King James Version

What Does Ephesians 2:10 Mean?

Ephesians 2:10 in the King James Version says “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk ... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ordained: or, prepared

Ephesians 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ordained: or, prepared

11

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 2:10 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 2 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 2 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 2:10 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
αὐτοῖς1 of 19

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γάρ2 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐσμεν3 of 19

we are

G2070

we are

ποίημα4 of 19

his workmanship

G4161

a product, i.e., fabric (literally or figuratively)

κτισθέντες5 of 19

created

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

ἐν6 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ7 of 19

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ8 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐπὶ9 of 19

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἔργοις10 of 19

works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθοῖς11 of 19

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

οἷς12 of 19

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προητοίμασεν13 of 19

hath before ordained

G4282

to fit up in advance (literally or figuratively)

14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς15 of 19

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα16 of 19

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν17 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς18 of 19

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περιπατήσωμεν19 of 19

we should walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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