God because of the blood of Christ” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here the blood of Christ is a metonym for his death. Alternate translation: “by Christ’s death” or “when Christ died for us” (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 2:14

γάρ

The connecting word For introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Christ himself joined them to the Jewish believers. The result is that the Ephesian Gentile believers were brought near to God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

αὐτὸς…ἐστιν ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “Jesus gives us his peace”

ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν

The word our refers to Paul and his readers and so, it is inclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὁ ποιήσας τὰ ἀμφότερα ἓν

Alternate translation: “who made the Jews and Gentiles one”

ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ

The phrase his flesh, his physical body, is a metonym for his body dying. Alternate translation: “by the death of his body on the cross” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ…τὴν ἔχθραν

The hostility between the Jews and Gentiles is compared to a wall. Alternate translation: “the hostility that was like a wall that separated them” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:15

τὸν νόμον τῶν ἐντολῶν ἐν δόγμασιν καταργήσας

Jesus’ blood satisfies the law of Moses so that both the Jews and Gentiles can live at peace in God. Alternate translation: “He took away the requirements in the law of Moses”

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Christ in abolishing the law was to join the Jews and the Gentiles together into one group. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἕνα καινὸν ἄνθρωπον

Paul talks about the unity of Jews and Gentiles as if they had become one person. Alternate translation: “a single new people” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν αὑτῷ

It is being joined to Christ that makes reconciliation possible between Jews and Gentiles. Paul describes this relationship as though Christ surrounded all of us. Alternate translation: “because he made it possible” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:16

ἀποκαταλλάξῃ τοὺς ἀμφοτέρους

Alternate translation: “so that Christ might bring the Jews and the Gentiles together in peace”

ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι

The church is often pictured as the body of Christ, who is its head. Here it is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. (See: Metaphor)

διὰ τοῦ σταυροῦ

Here the cross here represents Christ’s death on the cross. Alternate translation: “by means of Christ’s death on the cross” (See: Metonymy)

ἀποκτείνας τὴν ἔχθραν

Stopping their hostility is spoken of as if he killed their hostility. By dying on the cross, Jesus eliminated the reason for Jews and Gentiles to be hostile toward each other. Neither are now required to live according to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “stopping them from hating one another” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:17

Paul tells the Ephesians that Gentile believers are also now just as much a part of God’s people as are Jewish believers. The Jewish apostles and prophets are theirs, as is Christ, and they all form a temple for God in the Spirit.

εὐηγγελίσατο εἰρήνην

Alternate translation: “and announced the gospel of peace” or “declaring the gospel of peace”

ὑμῖν τοῖς μακρὰν

Paul pictures the Gentiles (non-Jews), who were not part of God’s people, as though they were physically distant from God. (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἐγγύς

Paul pictures the Jews, who were God’s people by birth, as though they were physically close to God. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:18

ὅτι δι’ αὐτοῦ ἔχομεν τὴν προσαγωγὴν, οἱ ἀμφότεροι

Here, we both refers to Paul, the believing Jews, and the believing non-Jews. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὅτι

The connecting word for introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that he himself is the one who enabled both Jew and Gentile to come to the Father. The result is that Christ proclaimed peace to both the Jews and the Gentiles. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι

All believers, both Jewish and Gentile, are enabled to enter into the presence of God the Father by the same Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “by means of the same Spirit”

Ephesians 2:19

ἄρα οὖν

The connecting phrase So then introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Christ gave them access to God through the Spirit. The result is that the Ephesian believers are no longer separated from God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ξένοι καὶ πάροικοι

The words strangers and foreigners have very similar meanings and may be combined. Alternate translation: “people who had no relationship to God” (See: Doublet)

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast relationship. The previous separation of the Ephesians from God is in contrast to their current status as citizens of the kingdom of God and members of his household. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐστὲ συνπολῖται τῶν ἁγίων καὶ οἰκεῖοι τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul is again speaking of the spiritual condition of Gentiles after they become believers as he would speak about foreigners becoming citizens of a different nation. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:20

ἐποικοδομηθέντες ἐπὶ τῷ θεμελίῳ

Paul speaks of God’s people as if they were a building. Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles are the foundation, and the believers are the structure. Alternate translation: “you depend on the teaching” (See: Metaphor)

ἐποικοδομηθέντες

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has built you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 2:21

πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ συναρμολογουμένη, αὔξει εἰς ναὸν ἅγιον

Paul continues to speak of Christ’s family as if it were a building. In the same way that a builder fits stones together while building, so Christ is fitting us together. Alternate translation: “all of us, as we grow together, become a holy group that worships God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ᾧ…ἐν Κυρίῳ

“In Christ … in the Lord Jesus” These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 2:22

ἐν ᾧ

You can translate this as “in Christ,” which is a metaphor that expresses the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ὑμεῖς συνοικοδομεῖσθε, εἰς κατοικητήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Πνεύματι

This describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “you also are being joined to this group where God lives by his Spirit” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ὑμεῖς συνοικοδομεῖσθε

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God is also building you together” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

“I pray”

Paul structures part of this chapter as a prayer to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is both praying for and instructing the church in Ephesus.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mystery

Paul refers to the church as a “mystery.” The role of the church in the plans of God was once not known. But God has now revealed it. Part of this mystery involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God.

Ephesians 3:1

To make clear the hidden truth about the church to believers, Paul refers back to the oneness of Jews and Gentiles and how believers from both groups form part of the one group that worships God, like the stones that form one temple.

τούτου χάριν

The connecting phrase For this reason introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is what Paul talked about in Chapter 2, that Christ showed his grace by removing the division between Jews and Gentiles and making them into one group. The result is that Paul prays for the Gentiles. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τούτου χάριν

You may need to make explicit what the reason is. Alternate translation: “because of God’s grace to you” You may also need to make explicit here what the result is, as in the UST, because Paul does not state the result until 3:14, that he prays for them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ δέσμιος τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Alternate translation: “the one who is in prison because I serve Christ Jesus”

Ephesians 3:2

τὴν οἰκονομίαν τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ, τῆς δοθείσης μοι εἰς ὑμᾶς

Here, grace could mean: (1) the gift of the gospel that Paul is bringing to the Gentiles, and you could translate, “the responsibility that God gave me to bring his grace to you.” (2) the gift to Paul of being the steward of the gospel for the Gentiles, and you could translate that as “the responsibility that God graciously gave me for your benefit.”

Ephesians 3:3

κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν ἐγνωρίσθη μοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “according to what God revealed to me” (See: Active or Passive)

καθὼς προέγραψα ἐν ὀλίγῳ

Paul refers here to another letter that he had written to these people.

Ephesians 3:5

ὃ ἑτέραις γενεαῖς οὐκ ἐγνωρίσθη τοῖς υἱοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not make these things known to people in the past” (See: Active or Passive)

ὡς νῦν ἀπεκαλύφθη…ἐν Πνεύματι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but now the Spirit has revealed it” or “but now the Spirit has made it known” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 3:6

εἶναι τὰ ἔθνη, συνκληρονόμα…διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

This is the hidden truth that Paul began to explain in the previous verse. The Gentiles who receive Christ also receive everything that the Jewish believers receive from God.

σύνσωμα

The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase in Christ Jesus and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.

διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

This could mean: (1) because of the gospel, the Gentiles are fellow sharers in the promise. (2) because of the gospel, the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body and fellow sharers in the promise.

Ephesians 3:8

ἀνεξιχνίαστον

Paul speaks of everything that Christ offers as something so physically vast that it cannot be fully explored. Alternate translation: “unable to be completely known” (See: Metaphor)

πλοῦτος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul speaks of the truth about Christ and the blessings he brings as if they were material wealth. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 3:9

τοῦ μυστηρίου, τοῦ ἀποκεκρυμμένου ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων ἐν τῷ Θεῷ, τῷ τὰ πάντα κτίσαντι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “of God, who created all things, kept this plan hidden for long ages in the past” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 3:10

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of God revealing the mystery of the church to Paul is to enable the rulers in the heavenly places to see the wisdom of God. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

γνωρισθῇ…ταῖς ἀρχαῖς καὶ ταῖς ἐξουσίαις ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις…ἡ πολυποίκιλος σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may make his great wisdom known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (See: Active or Passive)

ταῖς ἀρχαῖς καὶ ταῖς ἐξουσίαις

These words share similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize that every spiritual being will know God’s wisdom. If your language does not have two words for this, you can use one. (See: Doublet)

ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις

The phrase heavenly places refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in Ephesians 1:3. Alternate translation: “in the supernatural world”

ἡ πολυποίκιλος σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul talks of God’s wisdom as though it were an object with many surfaces. Alternate translation: “the complex wisdom of God” or “how extremely wise God is” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 3:11

κατὰ πρόθεσιν τῶν αἰώνων

Alternate translation: “in keeping with the eternal plan” or “consistent with the eternal plan”

Ephesians 3:12

In the next section, Paul praises God in his sufferings and prays for these Ephesian believers.

ἔχομεν τὴν παρρησίαν

Alternate translation: “we are without fear” or “we have courage”

τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ προσαγωγὴν

These two words work together to express one idea: “bold access” or “boldness to enter” (See: Hendiadys)

προσαγωγὴν ἐν πεποιθήσει

It may be helpful to state explicitly that this access is into God’s presence. Alternate translation: “access into God’s presence with confidence” or “freedom to enter into God’s presence with confidence” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πεποιθήσει

Alternate translation: “certainty” or “assurance”

Ephesians 3:13

διὸ

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the believers have access to Christ with confidence. The result is that the believers will not be discouraged. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἥτις ἐστὶν δόξα ὑμῶν

Here, your glory is a metonym for the salvation and eternal life that the Ephesians will have because of Paul’s work of telling them about Christ, which resulted in his suffering in prison. You can state this as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “for you. They bring you a wonderful benefit” or “for you. They result in your salvation” (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 3:14

τούτου χάριν

The connecting phrase For this reason introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Paul’s sufferings have caused glory for the believers. The result is that Paul prays to the Father. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τούτου χάριν

You may need to make explicit what the reason is. Alternate translation: “because God has done all this for you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κάμπτω τὰ γόνατά μου πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα

Bent knees are a picture of the whole person in an attitude of prayer. Alternate translation: “I bow down in prayer to the Father” or “I humbly pray to the Father” (See: Synecdoche)

Ephesians 3:15

ἐξ οὗ πᾶσα πατριὰ ἐν οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς ὀνομάζεται

The act of naming here probably also represents the act of creating. Alternate translation: “who created and named every family in heaven and on earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 3:16

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesian believers would be strengthened by God in their faith and love. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

δῷ ὑμῖν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ, δυνάμει κραταιωθῆναι

Alternate translation: “God, because he is so great and powerful, would allow you to become strong with his power”

δῷ

Alternate translation: “he would give”

Ephesians 3:17

Paul continues the prayer he began in Ephesians 3:14.

κατοικῆσαι τὸν Χριστὸν διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐρριζωμένοι καὶ τεθεμελιωμένοι

This is the second item for which Paul prays that God will “grant” the Ephesians “according to the riches of his glory.” The first is that they would “be strengthened” (Ephesians 3:16).

κατοικῆσαι τὸν Χριστὸν διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Here, hearts represent a person’s inner being, and through expresses the means by which Christ lives within the believer. Christ lives in the hearts of believers because God graciously allows them to have faith. Alternate translation: “that Christ may live within you because you trust in him” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐρριζωμένοι καὶ τεθεμελιωμένοι

Paul speaks of their faith as if it were a tree that has deep roots or a house built on a solid foundation. Alternate translation: “you will be like a firmly rooted tree and a building built on stone” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 3:18

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Christ would live in their hearts. The result is that the Ephesian believers would fully know the love of God and be filled with God’s fullness. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καταλαβέσθαι

This is the third item for which Paul bends his knees and prays; the first is that God will grant that they be strengthened (Ephesians 3:16) and the second is that Christ may live in their hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17).

πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις

Alternate translation: “all the believers in Christ”

τὸ πλάτος, καὶ μῆκος, καὶ ὕψος, καὶ βάθος

In this metaphor Paul pictures something that is not physical or measurable as something that is physical but stretches out in all directions and, thus, is very large. This could refer to: (1) the intensity of Christ’s love for us. Alternate translation: “how very much Christ loves us” (2) the greatness of God’s wisdom. Alternate translation: “how very wise God is” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πλάτος, καὶ μῆκος, καὶ ὕψος, καὶ βάθος

It may be necessary to state explicitly what these words refer to. If so, you can combine this with the phrase from the next verse and say: “the width and length and height and depth of, and truly know the love of Christ” or “the width and length and height and depth of the love of Christ, and truly know it”(See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ephesians 3:19

γνῶναί τε τὴν…ἀγάπην τοῦ Χριστοῦ

This continues the idea from the previous verse. They both refer to knowing the greatness of the love of Christ. Alternate translation: “that you can know how great Christ’s love for us is”

ἵνα πληρωθῆτε εἰς πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is the fourth item for which Paul bends his knees and prays (Ephesians 3:14). The first is that they would “be strengthened” (Ephesians 3:16), the second is that “Christ would live in their hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:17), and the third is that they “could comprehend Christ’s love” (Ephesians 3:18).

ἵνα πληρωθῆτε εἰς πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ

In this metaphor Paul pictures the Ephesian believers as containers into which God can pour himself. Alternate translation: “so God can give you everything that he has to give you” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα πληρωθῆτε

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God can fill you” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word fullness is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “with everything that God is full of” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the Ephesian believers would know the love of Christ. The result is that they would be filled with the fulness of God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 3:20

The words “we” and “us” in this book continue to include Paul and all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Paul concludes his prayer with a blessing.

τῷ δὲ

Alternate translation: “Now to God, who”

ποιῆσαι ὑπέρἐκπερισσοῦ ὧν αἰτούμεθα ἢ νοοῦμεν

Alternate translation: “to do much more than all that we ask or think” or “to do things that are much greater than anything that we ask him for or think about”

Ephesians 3:21

αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

The word glory is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “may God’s people glorify him” or “may God’s people praise him for how great he is” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 8, which is quoted from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. These spiritual gifts were foundational to developing the church. Paul lists here only some of the spiritual gifts. (See: faith)

Unity

Paul considers it very important that the church is united. This is a major theme of this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Old man and new man

The term “old man” probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The “new man” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ.

Ephesians 4:1

Because of what Paul has been writing to the Ephesians, he tells them how they should live their lives as believers and again emphasizes that believers are to agree with each other.

οὖν

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that God will be glorified in the church for all generations. The result is that believers should walk in a way that is worthy of the Lord. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὁ δέσμιος ἐν Κυρίῳ

Alternate translation: “someone who is in prison because he serves the Lord”

ἀξίως περιπατῆσαι τῆς κλήσεως

The phrase to walk is a common way to express the idea of living one’s life. (See: Metaphor)

τῆς κλήσεως ἧς ἐκλήθητε

Here, the calling refers to the fact that God chose them to be his people. Alternate translation: “because God chose you to be his people”

Ephesians 4:2

μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης καὶ πραΰτητος

The words humility, gentleness, and patience are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “to learn to be humble, gentle, and patient” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:3

τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν τῷ συνδέσμῳ τῆς εἰρήνης

Here Paul speaks of peace as if it were a bond that ties people together. This is a metaphor for being united with other people by living peacefully with them. Alternate translation: “to live peacefully with one another and remain united as the Spirit made possible” (See: Metaphor)

τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ Πνεύματος ἐν τῷ συνδέσμῳ τῆς εἰρήνης

The words unity and peace are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “to live peacefully with one another and remain united as the Spirit made possible” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:4

ἓν σῶμα

The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.

ἓν Πνεῦμα

Alternate translation: “only one Holy Spirit”

ἐκλήθητε ἐν μιᾷ ἐλπίδι τῆς κλήσεως ὑμῶν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God called you to have one confident hope in your calling” or “there is one thing that God also chose you to be confident in and expect him to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 4:6

Πατὴρ πάντων…ἐπὶ πάντων…διὰ πάντων…ἐν πᾶσιν

The word all here means “everything.”

Ephesians 4:7

The quote here is from a song that King David wrote.

Paul reminds believers of the gifts that Christ gives believers to use in the church, which is the whole body of believers.

ἑνὶ…ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has given grace to each one of us” or “God gave a gift to each believer” (See: Active or Passive)

ἑνὶ…ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις

The word grace is an abstract noun that refers here to a gift from God. Alternate translation: “God has given a gift to each believer” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:8

διὸ

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that every believer has been given a spiritual gift. The result is that the Scripture says Jesus gave gifts to men. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀναβὰς εἰς ὕψος

Alternate translation: “When Christ went up into heaven”

Ephesians 4:9

ἀνέβη

Alternate translation: “Christ went up”

καὶ κατέβη

Alternate translation: “Christ also came down”

εἰς τὰ κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς

This could refer to: (1) the lower regions as a part of the earth. (2) the lower regions as another way of referring to the earth itself. Alternate translation: “into the lower regions, the earth”

Ephesians 4:10

ἵνα πληρώσῃ τὰ πάντα

Alternate translation: “so that he might be working powerfully everywhere”

πληρώσῃ

Alternate translation: “he might complete” or “he might satisfy”

Ephesians 4:12

πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων

Alternate translation: “to prepare the people whom he has set apart” or “to provide the believers with what they need”

εἰς ἔργον διακονίας

Alternate translation: “so that they can serve others”

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul is speaking of people who grow spiritually as if they were doing exercises to increase the strength of their physical bodies. (See: Metaphor)

οἰκοδομὴν

Alternate translation: “the improvement”

τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ

The body of Christ refers to all of the members of Christ’s Church.

Ephesians 4:13

καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

The believers need to know Jesus as the Son of God if they are to be united in faith and mature as believers.

καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως

The word unity is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “we all become equally strong in faith” or “we all become united together in faith” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως

The word faith is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “become united together as believers” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word knowledge is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “all know well the Son of God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον

Alternate translation: “to a mature believer”

τέλειον

Alternate translation: “fully developed” or “grown up” or “complete”

Ephesians 4:14

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of gifted people in the church is to bring all the believers to spiritual maturity. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

μηκέτι ὦμεν νήπιοι

Paul refers to believers who have not grown spiritually as if they were children who have had very little experience in life. Alternate translation: “we may no longer be like children” (See: Metaphor)

κλυδωνιζόμενοι καὶ περιφερόμενοι παντὶ ἀνέμῳ τῆς διδασκαλίας

Paul speaks of a believer who has not become mature and follows various wrong teachings as if that believer were a boat and the teachings were the wind and waves that move the boat in different directions on the water. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ κυβίᾳ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἐν πανουργίᾳ πρὸς τὴν μεθοδίαν τῆς πλάνης

The words trickery, cleverness, and scheming are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “by crafty people who trick believers with clever lies” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:15

δὲ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast relationship. Following every changing teaching is in contrast to becoming mature in Christ and building up his body. Use a word in your language that indicates contrast. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀληθεύοντες

The word truth is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “speaking truthfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ἀγάπῃ

the word love is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “as the members love one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰς αὐτὸν…ὅς ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλή

Paul uses a metaphor of the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow in a healthy way. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:16

ἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα…τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ σώματος ποιεῖται

Paul continues the metaphor of the believers as a human body with Christ as the head to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow in a healthy way. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

εἰς οἰκοδομὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ

The word for indicates a purpose clause. The purpose of all of the believers working together in harmony, as the members of a human body do, is so that all believers will grow in our ability to love each other and to love God. Use a word in your language that marks this as a purpose clause. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν ἀγάπῃ

The word love is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “as the members love one another” or “to be able to love each other more” (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ πάσης ἁφῆς τῆς ἐπιχορηγίας

Paul continues the metaphor comparing the believers to a human body. A ligament is a strong band that connects bones or holds organs in place in the body. Just as the body is held together by strong ligaments, so the believers are held together by love that grows stronger as the body parts grow and work together. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:17

Paul tells them what they should no longer do now that they, as believers, are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God.

οὖν

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Christ wants every believer to become spiritually mature and to serve the other believers. The result is that the Ephesian believers should no longer act as the Gentiles act. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τοῦτο οὖν λέγω καὶ μαρτύρομαι

Alternate translation: “Because of what I have just said, I will now say something more in order to strongly encourage”

ἐν Κυρίῳ

This could be: (1) referring to the authority of the Lord. (2) stating that we all belong to the Lord.

μηκέτι ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν, καθὼς καὶ τὰ ἔθνη περιπατεῖ ἐν ματαιότητι τοῦ νοὸς αὐτῶν

Paul commonly uses this metaphor that compares walking to living one’s life. Alternate translation: “you … to stop living like the Gentiles with their worthless thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:18

ἐσκοτωμένοι τῇ διανοίᾳ

This metaphor compares wrong thinking with darkness. Alternate translation: “they no longer think or reason clearly” or “they are not able to understand” (See: Metaphor)

ἐσκοτωμένοι τῇ διανοίᾳ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Their way of thinking has become dark” or “They no longer think or reason clearly” or “They are not able to understand” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ, διὰ τὴν ἄγνοιαν τὴν οὖσαν ἐν αὐτοῖς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “because they do not know God, they cannot live the way that God wants his people to live” or “they have cut themselves off from the life of God by their ignorance” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι

Alternate translation: “cut off” or “separated”

ἄγνοιαν

Alternate translation: “lack of knowledge” or “lack of information”

διὰ τὴν πώρωσιν τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

The phrase hardness of their hearts is a metaphor that means “stubbornness.” Alternate translation: “because they are stubborn” or “because they refuse to listen to God” (See: Metaphor)

διὰ

The connecting word because introduces a reason-result relationship. The first reason is that they are ignorant of him. The result is that the Gentiles are separated from God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διὰ

The connecting word because introduces a reason-result relationship. The second reason is that their hearts are hardened. The result is that Gentiles are separated from God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 4:19

ἑαυτοὺς παρέδωκαν τῇ ἀσελγείᾳ

Paul speaks of these people as if they were objects that they themselves were giving to other people, and he speaks of the way that they want to satisfy their physical desires as if the desires were the person to whom they give themselves. Alternate translation: “have given in to every physical desire” or “only want to satisfy their physical desires” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:20

ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐχ οὕτως ἐμάθετε τὸν Χριστόν

The word thus refers to the way that the Gentiles live, as described in Ephesians 4:17-19. This emphasizes that what the believers learned from Christ was the opposite of that. Alternate translation: “But what you learned about the ways of Christ was not like that”

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast relationship. The sinful way the Gentiles live is in contrast to the way that Paul taught the Ephesians to live according to the truth of Jesus. Use a connecting word in your language that marks a contrast here (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ephesians 4:21

εἴ γε αὐτὸν ἠκούσατε καὶ ἐν αὐτῷ ἐδιδάχθητε

Paul knows that the people to whom he is writing have heard and been taught these things. He is using irony as a form of rebuke—if they are doing things contrary to the way of Christ, they know better than that and need to stop. See the UST. (See: Irony)

ἐν αὐτῷ ἐδιδάχθητε

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) they received instruction in his ways. (2) Jesus’ people have taught them. (See: Active or Passive)

καθώς ἐστιν ἀλήθεια ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ

“as Jesus teaches us the true way to live” or “as everything about Jesus is true.” See the UST.

Ephesians 4:22

ἀποθέσθαι ὑμᾶς κατὰ τὴν προτέραν ἀναστροφὴν

Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: “You must stop living according to your former manner of life” (See: Metaphor)

ἀποθέσθαι ὑμᾶς κατὰ τὴν προτέραν ἀναστροφὴν τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον

Paul is speaking of a way of living as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “You must stop doing the things that your former self did” or “Stop doing the things that you used to do” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον

The old man refers to the “old nature” or “former self,” the way that the person was before the person became a believer in Christ (See: Metaphor)

τὸν φθειρόμενον κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ἀπάτης

Paul is continuing to speak of a sinful way of living as if it were a person who does evil things. Alternate translation: “when you fooled yourself into thinking that it was good to do whatever evil thing that you wanted to do” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:23

ἀνανεοῦσθαι…τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ νοὸς ὑμῶν

This may be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: “to allow God to change your attitudes and thoughts” or “to allow God to give you new attitudes and thoughts” See the UST. (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 4:24

ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ὁσιότητι τῆς ἀληθείας

The words righteousness, holiness, and truth are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “truly righteous and holy” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐνδύσασθαι τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον

Paul continues to speak of a way of living as if it were a person, and also as if it were clothing, so that one could put on the new person like a robe. Alternate translation: “be the new person” or “start living in the new way” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:25

διὸ

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that God has created the believers as new, holy people. The result is that they would stop acting immorally like they used to live. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀποθέμενοι τὸ ψεῦδος

Paul speaks of telling lies as if they were objects that the believers could set aside. Alternate translation: “no longer telling lies” or “instead of telling lies” (See: Metaphor)

λαλεῖτε ἀλήθειαν ἕκαστος

The word truth is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “each of you should speak truthfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὅτι

The connecting word because introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that believers are members of the same body of Christ. The result is that believers should speak the truth to each other. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐσμὲν ἀλλήλων μέλη

Here Paul speaks of the close union of believers with each other as if they were each part of one single body. Alternate translation: “we belong to one another” or “we are all members of God’s family” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 4:26

ὀργίζεσθε, καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε

Alternate translation: “You may get angry, but do not sin” or “If you become angry, do not sin”

ὁ ἥλιος μὴ ἐπιδυέτω ἐπὶ παροργισμῷ ὑμῶν

The sun going down represents nightfall or the end of the day. Alternate translation: “You must stop being angry before night comes” or “Let go of your anger before the day ends” (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 4:27

μηδὲ δίδοτε τόπον τῷ διαβόλῳ

Alternate translation: “and do not give the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin”

Ephesians 4:28

μᾶλλον δὲ

The connecting phrase But rather introduces a contrast relationship. The way a former thief should work hard to have something to share with others is in contrast to the way he formerly stole for himself. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of working hard with ones own hands is to be able to meet the needs of others. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Ephesians 4:29

λόγος σαπρὸς

This refers to speech that is cruel or rude.

ἀλλ’

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. Speaking what is corrupt is in contrast to speaking good things that will build up others. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν

Alternate translation: “for encouraging” or “for strengthening”

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of speaking things that build up others is to give grace to those who hear the words. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τῆς χρείας, ἵνα δῷ χάριν τοῖς ἀκούουσιν

Alternate translation: “the needy. In this way you will help those who hear you”

ἵνα δῷ χάριν τοῖς ἀκούουσιν

The word grace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “so that those who hear you may be spiritually encouraged” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:30

μὴ λυπεῖτε

Alternate translation: “do not distress” or “do not upset”

ἐν ᾧ ἐσφραγίσθητε εἰς ἡμέραν ἀπολυτρώσεως

The Holy Spirit assures believers that God will redeem them. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a mark that God puts on believers to show that he owns them. Alternate translation: “for he is the seal that assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption” or “for he is the one who assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ᾧ ἐσφραγίσθητε εἰς ἡμέραν ἀπολυτρώσεως

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for he has sealed you for the day of redemption” (See: Active or Passive)

Ephesians 4:31

Paul finishes his instructions on what believers should not do and ends with what they must do.

ἀρθήτω

Paul speaks of attitudes and behaviors as though they were physical objects that can be removed. Alternate translation: “you must not allow … to be part of your life” (See: Metaphor)

πικρία, καὶ θυμὸς, καὶ ὀργὴ

These are abstract nouns that can be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: “being bitter, and intensely angry, and angry” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κακίᾳ

The word malice is an abstract noun that can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “being malicious” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 4:32

δὲ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast relationship. Speaking angry and hurtful things is in contrast to speaking kind and tender things to one another. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

εὔσπλαγχνοι

Alternate translation: “gentle and compassionate towards others”

Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 14.

Special concepts in this chapter

Inheritance of the kingdom of Christ

Some scholars believe that those who continue to practice the things listed in 5:5 will not inherit eternal life. But God can forgive all the sins listed in this verse. Immoral, impure, or greedy people can still receive eternal life if they repent and believe in Jesus. God will be the one who decides this. (See: forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned, eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever and life, live, living, alive and inherit, inheritance, heir)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wives, submit to your husbands

Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe that men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe that God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they interpret this issue affect how they translate this passage.

Ephesians 5:1

Paul continues to tell the believers how they should and should not live as God’s children.

γίνεσθε οὖν μιμηταὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word imitators is a verbal noun, and can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “Therefore, imitate God” or “Therefore you should do what God does.”

οὖν

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason (stated in Ephesians 4:32) is that God has forgiven us through Christ. The result (stated here) is that believers should imitate what God is like. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὡς τέκνα ἀγαπητά

God desires us to imitate or follow him since we are his spiritual children. Alternate translation: “as dearly loved children imitate their fathers” or “because you are his children and he loves you dearly” (See: Simile)

Ephesians 5:2

περιπατεῖτε ἐν ἀγάπῃ

To walk is a common way to express the idea of living one’s life. Alternate translation: “live a life of love” or “always love each other” (See: Metaphor)

προσφορὰν καὶ θυσίαν τῷ Θεῷ εἰς ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας

This metaphor compares Christ dying on the cross for our sins with an Old Testament sacrifice for sin, which were roasted in a fire and gave off a pleasing smell. Alternate translation: “like a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God” or “an offering and sacrifice to God that pleased God very much” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:3

πορνεία δὲ, καὶ ἀκαθαρσία πᾶσα, ἢ πλεονεξία, μηδὲ ὀνομαζέσθω ἐν ὑμῖν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. “Do not do anything that would let anyone think that you are guilty of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed.” (See: Active or Passive)

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast relationship. The fragrant offering and sacrifice to God is in contrast to sinful acts and thoughts that are not fitting for saints. Use a connecting word that indicates a contrast in your language. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀκαθαρσία πᾶσα

Alternate translation: “any moral uncleanness”

Ephesians 5:4

ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον εὐχαριστία

The word thanksgiving is a verbal noun, and can be translated with a verb: “instead of those things, you should thank God”

ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον

The connecting phrase but instead introduces a contrast relationship. Sinful acts and thoughts are in contrast to thanksgiving to God. Use a connecting word that indicates a contrast in your language. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ephesians 5:5

ἀκάθαρτος

Here being unclean (dirty) is a metaphor for being sinful. (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔχει κληρονομίαν

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “will receive nothing” or “has no part” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:6

κενοῖς λόγοις

Alternate translation: “with words that have no truth in them” or “by speaking words that are not true”

γὰρ

The connecting word for introduces a reason-result relationship. The result is stated first: that the Ephesian believers should not let anyone deceive them with empty words. Then the reason is stated: that the wrath of God will judge those things. Use a phrase that connects a reason to a result, and put them in the order that is most natural in your language. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπὶ

The word wrath is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “God will certainly punish” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας

This is an idiom that means, “people who habitually disobey” or “people who are characterized by disobedience” Alternate translation: “those who disobey God” (See: Idiom)

Ephesians 5:7

οὖν

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that God will judge those people in his wrath. The result is that the Ephesian believers should not become partners with evil men. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 5:8

ἦτε γάρ ποτε σκότος

Just as one cannot see in the dark, so people who love to sin cannot see or understand the things of God. Alternate translation: “because formerly you did not understand anything about God” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

γάρ

The connecting word because introduces a reason-result relationship. The result is stated first (v.7): that the Ephesian believers should not become partners with evil men. The reason is stated second (v. 8): that the Ephesian believers are no longer darkness, but are now light. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result, using the order that is most natural for your language. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

νῦν δὲ φῶς ἐν Κυρίῳ

Just as one can see in the light, so people whom God has saved understand how to please God. Alternate translation: “but now you know God and can live for him” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

δὲ

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. The fact that the Ephesian believers were formerly darkness is in contrast to the fact that they are now light. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε

To Walk on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “Live as people who understand what the Lord wants them to do” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς

God desires us to imitate or follow him since we are his spiritual children. Alternate translation: “as God’s children who know the truth” or “because you are God’s children and see the truth” (See: Simile)

Ephesians 5:9

ὁ…καρπὸς τοῦ φωτὸς ἐν πάσῃ ἀγαθωσύνῃ, καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, καὶ ἀληθείᾳ

Here, fruit is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “the result of living in the light is good work, right living, and truthful behavior” (See: Metaphor)

γὰρ

The connecting word for introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that fruit of the light is goodness and righteousness and truth. The result is that the Ephesian believers should walk as children of light. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 5:11

μὴ συνκοινωνεῖτε τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις τοῦ σκότους

Paul speaks of the useless, sinful things that unbelievers do as if they are evil deeds that people do in the dark so no one will see them. Alternate translation: “do not do useless, sinful things with unbelievers” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις τοῦ σκότους

Here Paul is comparing evil actions to an unhealthy tree that produces nothing good. Alternate translation: “actions that do nothing good, useful, or profitable, caused by darkness” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις τοῦ σκότους

The word darkness is often used to represent sin. In this instance, these works result from sinful motives. Alternate translation: “deeds that are worthless because they were done from sinful motives” (See: Metaphor)

μᾶλλον δὲ

The connecting phrase but rather introduces contrast relationship. Participating in the works of darkness is in contrast to exposing them. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐλέγχετε

Speaking against the works of darkness is spoken of as bringing them out into the light so that people can see them. Alternate translation: “bring them out into the light” or “uncover them” or “show and tell people how wrong these actions are” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:12

αὐτῶν

Here, them refers to the “sons of disobedience” mentioned in 5:6 and also referred to as “them” in 5:7. If it is unclear who “them” refers to in either place, then use “those who disobey God” or a similar phrase. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Ephesians 5:13

It is unknown if this quotation is a combination of quotations from the prophet Isaiah or a quotation from a hymn sung by the believers.

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast relationship. Hiding the shameful works of darkness now is in contrast to the light exposing them later. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

πᾶν…τὸ φανερούμενον φῶς ἐστιν

Paul makes this general statement in order to imply that God’s Word shows people’s actions to be good or bad. The Bible often speaks of God’s truth as if it were light that could reveal the character of something. Alternate translation: “if you compare everything to what God says, you can know if it is good or bad” See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:14

διὸ

The connecting word Therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that their sins will be revealed by the light. The result is that sinners should allow Christ to shine on them. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔγειρε, ὁ καθεύδων, καὶ ἀνάστα ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

This could mean: (1) Paul is addressing the believers and using death as a metaphor for their areas of spiritual weakness that they need to become aware of and reject. (2) Paul is addressing unbelievers who need to wake up from being dead spiritually just as a person who has died must come alive again in order to respond. See the UST. (See: Apostrophe)

ὁ καθεύδων

This could mean: (1) Paul is addressing this comment directly to the believers who are reading or hearing the letter. (2) Paul is addressing this comment directly to unbelievers who are not reading or hearing the letter. (See: Apostrophe)

ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To arise from among them speaks of becoming alive again and is a metaphor for becoming alive spiritually and living for God. Alternate translation: “from among all those who have died” or “from among those who are spiritually dead” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπιφαύσει σοι

Here, you refers to the “sleeper” and is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἐπιφαύσει σοι ὁ Χριστός

Christ will enable an unbeliever to understand how evil his deeds are and how Christ will forgive him and give him new life, just as light shows what actually is there that the darkness had hid. This aso applies to anything that a believer has not yet recognized as sinful. Alternate translation: “Christ will show you what is right” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:15

βλέπετε οὖν ἀκριβῶς πῶς περιπατεῖτε, μὴ ὡς ἄσοφοι, ἀλλ’ ὡς σοφοί

People who are unwise do not guard themselves against sin. Wise people, however, can identify sin and flee from it. Alternate translation: “Therefore, you must be careful to live as a wise person rather than a foolish person”

οὖν

The connecting word therefore introduces a reason-result relationship. The reason is that Christ has shown the light on him. The result is that the sinner will walk carefully in the light. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀλλ’

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. Being unwise is in contrast to being wise. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὡς σοφοί

The verb “walk” is left out. You can state this clearly. Alternate translation: “walk as wise” (See: Ellipsis)

Ephesians 5:16

ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν

Using time wisely is spoken of as if it were redeeming the time. Alternate translation: “doing the best things you can with your time” or “using time wisely” or “putting time to its best use” (See: Metaphor)

ὅτι αἱ ἡμέραι πονηραί εἰσιν

The word days is a metonym for what people do during those days. Alternate translation: “because the people around you are constantly doing all kinds of evil things and the opportunities that you have to do good may become few” (See: Metonymy)

ὅτι

The connecting word because introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the days are evil. The result is that the believers must redeem the time. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 5:17

διὰ τοῦτο

The connecting phrase Because of this introduces the result of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the days are evil. The result is that the believers will not be foolish, but understand God’s will. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. Being foolish is in contrast to understanding God’s will. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ephesians 5:18

Paul ends his instructions on how all believers should live.

καὶ μὴ μεθύσκεσθε οἴνῳ

Alternate translation: “You should not get drunk from drinking wine”

ἐν ᾧ ἐστιν ἀσωτία

The word recklessness is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “which leads to reckless behavior” or “because that will ruin you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀλλὰ πληροῦσθε ἐν Πνεύματι

Alternate translation: “Instead, you should be controlled by the Holy Spirit”

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast relationship. Being drunk is in contrast to being filled with the Spirit. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ephesians 5:19

ψαλμοῖς, καὶ ὕμνοις, καὶ ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς

This could mean: (1) Paul is using these words as a merism for “all sorts of songs to praise God” (2) Paul is listing specific forms of music. (See: Merism)

ψαλμοῖς

These are probably songs from the Old Testament book of Psalms that Christians sang.

ὕμνοις

These are songs of praise and worship that may have been written specifically for Christians to sing.

ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς

This could mean: (1) these are songs that the Holy Spirit inspires a person to sing right at that moment (2) spiritual songs and “hymns” form a doublet. They mean basically the same thing, and you could use one word for these instead of two. (See: Doublet)

τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or inner being. This could mean: (1) they should do this with true motives and sincerity. Alternate translation: “from deep within your being” or “sincerely” (2) they should do this with enthusiasm: Alternate translation: “with all of your being” or “enthusiastically” See the UST. (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 5:20

ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, name could refer to: (1) Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “because you belong to our Lord Jesus Christ” (2) the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Metaphor)

τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί

Alternate translation: “to God, who is our father”

Ephesians 5:22

Paul begins to explain how Christians are to submit themselves to one another (Ephesians 5:21). He starts with instructions to wives and husbands on how they should act toward each other.

Ephesians 5:23

ὅτι

The connecting word For introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the husband is head of the wife in the same way Christ is head of the church. The result is that wives should submit to their husbands. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

κεφαλὴ τῆς γυναικὸς…κεφαλὴ τῆς ἐκκλησίας

The word head here represents the leader. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ σώματος

The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.

Ephesians 5:25

Here the words himself and he refer to Christ. The word her refers to the church.

ἀγαπᾶτε τὰς γυναῖκας

Here, love means that the husband unselfishly does what is best for the wife, unselfishly serving or giving to his wife.

ἑαυτὸν παρέδωκεν

Alternate translation: “allowed people to kill him”

ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς

Paul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate translation: “for us” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:26

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Christ giving himself up to death is to sanctify the church. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

αὐτὴν ἁγιάσῃ, καθαρίσας

Paul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate translation: “he might make us holy, having cleansed us” (See: Metaphor)

καθαρίσας τῷ λουτρῷ τοῦ ὕδατος ἐν ῥήματι

This could mean: (1) Paul is referring to God making Christ’s people clean by the preaching and acceptance of God’s word in the gospel message and through water baptism in Christ. (2) Paul is speaking of God making us spiritually clean from our sins by the message as if God were making our bodies clean by washing them with water. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:27

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Christ cleansing the church with the word is to present the church to himself as a glorious bride. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

μὴ ἔχουσαν σπίλον, ἢ ῥυτίδα

Paul speaks of the church as though it were a garment that is clean and in perfect condition. Alternate translation: “not having any defect” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ ἔχουσαν σπίλον, ἢ ῥυτίδα

Here, stain and wrinkle represent the same idea of defect in two ways to emphasize the church’s purity. If your language does not have two different words, you can use one word for this. (See: Doublet)

ἀλλ’

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. The church having stains and wrinkles of sin is in contrast to the church being holy and blameless. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Christ washing the church is to make the church holy and blameless. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἁγία καὶ ἄμωμος

Here, blameless means basically the same thing as holy. Paul uses the two together to emphasize the church’s purity. If your language does not have two different words, you can use one word for this. (See: Doublet)

Ephesians 5:28

ὡς τὰ ἑαυτῶν σώματα

You can state explicitly that people love their own bodies. Alternate translation: “as husbands love their own bodies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ephesians 5:29

ἀλλὰ ἐκτρέφει

Alternate translation: “but he feeds”

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. Hating one’s own body is in contrast to caring for it. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ephesians 5:30

ὅτι

The connecting word because introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that the church is Christ’s body. The result is that Christ cares for the church. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

μέλη ἐσμὲν τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ

Here Paul speaks of the close union of believers with Christ as if they were part of his own body, for which he would naturally care. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 5:31

The quotation is from the writings of Moses in the Old Testament.

The words his and himself refer to a male believer who marries.

ἀντὶ τούτου

The connecting phrase For this reason introduces the result of a reason-result relationship. In this case, this phrase is part of a quotation from Genesis 2:24 and so the reason is not stated here, but it is stated in Genesis 2:23 that woman was created out of man. The result is that a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. If it is confusing to not state the reason, you can include a footnote that says, “the reason for this is that woman was created out of man. See Genesis 2:23” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about working to please God whether as a slave or as a master. What Paul teaches here about slavery would have been surprising. In his time, masters were not expected to treat their slaves with respect and not threaten them.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Armor of God

This extended metaphor describes how Christians can protect themselves when spiritually attacked. (See: spirit, wind, breath and Metaphor)

Ephesians 6:1

The command in verse one is plural. Then in verses two and three Paul quotes from the law of Moses. Moses was talking to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so your and you are singular there. If that does not make sense, you may need to translate them as plurals. (See: Forms of You)

Paul continues to explain how Christians are to submit themselves to each other. He gives instructions to children, fathers, workers, and masters.

ἐν Κυρίῳ

Alternate translation: “because you belong to the Lord” or “as followers of the Lord”

γάρ

The connecting word for introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that children should do what is right. The result is that children should obey their parents. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Ephesians 6:3

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of obeying your father and mother is to live well and long on the earth. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Ephesians 6:4

μὴ παροργίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “do not make your children angry” or “do not cause your children to be angry”

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast relationship. Fathers provoking their children to anger is in contrast to raising their children in discipline and instruction. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐκτρέφετε αὐτὰ ἐν παιδείᾳ καὶ νουθεσίᾳ Κυρίου

The abstract nouns discipline and instruction can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “teach them to become adults by making sure that they know and do what the Lord wants them to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 6:5

φόβου καὶ τρόμου

The phrase fear and trembling uses two similar ideas to emphasize the importance of honoring their masters. Alternate translation: “with deep respect” (See: Doublet)

καὶ τρόμου

Here, trembling is an exaggeration used to emphasize how important it is that slaves obey their masters. Alternate translation: “and deep respect” or “as though you were shaking with fear” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐν ἁπλότητι τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s mind or intentions. Alternate translation: “with honesty” or “with sincerity” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν ἁπλότητι

The word honesty is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “honestly” or “sincerely” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὡς τῷ Χριστῷ

To make this clear, you may want to include the verb here: “as you obey Christ.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ephesians 6:6

ἀλλ’

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. Obeying our masters as men-pleasers is in contrast to obeying them because we are slaves of Christ. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὡς δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ

Alternate translation: “as though your earthly master were Christ himself”

ἐκ ψυχῆς

Here, soul is a metonym for “attitudes” or “intentions.” Alternate translation: “wholeheartedly” or “enthusiastically” (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 6:9

τὰ αὐτὰ ποιεῖτε πρὸς αὐτούς

Here, the same refers back to “if he does something good” from (Ephesians 6:8). Alternate translation: “you also must treat your slaves well” or “just as slaves must do good to their masters, you also must do good to your slaves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰδότες ὅτι καὶ αὐτῶν καὶ ὑμῶν ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν ἐν οὐρανοῖς

Alternate translation: “You know that Christ is the Master of both slaves and their masters, and that he is in heaven”

προσωπολημψία οὐκ ἔστιν παρ’ αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “he judges everyone the same way”

Ephesians 6:10

Paul gives instructions to make believers strong in this battle we are in for God.

τῷ κράτει τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ

These two words are very similar in meaning. Together, they reinforce each other. Alternate translation: “his great power” See how you translated this phrase near the end of Ephesians 1:19 (See: Doublet)

Ephesians 6:11

ἐνδύσασθε τὴν πανοπλίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, πρὸς τὸ δύνασθαι ὑμᾶς στῆναι πρὸς τὰς μεθοδίας τοῦ διαβόλου

In this metaphor, Paul pictures the spiritual resources that God gives to all Christians as a soldier’s armor. Alternate translation: “Just as a soldier puts on armor to protect himself from enemy attacks, use all of God’s resources to stand firmly against the devil” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς μεθοδίας

Alternate translation: “the tricky plans”

Ephesians 6:12

ὅτι

The connecting word For introduces the reason of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that we are in a struggle against spiritual forces of darkness. The result is that we should put on the whole armor of God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

αἷμα καὶ σάρκα

This expression refers to people, not spirits who do not have human bodies. Alternate translation: “human beings” (See: Synecdoche)

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word but introduces a contrast relationship. People made of flesh and blood are in contrast to spiritual forces. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

πρὸς τοὺς κοσμοκράτορας

Here it is implied that the world-controllers refers to powerful spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “against the powerful spiritual beings that rule over people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ σκότους τούτου

Here, darkness is a metaphor for things that are evil. Alternate translation: “during this present evil time” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 6:13

διὰ τοῦτο, ἀναλάβετε τὴν πανοπλίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Christians should use the protective resources God gives them in fighting the devil in the same way that a soldier puts on armor to protect himself against his enemies. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

διὰ τοῦτο

The connecting phrase Because of this introduces the result of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that we are in a battle against evil spiritual forces. The result is that we should put on the whole armor of God. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἵνα δυνηθῆτε ἀντιστῆναι ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ πονηρᾷ

The word withstand means to successfully resist something. Alternate translation: “so that you may be able to resist when evil attacks you” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα δυνηθῆτε ἀντιστῆναι

It may be helpful to state explicitly what believers are to withstand. Alternate translation: “so that you may be able to withstand the attacks of the devil” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of putting on the whole armor of God is to be able to withstand the attacks of the spiritual forces of darkness. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Ephesians 6:14

στῆτε οὖν

Here the word Stand represents taking a position on what is right and true and successfully resisting forces that try to make the believer compromise that position. See how you translated “stand firm” in Ephesians 6:13. “So resist evil” (See: Metaphor)

οὖν

The connecting word therefore introduces the result of a reason-result relationship. The reason is that we believers have put on our spiritual armor. The result is that we will stand and resist the evil spiritual forces. Use a phrase in your language that connects a reason to a result. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

περιζωσάμενοι τὴν ὀσφὺν ὑμῶν ἐν ἀληθείᾳ

In this metaphor, truth is compared to a soldier’s belt. Truth holds everything together for a believer just as a belt holds the clothing of a soldier together. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

ἀληθείᾳ

The word truth is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “what is true” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν θώρακα τῆς δικαιοσύνης

In this metaphor, righteousness is compared to a soldier’s breastplate. Just as soldiers put on a breastplate to protect themselves from enemy attacks, believers should behave in a righteous way to protect themselves from spiritual attacks. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

δικαιοσύνης

The word righteousness is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “the right way to live” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 6:15

ὑποδησάμενοι τοὺς πόδας ἐν ἑτοιμασίᾳ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς εἰρήνης

In this metaphor, the gospel of peace is compared to a soldier’s sandals. Just as a soldier wears sturdy footwear to give him solid footing and enable him to march long distances, the believer must have solid knowledge of the gospel of peace and be ready to go where the Lord sends him to proclaim it. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

εἰρήνης

The word peace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “that makes everything good between people and God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 6:16

ἐν πᾶσιν ἀναλαβόντες τὸν θυρεὸν τῆς πίστεως

In this metaphor, faith is compared to a soldier’s shield. Just as a soldier uses a shield to protect himself from enemy attacks, the believer must use the faith that God gives for protection when the devil attacks. See the UST. (See: Metaphor)

τῆς πίστεως

The word faith is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “that represents how much you trust in the Lord” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὰ βέλη τοῦ πονηροῦ πεπυρωμένα

The attacks of the devil against a believer are like flaming arrows shot at a soldier by an enemy. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 6:17

τὴν περικεφαλαίαν τοῦ σωτηρίου δέξασθε

The salvation that God gives protects the believer’s mind just as a helmet protects the head of a soldier. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ σωτηρίου

The word salvation is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “that represents the fact that God has saved you” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν μάχαιραν τοῦ Πνεύματος, ὅ ἐστιν ῥῆμα Θεοῦ

In this metaphor, God’s message is compared to a soldier’s sword. Just as soldiers use a sword to fight and defeat their enemy, so a believer can use God’s message in the Bible to fight against the devil. (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 6:18

διὰ πάσης προσευχῆς καὶ δεήσεως, προσευχόμενοι ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ ἐν Πνεύματι

Alternate translation: “Pray at all times in the Spirit as you pray and make specific requests”

εἰς αὐτὸ

The connecting phrase to this end marks a goal or purpose relationship. The goal is what was just mentioned: to pray at all times in the Spirit. In order to do that, believers must be watchful and persevere in making requests for all the saints. Alternate translation: “for this reason” or “in order to do that” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἀγρυπνοῦντες ἐν πάσῃ προσκαρτερήσει καὶ δεήσει περὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων

The word perseverance is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “persevere in being alert, and pray for all God’s holy people” or “pray with constant alertness for all the believers” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 6:19

In closing this letter, Paul asks his readers to pray for his boldness in telling the gospel while he is in prison and he says that he is sending Tychicus to comfort them.

ἵνα μοι δοθῇ λόγος

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God might give me the word” or “God might give me the message” (See: Active or Passive)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of the believers praying for Paul is to enable him to preach the gospel boldly. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἀνοίξει τοῦ στόματός μου

This is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: “I speak” (See: Metonymy)

Ephesians 6:20

ὑπὲρ οὗ πρεσβεύω ἐν ἁλύσει

The phrase in chains is a metonym for being in prison. Alternate translation: “because of which I am now in prison” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ παρρησιάσωμαι, ὡς δεῖ με λαλῆσαι

The word “pray” is understood from verse 18. Alternate translation: “pray that whenever I teach the gospel, I will speak it as boldly as I should” or “pray that I may speak the gospel as boldly as I should” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of the believers praying for Paul is to enable him to preach the gospel boldly even though he is in chains. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἐν αὐτῷ

Here, it refers back to the “message” in verse 19 that Paul wants to speak. If your readers would misunderstand this, you can repeat the word “message” here. Alternate translation: “in my message” (See: Pronouns)

Ephesians 6:21

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Paul sending Tychicus to Ephesus was to tell the Ephesian believers what was happening to Paul. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Τυχικὸς

Tychicus was one of several men who served with Paul. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀδελφὸς

Paul speaks of Tychicus as if he were a brother to all the other believers who were in God’s spiritual family. Alternate translation: “fellow believer” (See: Metaphor)

Ephesians 6:22

παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

Here, hearts is a metonym for people’s inner beings. Alternate translation: “he may encourage you” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα

The connecting phrase so that introduces a goal relationship. The goal or purpose of Paul sending Tychicus to the Ephesians is to encourage their hearts and to let them know what was happening to Paul and his companions. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Ephesians 6:23

Paul closes his letter to the Ephesian believers with a blessing of peace and grace on all believers who love Christ.

εἰρήνη τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

Peace is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “May the brothers have a peaceful spirit” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

Paul speaks of the other believers as if they were brothers to all of the other believers who were in God’s spiritual family. Alternate translation: “to the fellow believers” (See: Metaphor)

ἀγάπη

The word love is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “may you love one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ πίστεως

The word faith is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “as you trust in the Lord” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ephesians 6:24

ἡ χάρις μετὰ

The word Grace is an abstract noun that can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: “May God act graciously to” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ

The word incorruptibility is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “in a way that no one is able to corrupt” or “so much that no one can make them stop loving him” See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)