King James Version

What Does Ephesians 2:11 Mean?

Ephesians 2:11 in the King James Version says “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is cal...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Ephesians 2:11 · King James Version

Context

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:

13

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
[Verse 2:11 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 2:11 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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Διὸ1 of 19

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

μνημονεύετε2 of 19

“remember”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

ὅτι3 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὑμεῖς4 of 19

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ποτὲ5 of 19

“being in time past”

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

τῆς6 of 19

“that which”

G3588

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

ἔθνη7 of 19

“Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἐν8 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

σαρκὶ9 of 19

“the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

τῆς10 of 19

“that which”

G3588

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

λεγομένης11 of 19

“are called”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἀκροβυστία12 of 19

“Uncircumcision”

G203

the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person

ὑπὸ13 of 19

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς14 of 19

“that which”

G3588

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

λεγομένης15 of 19

“are called”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

περιτομῆς16 of 19

“the Circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

ἐν17 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

σαρκὶ18 of 19

“the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

χειροποιήτου19 of 19

“made by hands”

G5499

manufactured, i.e., of human construction

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:11Colossians 2:13Colossians 3:11Romans 2:28-29Galatians 6:12Colossians 1:21

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