BHT with Abridged Translator’s NotesEphesians 4 =
4
“You Must No Longer Live Like the Gentiles”
1 In light of these things, I, a prisoner because of my service to the Lord,+ exhort you to live your lives in a manner befitting the summons+ you received,+ 2 with complete humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 doing everything you can to maintain the unity that comes from the Spirit in+ the bond of peace.+ 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were summoned to one hope when God summoned you+— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all mankind,+ who rules over+ people of all kinds+ and works through+ people of all kinds and dwells in people of all kinds.
7 At the same time, certain gifts and abilities have graciously been given, as apportioned by the Messiah, to each one of us.+ 8 That is why it says:
“When he ascended to the heights,
he took many prisoners captive;+
he gave gifts to mankind.”+
9 Now, what does this phrase “he ascended” imply?+ It implies a prior descent to the lower regions, that is, the earth.+ 10 The one who descended is the same+ one who “ascended” high above all the heavens, in order to bring the whole creation to its final goal.+ 11 He, likewise, is the one who “gave gifts,” appointing+ some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as shepherds and teachers, 12 to make sure the Lord’s holy people+ are in proper order,+ to serve the flock,+ to build up the Messiah’s body, 13 until we all attain to the unity that comes from our faith and from knowing the Son of God,+ to mature adulthood,+ to the full height and stature of the Messiah.+ 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried here and there by every wind of teaching, by human cunning, by clever schemes and deceitful tricks.+ 15 Instead, being sincere+ in love, we are to grow into a mature union in all respects with the head,+ the Messiah, 16 from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by every supporting ligament, brings about for its own good, as each part does what it is supposed to do, the body’s growth, so that it builds itself up in love.+
17 In light of these things, I give you this solemn warning+ by the authority+ of the Lord: You must no longer live like the Gentiles, whose minds are full of worthless and deluded thoughts,+ 18 who are so darkened in their way of thinking,+ excluded+ from the life of God because of their ignorance and calloused hearts.+ 19 Having lost all sense of shame, they have surrendered themselves to licentious behavior, to impure conduct of indeed every kind, and to greed.+
20 As for you, however, these are the very things you were told to stop doing when you received instruction about the Messiah— 21 assuming, of course, that you have indeed heard about him, and as his followers+ were in fact taught, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to take off, as regards your previous way of life, the “old clothes,” your former nature,+ which is experiencing decay and destruction because of its deceitful desires, 23 to allow yourselves to be renewed, moreover, in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on your “new clothes,” the new nature,+ created to be like God in true righteousness and devotion.+ 25 That is why, having laid aside falsehood, each of you must “speak truthfully with his neighbor,”+ because as parts of the same body we are connected to one another. 26 “If you become angry, don’t let it lead you into sin.”+ Don’t let the sun go down on the cause of your anger,+ 27 and don’t give any opportunity to the devil. 28 If someone has been stealing, he must stop doing so. Instead, he is to work hard, using his hands to do honest work, so that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 There must come out of your mouths no foul talk, but only what is useful for building others up where needed, so that your words+ are a gift of help and blessing+ to those who hear them. 30 And don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the Day of final release from slavery.+ 31 Allow to be removed from your lives+ all bitterness and rage and anger and shouting and slander,+ along with any sort of malice. 32 Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in+ the Messiah.
+1:1Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:2“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here. Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NLT, TEV at 1 Ti 6:21.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:3Or among the heavenly things. Cf Jb 1-2; Is 11:1-2; Ezk 1:4-28; Eph 1:17, 3:14-19; Col 1:9-11; Heb 9:11-14; Re 4:4-8.+1:3Cf, eg, Rm 5:10, 6:3-23, 7:4, 8:2; Ga 2:20-21.+1:4See note at Rm 8:29. The same applies here. Cf also translation and notes at Jn 17:22.+1:4Cf Rm 8:28-30; 1 Co 2:6-14.+1:4Lit sanctification. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:5Or in his sight in love, deciding. Cf Eph 5:27; Col 1:22; 1 Th 3:13, 5:23; Jud 24.+1:5Cf Rm 8:29-30 (see translation and notes there). The prefix points back to the time when God made the plan, ie, before creation (cf 1 Co 2:7).+1:5Lit in/because of love pre-appointing for adoption to sonship through Jesus the Messiah to himself. ME(OTB) (see translation and notes at Rm 8:15, 8:23, 9:4; Gal 3:5). In this section, Paul is addressing believing Jews (cf v 13). It isn’t entirely clear whether “in love/because of love” is to be grouped with this clause or the preceding clause.+1:6Or the glory.+1:6Lit praise the glory/greatness of his grace/gift.+1:6In the LXX, “the beloved” is used to translate “Jeshurun” (cf Dt 33:5; Is 44:2).+1:7Lit in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions. ME(OTB)/IT (see L-N, 90.65; UBSHS [Eph], 16; translation and notes at Lk 1:68; Ga 4:5-6; Rm 3:24-25, 8:23-25). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:8Cf Eph 3:1-6; Col 1:25-26.+1:9Cf Is 53:10; 1 Pt 1:19-20.+1:9Maintaining consistency in translation with Rm 3:21.+1:9Lit in him. Cf Rm 3:21-31. Here Paul is making shorthand references to the same types of ideas that are expressed in Rm 3:21-31.+1:10Lit for a stewardship/management/administration. ME (see BDAG, 698, sv οἰκονομία 2.b.; BSL, Eph 1:10, sv οἰκονομία; L-N, 30.68; UBSHS [Eph], 19-20).+1:10Lit fullness/completion/fulfillment of the appointed times. Cf Mk 1:15; Ac 14:16, 17:30; Rm 3:25-26; Ga 4:4. πλήρωμα ( plērōma—“fullness,” “completion,” “carrying out”) here is simply the noun form of πληρόω ( plēroō—“fulfill,” “complete,” “carry out”). Straight verbal constructions, because they are less compressed, are often more clear than verbal nouns with respect to their intended meaning. Throughout the NT, when πληρόω is used with a temporal lexeme, the temporal lexeme always functions as the subject (see, eg, Mk 1:15; Lk 21:24; Jn 7:8; Ac 7:23, 7:30, 9:23). Consequently, τῶν καιρῶν ( tōn kairōn) here is most likely functioning as a subjective genitive. Cf NCV. V 9 is almost certainly a reference to the cross (cf Rm 3:25).+1:10Or to renew the whole creation in the Messiah, or to sum up the whole creation in the Messiah. Cf CJB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV. For a summary of the primary interpretative options with regard to ἀνακεφαλαιόω ( anakephalaioō) here, see ESS (Eph), 42, and NET Bible Notes, Eph 1:10. The broader context of Ephesians (cf 1:20-23, 2:6-7, 3:7-11), and many other statements in the NT (cf, eg, Mt 28:18-19; Jn 3:35, 13:3, 17:2; Ac 2:36; Rm 14:9; Php 2:9, 10; Col 2:10; Heb 1:2, 2:8; 1 Pt 3:22), favor the interpretation included in the text.+1:11Or have been chosen as God’s special possession. Cf Jn 8:34; Rm 8:17. Some interpreters understand the verb here in the sense of “receive the inheritance,” but that is unlikely here (unless the aorist is interpreted as functioning proleptically), since the inheritance is future (cf v 18).+1:11Cf Rm 8:28.+1:12A concrete expression is most likely in view here (see BDAG, 357, sv ἔπαινος 1.b.). Also, the idiom “to be for [something]” means to function as/to serve as (cf, eg, the HCSB, NCV, NET, and NIV at Gn 1:14-15). Here, the idea of function transfers more naturally into English through a simple verb form (cf CJB, HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV). Hence the translation here. Paul is providing the grounds (a common receipt of mercy) for united praise between Jew and Gentile. Cf v 14; Rm 11:28-12:1, 15:6-8.+1:12Or glory.+1:12Cf Ex 19:6, 33: 2 Ch 5:14, 7:1; Ps 29:9; Jr 31:35-36, 33:19-22; Ezk 40-48; Mt 10:6, 15:24; Ac 1:8, 10:36; Rm 1:16, 11:5-6, 11:28-32.+1:13Cf Lk 24:41; Ac 13:46-48, 14:27, 28:28; Rm 11:11.+1:14Here the second person plural pronoun is inclusive (in contrast to v 12). Cf Eph 2:18-22, 3:6.+1:14Lit who is the down payment of our inheritance [to come], until/toward/for the redemption of the purchased possession. ME(OTB) (see translation and notes at Lk 1:68; Ga 4:5-6; Rm 8:23). The full payment comes at the Second Coming, when the saints receive their resurrected bodies.+1:14Or glory. Cf Rm 15:7-13.+1:15Lit the holy ones.+1:16Lit making mention of you. ME (see BDAG, 654, sv μνεία 2).+1:17Or the glorious Father, or the Father of the glory.+1:17Lit may give you the Spirit/a spirit of wisdom and revelation in/through/so that knowledge of him. ME (see BDAG, 112, sv ἀποκάλυψις 1.a.; ESS [Eph], 71-2; L-N, 89.48, 89.80; NET Bible Notes, Eph 1:17; UBSHS [Eph], 30-31; Robertson, Word Pictures, 1 Jn 2:15; TWOT, 366, sv yāda‘; cf Jn 14:17, 15:26, 16:13 Col 1:9-12). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV. The language in this verse is highly compressed. While an attributed genitive is grammatically possible here (ie, “spiritual wisdom”; see Wallace, Grammar, 90-1; NET Bible Notes, Eph 1:17; cf NET, NLT), Is 11:2, which is almost certainly where Paul is drawing from in his prayers related to the work of the Spirit (cf Eph 3:14 and Col 1:9-11), makes it clear that the quality attributed is related to the Holy Spirit as the source of wisdom, or the means through which wisdom is imparted (cf 1 Co 2:10; 12:8; Eph 3:16), ie, Spirit-produced/supplied wisdom (cf interpretation 1 in ESS [Eph], 71). If the Holy Spirt is in fact what Paul is referring to here, as is likely, the context makes it clear (see Eph 1:14 above) that it isn’t the initial receiving of the Spirit that is in view, but the ongoing work of the Spirit, which results in increased knowledge (the ongoing/increasing/further development of the knowledge being signaled in a highly compressed way through the attachment of the prefix ἐπί [ epi] to γνωσις [ gnōsis]). The Spirit as the source/producer of wisdom and understanding is more naturally expressed in English with a marker of means (cf 1 Co 2:10; Eph 3:16). All of these factors have been taken into consideration in translation here.+1:18ME(H) (see translation and notes at Mk 3:5; Rm 1:21).+1:18Lit the hope of the calling/summoning/invitation of him. Cf translation and notes at 1 Th 1:12 and 2 Th 1:11; BDAG, 549, sv κλῆσις 1; UBSHS (Eph), 32; NCV, NEB, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+1:18Cf 1 Th 1:12; 1 Co 2:6-13.+1:18Or the riches of his glorious inheritance. Though a possessive genitive is possible here (cf Eph 1:14 above; cf also, eg, Dt 9:28, 32:9; Ps 2:8, 28:9), other passages in Paul indicate that the genitive is most likely functioning in the source/subjective range (cf, eg, Rm 2:7, 4:13-14, 8:17; 1 Co 2:8-10; Ga 3:18, 3:29; Eph 1:11 [see translation and notes above], 3:6; Col 1:12, 27; 1 Th 2:12; 2 Th 2:14; cf also 1 Pt 1:4). Cf CJB, NCV, TEV; ESS (Eph), 80 (interpretation 2); UBSHS (Eph), 33.+1:18Or with, or in, or in the case of. Cf Eph 2:19, 3:6; Col 1:12.+1:18Lit the holy ones/saints. Cf Ezk 47:21-23; Jn 17:20-26; Ac 10:44-47; Rm 8:16-17; Ga 4:1-7; Eph 1:12-14, 2:19, 3:6; Col 1:12.+1:19The second person plural pronoun is inclusive here. Cf Ga 4:1-7. Here Paul is continuing to make highly compressed yet nuanced statements about the “mystery.”+1:19Cf Jn 17:20-26; Ac 10:44-47; Ga 4:1-7.+1:20Lit according to the working of the might of the strength of him, which he put to work. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 34). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:20Or among the heavenly things. Cf Jb 1:6, 2:1; 1 Ki 22:19-22; 2 Ch 18:18-21; Ps 82; 103:20-22; Zc 3:1-5; Re 4-5.+1:21Or every name that is given. Lit every name that is named. In this context, “to name” most likely means to call upon an authority (see BDAG, 714, sv ὀνομάζω 2), and in this context focuses on the lesser spiritual authorities over creation. Cf Mt 28:18-19; Jn 3:35, 13:3, 17:2; Ac 2:36; Rm 14:9; 1 Co 8:4-7; Eph 1:9-10; Php 2:9-10; Col 2:10; Heb 1:2, 2:8; 1 Pt 3:22.+1:22Lit he.+1:22Ps 8:6+1:22Lit him.+1:22The dative here is interpreted as a dative of advantage. This is reflected in the translation. Cf Rm 8:26-30; Eph 5:22-29; 1 Th 2:12, 3:11-13, 4:4-8, 5:23-24; 2 Th 1:5, 11.+1:23Lit his.+1:23Cf Eph 5:29-32.+1:23Or in all things, or through all things, or among all human beings.+1:23Or to completion, or to fulfillment. The meaning here is most likely focused on God bringing the creation toward its final goal as defined according to his plan. Cf Rm 8:26-38; Eph 1:9-14. πληρουμένου ( plēroumenou) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and therefore the clause has been structured so as to allow part of this element to land in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+2:2Lit according to [the standard] of the age of this world system. ME (see BSL, Eph 2:2, sv κόσμος; BDAG, 562, sv κόσμος 7.b.). Cf Ga 1:4.+2:2Lit the ruler of the authority of the air. ME (see L-N, 12.445; UBSHS [Eph], 41). Cf CJB, HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV. According to the interpretation reflected in the translation, “authority” is a metonymy for the beings who are exercising it (cf ESS [Eph], 108).+2:2Cf Dn 7:1-27, 10:18-11:1; 2 Th 2:1-7; Re 12:1-13:4, 17:9-14.+2:2Or in. Cf 2 Co 4:4.+2:2Lit the sons of disobedience. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 9.4; NET Bible Notes, Eph 5:6; UBSHS [Eph], 41).+2:3Cf TEV.+2:3Lit in the desires of our flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” O (see FBT Chart).+2:3Lit doing the will of the flesh and of the thoughts. ME. Cf translation and notes at Rm 1:21, 8:5-6, 13:14; Ga 5:16; Eph 4:18. The meaning is the same here.+2:3Lit we were children by nature of wrath. ME (see BDAG, 1069, sv φύσις 1; ESS [Eph], 118; UBSHS [Rm], 43). Cf ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV. Cf also Col 3:6.+2:5Lit by grace/gift.+2:5Or delivered.+2:6IT (see UBSHS [Rm], 113; UBSHS [Eph], 45). Cf Rm 6:1-5; Col 2:12. The aorist tense is used here, and in this context refers either to a past event, or the certainty of a future event (ie, it is functioning proleptically). Because this phrase is closely connected with “seated us with him,” it is most likely not functioning proleptically here. If that is in fact the case, then, as the UBSHS points out (see UBSHS [Eph], 45; cf also ESS [Eph], 125), “raised” is being employed figuratively (obviously, believers haven’t actually been raised from the dead yet; cf 2 Ti 2:18). Col 2:12 (note the many parallels and the similarity of language between Eph 2 and Col 2:6-15) makes it clear that the figurative language is being used in reference to baptism: “...having been buried with him in baptism, in which [“baptism” being the antecedent] you were also raised to life with him” (ESV, parenthetical comment mine).+2:6The figurative language here (see preceding note) isn’t being used to describe a spiritual “rule in the heavenly world” (TEV), but simply means that the Messiah is in the Father’s presence interceding on behalf of those who are united with him through the Holy Spirit. Cf Jb 33:23-28; Rm 6:10-11, 8:26-34; Eph 1:18-22, 2:18, 3:12; Heb 4:16. The saints only begin to reign with the Messiah at the Second Coming (see, eg, 1 Co 4:8-13, 6:1-3; Re 2:25-29; 19:11-20:6).+2:6Or among the heavenly things.+2:7Cf NIV, TEV.+2:7Or in, or because of.+2:7Cf Rm 3:21-26, 5:1-11, 8:28-29; 1 Co 2:6-10.+2:9Lit so that someone may not boast. ME (see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:14).+2:10Cf, eg, Ps 28:5, Ps 92:4 (91:5 in the LXX); Is 29:23; Ac 7:48; Eph 2:11, Col 2:11.+2:10Cf Rm 9:23 (the same verb is used here). Cf also ISV, NLT.+2:10Lit for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand, that in them we may walk. ME (see BDAG, 8903, περιπατέω 2; ESS [Eph], 136; UBSHS [Eph], 48). Cf ISV. That this is in line with Paul’s intended meaning is confirmed by passages such as Rm 6:4, 8:28-30; 1 Th 4:2-8; and 2 Th 2:13-15 (cf translation and notes at these places).+2:11Cf NJB.+2:11Lit Gentiles in flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” M (see FBT Chart). Cf L-N, 10.1.+2:12Lit you were apart from the Messiah. ME (see interpretation 2 in ESS [Eph], 143; UBSHS [Eph], 52). Since τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ ( tō kairō ekeinō) is most likely referring to the era of history prior to the Messiah’s actual arrival at the First Coming (cf, eg, Mt 28:19-20; Lk 24:46-49; Ac 14:16, 17:20; Rm 3:25-26; Eph 1:9-10; 1 Pt 4:3), “the Messiah” here is being used here as a metonymical reference to Israel’s knowledge about, and hope in, the Messiah, based on the oracles with which she had been entrusted (see Rm 3:2). Cf “having no hope” later in the verse.+2:12Or from the commonwealth, or from the citizenship, or from the polity, or from the system of government. πολιτεία ( politeia) here refers to a socio-political/socio-religious entity, characterized and united by a particular way of life (see BDAG, 845, sv 2, 3; L-N, 11.67). Cf, eg, 2 Mac 8:17 (“the government of their fathers” [Brenton]; “ancestral citizenship” [LES]; “ancestral way of life” [NRSV]); 4 Mac 8:7 (“your national ordinance” [Brenton]; “ancestral laws of your nation” [LES]; “the ancestral tradition of your national life” [NRSV]). In the case of Israel, the culture and national “way of life” was shaped by the interpretation and application of the Law of Moses, in context to Israel’s advantages and privileged status as God’s chosen nation (cf Rm 3:1-2). The religious and cultural aspect of the polity is significant, because it provided the context in which the knowledge of the true God (including knowledge of his promises concerning the Messiah; see translation and note in the preceding clause), was fostered, articulated, and passed on from one generation to the next.+2:12Lit strangers to. ME (see BDAG, 684, sv ξένος 1.b.). Cf NLT.+2:13Cf Is 57:19.+2:14Lit who made the two one. ME (see translation and notes at Ga 3:28; cf also BDAG, 291, sv εἷς 1.b.). Cf NLT.+2:14Lit the dividing wall of the fence/partition. ME. Cf CJB, NLT. This may be a reference to the wall in the temple precincts that divided the court of the Gentiles (the outside court) from the Jewish areas (see FSB, Eph 2:14; Robertson, Word Pictures, Eph 2:14; UBSHS [Eph], 55). Cf Ac 21:28.+2:15Or having abolished, or having brought to an end. Cf HCSB.+2:15Lit in/through his flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 55). Cf Rm 7:4. Commentators are divided as to where ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ ( en tē sarki autou—“in/through his flesh”) should be grouped (see ESS [Eph], 159). Rm 7:4 is what causes me to favor grouping it with καταργήσας ( katargēsas). Cf NET, NIV, RSV.+2:15Lit the Law of the commandments in decrees/regulations/ordinances. ME/IT (see ANLEX, 118, sv δόγμα 118; BSL, Eph 2:15, sv νόμος; BDAG, sv δόγμα 1.a.; ESS [Eph], 161; UBSHS [Eph], 56). Cf CSB. Cf Rm 2:20, 2:26, 3:27-28, 7:1-6, 8:4, 13:10; 1 Co 9:20-21; Ga 3:19-25, 5:3.+2:15Cf Jn 17.+2:16Cf 2 Co 5:16-21.+2:16Lit on it. Or through it, or through himself.+2:17Lit he.+2:17Cf Is 57:19; Mt 28:16-20; Lk 24:46-49; Ac 1:8.+2:18Or namely, that (appositional ὅτι); or so that (consecutive ὅτι).+2:18Trying to maintain some measure of consistency in translation here with Rm 5:3 (see translation and notes there).+2:18Cf Ac 10:44-48; Ga 4:1-7.+2:19Lit aliens. ME (see BSL, Eph 2:19, sv πάροικος; L-N, 11.77; UBSHS [Eph], 60).+2:19Lit the holy ones/saints. Cf Ezk 47:21-23.+2:22IT. Cf NLT.+2:22Cf NCV.+3:1Cf NLT, REB.+3:1Lit the prisoner of Messiah Jesus. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 67, 93). Making the information compressed in the genitive explicit in translation.+3:2Lit the grace of God. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 1:5; cf 2 Co 10:18; Ga 2:7). Cf ESS (Eph), 197.+3:2Cf Rm 1:5; 1 Co 4:1-2.+3:3Lit just as I wrote above in little. ME (see BDAG, 867, sv προγράφω; UBSHS [Eph], 70).+3:4Lit in reference to which/in accordance with which you can, reading.... ME. Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NLT.+3:6Cf Ac 10:44-48, 11:17-18, 15:6-17; Ga 4:1-7.+3:7Lit according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me according the working of his power. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 1:5; 1 Co 1:1; Ga 1:15, 2:8; Eph 1:19; UBSHS [Eph], 75; cf also 1 Ti 1:11-16).+3:8Lit the holy ones.+3:8Lit that this grace. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 1:5; v 3:2 above).+3:9Lit the stewardship/management/administration. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 1:9-10; the meaning is the same here).+3:9Or kept hidden from the spiritual powers.+3:10Or heavenly things.+3:10Or in all its rich variety. Cf Jb 11:5-9, 28:12-28, 33:23-28. Cf also Re 7:9-12.+3:11Cf 1 Co 2:7.+3:12Lit in whom we have the boldness/fearlessness and right to approach [God] to address [him] in confidence. “Boldness” and “right to approach” here are likely functioning as a hendiadys (ie, the use of coordination to express a unified concept).+3:12Or through his faithfulness, or through faith in him.+3:13Or That is why I ask you not to give up.+3:13The meaning here is similar to 2 Co 4:12 (see translation and notes there). Cf Rm 2:10; 2 Co 1:4-8, 3:18; Col 1:27, 3:4.+3:14Lit I bend my knees. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 83).+3:15Cf Gn 6:2-4; Dt 32:8; Jb 1:6, 2:1, 38:7.+3:15Cf Ps 87; Ga 4:1-7.+3:18Lit the holy ones.+3:18Or of his love. The object of the dimensions is not explicitly stated in the text, and must therefore be inferred from the context. The implied object is most likely the love of God or the wisdom of God (see NET Bible Notes, Eph 3:18; UBSHS [Eph], 87). This type of language is common in the wisdom literature (see, eg, Jb 11:7-9, 28:1-28). In the NET Bible Notes on this verse, it is claimed that the immediate context favors the “love of God” interpretation. I disagree. καταλαμβάνω ( katalalambanō—“to grasp/understand”) clearly activates the concept of knowledge/wisdom (wisdom and knowledge are frequently paralleled in the wisdom literature; see, eg, Pr 2:6), and it is just as good a candidate as the love of God (cf Rm 11:33). Besides having the OT background on its side, the broader context of Ephesians also favors the wisdom/plan of God (which of course includes the love of God). Cf also Col 2:3.+3:19ὑπερβάλλουσαν τῆς γνώσεως ( huperballousan tēs gnōseōs) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:19Lit filled to/until/to the point of/up to all the fullness of God. ME (see BDAG, 829, sv 3.b.; UBSHS [Eph], 88). Cf NLT, TEV. In this context, πλήρωμα ( plērōma) means a “sum total,” or a “full measure” ( BDAG) relating to the divine nature (cf Col 2:9-10). Cf Rm 15:13-14, 5:18; Ga 5:22-23; Php 1:11; Col 1:9, 2:9-10; 1 Th 2:12; 1 Pt 1:15-16; 2 Pt 1:3.+4:1Lit the prisoner in the Lord. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 67, 93).+4:1Or invitation, or calling.+4:1Lit to walk worthily/suitably/appropriately of the calling/summons by which you were called/summoned. MCf. 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; Php 1:27).+4:3Or through.+4:3Cf Eph 2:14-17.+4:4Lit just as you were called with regard to/one hope of your calling. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 1:18, 1 Th 1:12, and 2 Th 1:11). Cf TNT.+4:6Or of all things.+4:6Cf Brc.+4:6The “alls” here relate to the different peoples that make up humankind, who are being offered the gospel. Cf Rm 3:2-30; Eph 3:7-13; Col 3:10-11.+4:6Cf CJB, NAB, TEV, TNT.+4:7Lit To each of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of the Messiah. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 97; translation and notes at Rm 1:5, 12:6; 1 Co 3:10).+4:8Lit took captivity captive. ME (see BDAG, 31, αἰχμαλωσία 31; L-N, 55.24).+4:8Ps 68:18 (LXX)+4:9Lit Now the “he ascended,” what is it, except that also he descended into the lower parts of the earth? ME/EFE (see UBSHS [Eph], 99). Cf NCV, NLT, REB, TEV. The discrepancy in languages here is obvious.+4:9Or to the lower regions of the earth.+4:10Lit he himself is the one who. Though the pronoun is technically intensive, its function here is to stress continuity with the one who “ascended.” Cf ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+4:10Maintaining consistency in translation with Eph 1:20 (see translation and notes there).+4:11The verb here relates back to v 8, but with application to these particular groups, who are his “gift.” Cf TEV.+4:12Lit the holy ones.+4:12Or to equip the saints, or to prepare the saints. Cf 1 Co 1:10; 2 Co 13:9-11 (where the verbal cognate is used).+4:12Lit for [the purpose of] a work of ministry/service. ME (see BDAG, 230, sv διακονία 3). If this punctuation is adopted (cf ASV, KJV, LEB, ISV), διακονία ( dikaonia) means to “function in the interest of a larger public” ( Ibid). Cf 21 Th 5:12-13; Ti 4:5; 1 Pt 5:1-5; Heb 13:7, 17.+4:13Or until we arrive at unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Lit arrive at the unity of the faith/of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. Commentators are divided here as to whether faith and knowledge are referring to experience or doctrine and the content of the faith (see, eg, ESS [Eph], 313). While sound doctrine is certainly implied here throughout the context (see vv 14-15), v 3 (the only other place in the NT where ἑνότης [ henotēs—“unity”] is used; “the unity of the Spirit”), causes me to favor the former interpretation here. In v 13, the genitive is almost certainly functioning in the subjective/source/production range (see ESS [Eph], 280; UBSHS [Eph], 94-5; cf CJB, TEV), and means “the unity that comes as the Spirit does his work in and through and among us.” In Pauline theology, new life through the Spirit and “knowing Christ” are inseparable concepts, and it is highly possible that Paul is referring to the same thing here. If this is in fact what Paul means, then on a practical level, the “unity” takes the form of what Paul describes in places like Rm 14 and 1 Co 8, where believers, under the Spirit’s leadership as he guides their consciences, lay down their own lives for one another in conformity with Jesus’ example on the cross, as a result of which stumbling blocks are removed and unity is produced. Again, the experiential interpretation assumes sound, cross-centered teaching (cf, eg, 1 Co 4:8-17).+4:13Cf Eph 2:15.+4:13Lit to the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Messiah. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 104). Cf NEB, TEV.+4:14Lit by clever scheming in/in accordance with/with a view to the craftiness of deceit.+4:15Or speaking the truth.+4:15Lit let us grow up into him in all respects, who is the head, the Messiah. ME (see BDAG, 151, sv αὐξάνω 2.b.; UBSHS [Eph], 106).+4:16Lit from whom the whole body, being joined together and held together through every joint of supply/support, according to the working in measure of each single part, makes the growth of the body for/resulting in the building up of itself in love. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 107). The gap in languages is obvious here. Cf most English translations.+4:17Lit I say this and warn. Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Th 2:11 (see translation and notes there). Cf Eph 5:5; 1 Th 4:1-7.+4:17ME/IT (see translation and notes at 1 Th 4:1). Cf NLT.+4:17Lit in the futility of their thoughts/minds. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 1:21). The meaning is the same here.+4:18Or in their mind, or in their understanding.+4:18The same verb is used here as is used in v 2:12.+4:18Lit because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their hearts. See translation and notes at Mk 3:5.+4:19Or with an insatiable desire for more.+4:21Lit in him. ME (see UBSHS [Eph], 113). Cf NEB, TEV, TNT.+4:22Or self, or humanity. Lit man.+4:24Or self, or humanity. Lit the new man. Cf 2 Co 5:16.+4:24Cf 1 Th 2:12; 1 Pt 1:15.+4:25Zc 8:16+4:26Ps 4:4. Cf TEV.+4:26Cf CJB, NET.+4:29Lit it (ie, your speech/talk). Cf TEV.+4:29Lit so that it may give grace. ME (see BDAG, 1079, sv χάρις 3.a.; UBSHS [Eph], 119). Cf NAB, NCV, NEB, NIV, NLT, NJB, TEV, TNT.+4:30Lit of redemption. ME(OTB) (see at Lk 1:68). Cf 2 Co 1:22; Eph 1:13.+4:31Lit from you.+4:31Or blasphemy.+4:32Or through, or because of.
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