Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options Listen to Ephesians 1-6
Close NASB1995

Ephesians 1-6
New American Standard Bible 1995

The Blessings of Redemption

1 Paul, (A)an apostle of (B)Christ Jesus [a](C)by the will of God,

To the [b](D)saints who are [c]at (E)Ephesus and (F)who are faithful in (G)Christ Jesus: 2 (H)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 (I)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in (J)the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as (K)He chose us in Him before (L)the foundation of the world, that we would be (M)holy and blameless before [d]Him. (N)In love 5 [e]He (O)predestined us to (P)adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, (Q)according to the [f]kind intention of His will, 6 (R)to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in (S)the Beloved. 7 (T)In [g]Him we have (U)redemption (V)through His blood, the (W)forgiveness of our trespasses, according to (X)the riches of His grace 8 which He [h]lavished on [i]us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He [j](Y)made known to us the mystery of His will, (Z)according to His [k]kind intention which He (AA)purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration [l]suitable to (AB)the fullness of the times, that is, (AC)the summing up of all things in Christ, things [m]in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 [n]also we [o](AD)have obtained an inheritance, having been (AE)predestined (AF)according to His purpose who works all things (AG)after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in [p]Christ would be (AH)to the praise of His glory. 13 In [q]Him, you also, after listening to (AI)the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also [r]believed, you were (AJ)sealed in [s]Him with (AK)the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is [t](AL)given as a pledge of (AM)our inheritance, with a view to the (AN)redemption of (AO)God’s own possession, (AP)to the praise of His glory.

15 For this reason I too, (AQ)having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and [u]your love for (AR)all the [v]saints, 16 (AS)do not cease giving thanks for you, (AT)while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the (AU)God of our Lord Jesus Christ, (AV)the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of (AW)wisdom and of (AX)revelation in the [w]knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that (AY)the eyes of your heart [x]may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the (AZ)hope of His (BA)calling, what are (BB)the riches of the glory of (BC)His inheritance in (BD)the [y]saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (BE)These are in accordance with the working of the (BF)strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He (BG)raised Him from the dead and (BH)seated Him at His right hand in (BI)the heavenly places, 21 far above (BJ)all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every (BK)name that is named, not only in (BL)this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He (BM)put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as (BN)head over all things to the church, 23 which is His (BO)body, the (BP)fullness of Him who (BQ)fills (BR)all in all.

Made Alive in Christ

2 And you [z]were (BS)dead [aa]in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you (BT)formerly walked according to the [ab]course of (BU)this world, according to (BV)the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in (BW)the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all (BX)formerly lived in (BY)the lusts of our flesh, [ac]indulging the desires of the flesh and of the [ad]mind, and were (BZ)by nature (CA)children of wrath, (CB)even as the rest. 4 But God, being (CC)rich in mercy, because of (CD)His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were (CE)dead [ae]in our transgressions, made us alive together [af]with Christ ((CF)by grace you have been saved), 6 and (CG)raised us up with Him, and (CH)seated us with Him in (CI)the heavenly places in (CJ)Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing (CK)riches of His grace in (CL)kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For (CM)by grace you have been saved (CN)through faith; and [ag]that not of yourselves, it is (CO)the gift of God; 9 (CP)not as a result of works, so that (CQ)no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, (CR)created in (CS)Christ Jesus for (CT)good works, which God (CU)prepared beforehand so that we would (CV)walk in them.

11 Therefore remember that (CW)formerly (CX)you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “(CY)Uncircumcision” by the so-called “(CZ)Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, [ah](DA)excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to (DB)the covenants of promise, having (DC)no hope and (DD)without God in the world. 13 But now in (DE)Christ Jesus you who (DF)formerly were (DG)far off [ai]have (DH)been brought near [aj](DI)by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is (DJ)our peace, (DK)who made both groups into one and broke down the [ak]barrier of the dividing wall, 15 [al]by (DL)abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is (DM)the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might [am](DN)make the two into (DO)one new man, thus establishing (DP)peace, 16 and might (DQ)reconcile them both in (DR)one body to God through the cross, [an]by it having (DS)put to death the enmity. 17 And (DT)He came and preached (DU)peace to you who were (DV)far away, and peace to those who were (DW)near; 18 for through Him we both have (DX)our access in (DY)one Spirit to (DZ)the Father. 19 So then you are no longer (EA)strangers and aliens, but you are (EB)fellow citizens with the [ao]saints, and are of (EC)God’s household, 20 having been (ED)built on (EE)the foundation of (EF)the apostles and prophets, (EG)Christ Jesus Himself being the (EH)corner stone, 21 (EI)in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into (EJ)a holy [ap]temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being (EK)built together into a (EL)dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Paul’s Stewardship

3 For this reason I, Paul, (EM)the prisoner of (EN)Christ Jesus (EO)for the sake of you (EP)Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the (EQ)stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 (ER)that (ES)by revelation there was (ET)made known to me (EU)the mystery, (EV)as I wrote before in brief. 4 [aq]By referring to this, when you read you can understand (EW)my insight [ar]into the (EX)mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy (EY)apostles and prophets [as]in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are (EZ)fellow heirs and (FA)fellow members of the body, and (FB)fellow partakers of the promise in (FC)Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 (FD)of which I was made a (FE)minister, according to the gift of (FF)God’s grace which was given to me (FG)according to the working of His power. 8 To me, (FH)the very least of all [at]saints, this grace was given, to (FI)preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable (FJ)riches of Christ, 9 and to [au]bring to light what is the administration of the (FK)mystery which for ages has been (FL)hidden in God (FM)who created all things; 10 so that the manifold (FN)wisdom of God might now be (FO)made known through the church to the (FP)rulers and the authorities in (FQ)the heavenly places. 11 This was in (FR)accordance with the [av]eternal purpose which He [aw]carried out in (FS)Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and [ax](FT)confident (FU)access through faith [ay]in Him. 13 Therefore I ask [az]you not (FV)to lose heart at my tribulations (FW)on your behalf, [ba]for they are your glory.

14 For this reason I (FX)bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [bb]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to (FY)the riches of His glory, to be (FZ)strengthened with power through His Spirit in (GA)the inner man, 17 so that (GB)Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being (GC)rooted and (GD)grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with (GE)all the [bc]saints what is (GF)the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know (GG)the love of Christ which (GH)surpasses knowledge, that you may be (GI)filled up to all the (GJ)fullness of God.

20 (GK)Now to Him who is (GL)able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, (GM)according to the power that works within us, 21 (GN)to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations [bd]forever and ever. Amen.

Unity of the Spirit

4 Therefore I, (GO)the prisoner of the Lord, (GP)implore you to (GQ)walk in a manner worthy of the (GR)calling with which you have been (GS)called, 2 with all (GT)humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another (GU)in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the (GV)bond of peace. 4 There is (GW)one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one (GX)hope of your calling; 5 (GY)one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all (GZ)who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But (HA)to each one of us (HB)grace was given (HC)according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore [be]it says,

“(HD)When He ascended on high,
He (HE)led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this expression, “He (HF)ascended,” what [bf]does it mean except that He also [bg]had descended into (HG)the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended (HH)far above all the heavens, so that He might (HI)fill all things.) 11 And He (HJ)gave (HK)some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as (HL)evangelists, and some as pastors and (HM)teachers, 12 (HN)for the equipping of the [bh]saints for the work of service, to the building up of (HO)the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to (HP)the unity of the faith, and of the [bi](HQ)knowledge of the Son of God, to a (HR)mature man, to the measure of the stature [bj]which belongs to the (HS)fullness of Christ. 14 [bk]As a result, we are (HT)no longer to be children, (HU)tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by (HV)craftiness [bl]in (HW)deceitful scheming; 15 but [bm]speaking the truth (HX)in love, [bn]we are to (HY)grow up in all aspects into Him who is the (HZ)head, even Christ, 16 from whom (IA)the whole body, being fitted and held together [bo]by what every joint supplies, according to the [bp]proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself (IB)in love.

The Christian’s Walk

17 (IC)So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, (ID)that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the (IE)futility of their mind, 18 being (IF)darkened in their understanding, [bq](IG)excluded from the life of God because of the (IH)ignorance that is in them, because of the (II)hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having (IJ)become callous, (IK)have given themselves over to (IL)sensuality [br]for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not (IM)learn [bs]Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you (IN)have heard Him and have (IO)been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you (IP)lay aside the (IQ)old [bt]self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the (IR)lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be (IS)renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and (IT)put on the (IU)new [bu]self, which [bv](IV)in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

25 Therefore, (IW)laying aside falsehood, (IX)speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are (IY)members of one another. 26 (IZ)Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not (JA)give the devil [bw]an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather (JB)he must labor, (JC)performing with his own hands what is good, (JD)so that he will have something to share with [bx]one who has need. 29 Let no [by](JE)unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for (JF)edification [bz]according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 (JG)Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, [ca]by whom you were (JH)sealed for the day of redemption. 31 (JI)Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be (JJ)put away from you, along with all (JK)malice. 32 (JL)Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, (JM)just as God in Christ also has forgiven [cb]you.

Be Imitators of God

5 (JN)Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and (JO)walk in love, just as Christ also (JP)loved [cc]you and (JQ)gave Himself up for us, an (JR)offering and a sacrifice to God [cd]as a (JS)fragrant aroma.

3 But (JT)immorality [ce]or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among [cf]saints; 4 and there must be no (JU)filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which (JV)are not fitting, but rather (JW)giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that (JX)no [cg]immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom (JY)of Christ and God.

6 (JZ)Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things (KA)the wrath of God comes upon (KB)the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be (KC)partakers with them; 8 for (KD)you were formerly (KE)darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as (KF)children of Light 9 (for (KG)the fruit of the Light consists in all (KH)goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 [ch](KI)trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 (KJ)Do not participate in the unfruitful (KK)deeds of (KL)darkness, but instead even [ci](KM)expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible (KN)when they are [cj]exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [ck]it says,

“(KO)Awake, sleeper,
And arise from (KP)the dead,
And Christ (KQ)will shine on you.”

15 Therefore [cl]be careful how you (KR)walk, not (KS)as unwise men but as wise, 16 [cm](KT)making the most of your time, because (KU)the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but (KV)understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And (KW)do not get drunk with wine, [cn]for that is (KX)dissipation, but be (KY)filled with the Spirit, 19 (KZ)speaking to [co]one another in (LA)psalms and (LB)hymns and spiritual (LC)songs, (LD)singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 (LE)always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to [cp](LF)God, even the Father; 21 [cq](LG)and be subject to one another in the [cr](LH)fear of Christ.

Marriage Like Christ and the Church

22 (LI)Wives, (LJ)be subject to your own husbands, (LK)as to the Lord. 23 For (LL)the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the (LM)head of the church, He Himself (LN)being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

25 (LO)Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and (LP)gave Himself up for her, 26 (LQ)so that He might sanctify her, having (LR)cleansed her by the (LS)washing of water with (LT)the word, 27 that He might (LU)present to Himself the church [cs]in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be (LV)holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to (LW)love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are (LX)members of His (LY)body. 31 (LZ)For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to (MA)love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she [ct](MB)respects her husband.

Family Relationships

6 (MC)Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 (MD)Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

4 (ME)Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but (MF)bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 (MG)Slaves, be obedient to those who are your [cu]masters according to the flesh, with (MH)fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, (MI)as to Christ; 6 (MJ)not [cv]by way of eyeservice, as (MK)men-pleasers, but as (ML)slaves of Christ, (MM)doing the will of God from the [cw]heart. 7 With good will [cx]render service, (MN)as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 (MO)knowing that (MP)whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, (MQ)whether slave or free.

9 And masters, do the same things to them, and (MR)give up threatening, knowing that (MS)both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is (MT)no partiality with Him.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, (MU)be strong in the Lord and in (MV)the strength of His might. 11 (MW)Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the (MX)schemes of the devil. 12 For our (MY)struggle is not against [cy](MZ)flesh and blood, but (NA)against the rulers, against the powers, against the (NB)world forces of this (NC)darkness, against the (ND)spiritual forces of wickedness in (NE)the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up (NF)the full armor of God, so that you will be able to (NG)resist in (NH)the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, (NI)having girded your loins with truth, and having (NJ)put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having (NK)shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [cz]in addition to all, taking up the (NL)shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the (NM)flaming arrows of (NN)the evil one. 17 And take (NO)the helmet of salvation, and the (NP)sword of the Spirit, which is (NQ)the word of God.

18 [da]With all (NR)prayer and petition [db](NS)pray at all times (NT)in the Spirit, and with this in view, [dc](NU)be on the alert with all (NV)perseverance and (NW)petition for all the saints, 19 and (NX)pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me (NY)in the opening of my mouth, to make known with (NZ)boldness (OA)the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an (OB)ambassador (OC)in [dd]chains; that [de]in proclaiming it I may speak (OD)boldly, (OE)as I ought to speak.

21 (OF)But that you also may know about my circumstances, [df]how I am doing, (OG)Tychicus, (OH)the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 [dg](OI)I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know [dh]about us, and that he may (OJ)comfort your hearts.

23 (OK)Peace be to the brethren, and (OL)love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ [di]with incorruptible love.

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 1:1 Lit through
  2. Ephesians 1:1 Or holy ones
  3. Ephesians 1:1 Three early mss do not contain at Ephesus
  4. Ephesians 1:4 Or Him, in love
  5. Ephesians 1:5 Lit having predestined
  6. Ephesians 1:5 Lit good pleasure
  7. Ephesians 1:7 Lit whom
  8. Ephesians 1:8 Lit made abundant toward
  9. Ephesians 1:8 Or us, in all wisdom and insight
  10. Ephesians 1:9 Lit making known
  11. Ephesians 1:9 Lit good pleasure
  12. Ephesians 1:10 Lit of
  13. Ephesians 1:10 Lit upon
  14. Ephesians 1:11 Lit in whom also
  15. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made a heritage
  16. Ephesians 1:12 I.e. the Messiah
  17. Ephesians 1:13 Lit whom
  18. Ephesians 1:13 Or believed in Him, you were sealed
  19. Ephesians 1:13 Lit whom
  20. Ephesians 1:14 Or a down payment
  21. Ephesians 1:15 Three early mss do not contain your love
  22. Ephesians 1:15 V 1, note 2
  23. Ephesians 1:17 Or true knowledge
  24. Ephesians 1:18 Lit being
  25. Ephesians 1:18 Or holy ones
  26. Ephesians 2:1 Lit being
  27. Ephesians 2:1 Or by reason of
  28. Ephesians 2:2 Lit age
  29. Ephesians 2:3 Lit doing
  30. Ephesians 2:3 Lit thoughts
  31. Ephesians 2:5 Or by reason of
  32. Ephesians 2:5 Two early mss read in Christ
  33. Ephesians 2:8 I.e. that salvation
  34. Ephesians 2:12 Or alienated
  35. Ephesians 2:13 Lit became; or were made
  36. Ephesians 2:13 Or in
  37. Ephesians 2:14 Lit the dividing wall of the barrier
  38. Ephesians 2:15 Or the enmity, by abolishing in His flesh the Law
  39. Ephesians 2:15 Lit create
  40. Ephesians 2:16 Or in Himself
  41. Ephesians 2:19 Or holy ones
  42. Ephesians 2:21 Or sanctuary
  43. Ephesians 3:4 Lit To which, when you read
  44. Ephesians 3:4 Lit in
  45. Ephesians 3:5 Or by
  46. Ephesians 3:8 Or holy ones
  47. Ephesians 3:9 Two early mss read make all know
  48. Ephesians 3:11 Lit purpose of the ages
  49. Ephesians 3:11 Or formed
  50. Ephesians 3:12 Lit access in confidence
  51. Ephesians 3:12 Lit of Him
  52. Ephesians 3:13 Or that I may not lose
  53. Ephesians 3:13 Lit which are
  54. Ephesians 3:15 Or the whole
  55. Ephesians 3:18 V 8, note 1
  56. Ephesians 3:21 Lit of the age of the ages
  57. Ephesians 4:8 Or He
  58. Ephesians 4:9 Lit is it except
  59. Ephesians 4:9 One early ms reads had first descended
  60. Ephesians 4:12 Or holy ones
  61. Ephesians 4:13 Or true knowledge
  62. Ephesians 4:13 Lit of the fullness
  63. Ephesians 4:14 Lit So that we will no longer be
  64. Ephesians 4:14 Lit with regard to the scheming of deceit
  65. Ephesians 4:15 Or holding to or being truthful in
  66. Ephesians 4:15 Or let us grow up
  67. Ephesians 4:16 Lit through every joint of the supply
  68. Ephesians 4:16 Lit working in measure
  69. Ephesians 4:18 Or alienated
  70. Ephesians 4:19 Or greedy for the practice of every kind of impurity
  71. Ephesians 4:20 I.e. the Messiah
  72. Ephesians 4:22 Lit man
  73. Ephesians 4:24 Lit man
  74. Ephesians 4:24 Lit according to God
  75. Ephesians 4:27 Lit a place
  76. Ephesians 4:28 Lit the one
  77. Ephesians 4:29 Lit rotten
  78. Ephesians 4:29 Lit of the need
  79. Ephesians 4:30 Lit in
  80. Ephesians 4:32 Two early mss read us
  81. Ephesians 5:2 One early ms reads us
  82. Ephesians 5:2 Lit for an odor of fragrance
  83. Ephesians 5:3 Lit and all
  84. Ephesians 5:3 Or holy ones
  85. Ephesians 5:5 I.e. one who commits sexual immorality
  86. Ephesians 5:10 Lit proving what
  87. Ephesians 5:11 Or reprove
  88. Ephesians 5:13 Or reproved
  89. Ephesians 5:14 Or He
  90. Ephesians 5:15 Lit look carefully
  91. Ephesians 5:16 Lit redeeming the time
  92. Ephesians 5:18 Lit in which is
  93. Ephesians 5:19 Or yourselves
  94. Ephesians 5:20 Lit the God and Father
  95. Ephesians 5:21 Lit being subject
  96. Ephesians 5:21 Or reverence
  97. Ephesians 5:27 Lit glorious
  98. Ephesians 5:33 Lit fear
  99. Ephesians 6:5 I.e. earthly masters, with fear
  100. Ephesians 6:6 Lit according to
  101. Ephesians 6:6 Lit soul
  102. Ephesians 6:7 Lit rendering
  103. Ephesians 6:12 Lit blood and flesh
  104. Ephesians 6:16 Lit in all
  105. Ephesians 6:18 Lit Through
  106. Ephesians 6:18 Lit praying
  107. Ephesians 6:18 Lit being
  108. Ephesians 6:20 Lit a chain
  109. Ephesians 6:20 Two early mss read I may speak it boldly
  110. Ephesians 6:21 Lit what
  111. Ephesians 6:22 Lit Whom I have sent to you
  112. Ephesians 6:22 Lit the things about us
  113. Ephesians 6:24 Lit in incorruption
Listen to Ephesians 1-6
Close NIV

Ephesians 1-6
New International Version

1 Paul, an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B)

To God’s holy people(C) in Ephesus,[a](D) the faithful(E) in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,(G) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms(H) with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us(I) in him before the creation of the world(J) to be holy and blameless(K) in his sight. In love(L) 5 he[b] predestined(M) us for adoption to sonship[c](N) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure(O) and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace,(P) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.(Q) 7 In him we have redemption(R) through his blood,(S) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches(T) of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery(U) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed(V) in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment(W)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.(X)

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined(Y) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose(Z) of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.(AA) 13 And you also were included in Christ(AB) when you heard the message of truth,(AC) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(AD) the promised Holy Spirit,(AE) 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance(AF) until the redemption(AG) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.(AH)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus(AI) and your love for all God’s people,(AJ) 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you,(AK) remembering you in my prayers.(AL) 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,(AM) may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom(AN) and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened(AO) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called(AP) you, the riches(AQ) of his glorious inheritance(AR) in his holy people,(AS) 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power(AT) is the same as the mighty strength(AU) 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead(AV) and seated him at his right hand(AW) in the heavenly realms,(AX) 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,(AY) and every name(AZ) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.(BA) 22 And God placed all things under his feet(BB) and appointed him to be head(BC) over everything for the church, 23 which is his body,(BD) the fullness of him(BE) who fills everything in every way.(BF)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,(BG) 2 in which you used to live(BH) when you followed the ways of this world(BI) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,(BJ) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.(BK) 3 All of us also lived among them at one time,(BL) gratifying the cravings of our flesh[g](BM) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us,(BN) God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions(BO)—it is by grace you have been saved.(BP) 6 And God raised us up with Christ(BQ) and seated us with him(BR) in the heavenly realms(BS) in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,(BT) expressed in his kindness(BU) to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace(BV) you have been saved,(BW) through faith(BX)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works,(BY) so that no one can boast.(BZ) 10 For we are God’s handiwork,(CA) created(CB) in Christ Jesus to do good works,(CC) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly(CD) you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)(CE)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners(CF) to the covenants of the promise,(CG) without hope(CH) and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once(CI) were far away have been brought near(CJ) by the blood of Christ.(CK)

14 For he himself is our peace,(CL) who has made the two groups one(CM) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh(CN) the law with its commands and regulations.(CO) His purpose was to create in himself one(CP) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,(CQ) by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace(CR) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.(CS) 18 For through him we both have access(CT) to the Father(CU) by one Spirit.(CV)

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,(CW) but fellow citizens(CX) with God’s people and also members of his household,(CY) 20 built(CZ) on the foundation(DA) of the apostles and prophets,(DB) with Christ Jesus himself(DC) as the chief cornerstone.(DD) 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple(DE) in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.(DF)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner(DG) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me(DH) for you, 3 that is, the mystery(DI) made known to me by revelation,(DJ) as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight(DK) into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.(DL) 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs(DM) together with Israel, members together of one body,(DN) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.(DO)

7 I became a servant of this gospel(DP) by the gift of God’s grace given me(DQ) through the working of his power.(DR) 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,(DS) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles(DT) the boundless riches of Christ,(DU) 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,(DV) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God(DW) should be made known(DX) to the rulers and authorities(DY) in the heavenly realms,(DZ) 11 according to his eternal purpose(EA) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(EB) with freedom and confidence.(EC) 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel(ED) before the Father, 15 from whom every family[h] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches(EE) he may strengthen you with power(EF) through his Spirit in your inner being,(EG) 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts(EH) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted(EI) and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,(EJ) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep(EK) is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge(EL)—that you may be filled(EM) to the measure of all the fullness of God.(EN)

20 Now to him who is able(EO) to do immeasurably more than all we ask(EP) or imagine, according to his power(EQ) that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.(ER)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner(ES) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(ET) of the calling(EU) you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(EV) in love.(EW) 3 Make every effort to keep the unity(EX) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(EY) 4 There is one body(EZ) and one Spirit,(FA) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(FB); 5 one Lord,(FC) one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,(FD) who is over all and through all and in all.(FE)

7 But to each one of us(FF) grace(FG) has been given(FH) as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[i] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(FI)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[j](FJ)

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[k]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(FK) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(FL) 11 So Christ himself gave(FM) the apostles,(FN) the prophets,(FO) the evangelists,(FP) the pastors and teachers,(FQ) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(FR) may be built up(FS) 13 until we all reach unity(FT) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(FU) and become mature,(FV) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(FW)

14 Then we will no longer be infants,(FX) tossed back and forth by the waves,(FY) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.(FZ) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love,(GA) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,(GB) that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows(GC) and builds itself up(GD) in love,(GE) as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer(GF) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.(GG) 18 They are darkened in their understanding(GH) and separated from the life of God(GI) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.(GJ) 19 Having lost all sensitivity,(GK) they have given themselves over(GL) to sensuality(GM) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off(GN) your old self,(GO) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(GP) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(GQ) 24 and to put on(GR) the new self,(GS) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(GT)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(GU) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(GV) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[l]:(GW) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(GX) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(GY) doing something useful with their own hands,(GZ) that they may have something to share with those in need.(HA)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(HB) but only what is helpful for building others up(HC) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(HD) with whom you were sealed(HE) for the day of redemption.(HF) 31 Get rid of(HG) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(HH) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(HI) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(HJ) 5 1 Follow God’s example,(HK) therefore, as dearly loved children(HL) 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(HM) and gave himself up for us(HN) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(HO)

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,(HP) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,(HQ) because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk(HR) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.(HS) 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater(HT)—has any inheritance(HU) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[m](HV) 6 Let no one deceive you(HW) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath(HX) comes on those who are disobedient.(HY) 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once(HZ) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light(IA) 9 (for the fruit(IB) of the light consists in all goodness,(IC) righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.(ID) 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,(IE) but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light(IF) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,(IG)
    rise from the dead,(IH)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(II)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(IJ)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(IK) because the days are evil.(IL) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(IM) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(IN) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(IO) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(IP) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(IQ) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(IR)

21 Submit to one another(IS) out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands(IT) as you do to the Lord.(IU) 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,(IV) his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands(IW) in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives,(IX) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her(IY) 26 to make her holy,(IZ) cleansing[n] her by the washing(JA) with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself(JB) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.(JC) 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives(JD) as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.(JE) 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[o](JF) 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife(JG) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.(JH) 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[p](JI)

4 Fathers,[q] do not exasperate your children;(JJ) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.(JK)

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect(JL) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,(JM) just as you would obey Christ.(JN) 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,(JO) doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,(JP) 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,(JQ) whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours(JR) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(JS) with him.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord(JT) and in his mighty power.(JU) 11 Put on the full armor of God,(JV) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(JW) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(JX) against the powers(JY) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(JZ) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(KA) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,(KB) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,(KC) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.(KD) 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(KE) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(KF) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(KG) and the sword of the Spirit,(KH) which is the word of God.(KI)

18 And pray in the Spirit(KJ) on all occasions(KK) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(KL) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(KM) for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me,(KN) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly(KO) make known the mystery(KP) of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador(KQ) in chains.(KR) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus,(KS) the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,(KT) and that he may encourage you.(KU)

23 Peace(KV) to the brothers and sisters,[r] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[s]

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.
  2. Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. 5 He
  3. Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
  4. Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
  5. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs
  6. Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit
  7. Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  8. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).
  9. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  10. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  11. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
  12. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  13. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
  14. Ephesians 5:26 Or having cleansed
  15. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24
  16. Ephesians 6:3 Deut. 5:16
  17. Ephesians 6:4 Or Parents
  18. Ephesians 6:23 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
  19. Ephesians 6:24 Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
Next
Galatians 6
Philippians 1
Next
dropdown
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible is made available by The Lockman Foundation
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV