For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
What does Ephesians 2:8 mean?
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no desire for spiritual pleasures.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Ephesians 2:6-10 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Ephesians 2:8
It is not by your Own merit; it is not because you have any claim. This is a favorite doctrine with Paul, as it is with all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity; compare the notes at Romans 1:7 ; Romans 3:24 , note. Through faith - Grace bestowed through faith, or in connection with believing; see the notes at Romans 1:17 ; Romans 4:16 , note. And that not of yourselves - That is, salvation does not proceed from yourselves. The word rendered "that" - τουτο touto - is in the neuter gender, and the word "faith" - πιστις pistis - is in the feminine.
Key words
- by his grace
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by his grace.
- that
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that.) However "Grace" is also feminine as is "Salvation".
- by his grace
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by his grace.
- that
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that.) However "Grace" is also feminine as is "Salvation".
Context in Ephesians 2
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Ephesians 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as blessing and new identity in Christ. Ephesians presents the church as Christ’s body and temple, chosen in grace, united across dividing walls, and called to mature holy life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of union with Christ, church, and grace in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Central texts on sin, grace, faith, Christ’s saving work, and the Bible’s announcement that salvation is received rather than achieved.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.