King James Version

What Does Ephesians 2:12 Mean?

Ephesians 2:12 in the King James Version says “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Ephesians 2:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 2:12 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 2:12 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 · 27 words
ὅτι1 of 27

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦτε2 of 27

ye were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐν3 of 27

at

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 27
G3588

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

καιρῷ5 of 27

time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἐκείνῳ6 of 27

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

χωρὶς7 of 27

without

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

Χριστοῦ8 of 27

Christ

G5547

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

ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι9 of 27

being aliens

G526

to estrange away, i.e., (passively and figuratively) to be non-participant

τῆς10 of 27
G3588

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

πολιτείας11 of 27

from the commonwealth

G4174

citizenship; concretely, a community

τοῦ12 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰσραὴλ13 of 27

of Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ξένοι15 of 27

strangers

G3581

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

τῶν16 of 27
G3588

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

διαθηκῶν17 of 27

from the covenants

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

τῆς18 of 27
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας19 of 27

of promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ἐλπίδα20 of 27

hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

μὴ21 of 27

no

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχοντες22 of 27

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ23 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄθεοι24 of 27

without God

G112

godless

ἐν25 of 27

at

G1722

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

τῷ26 of 27
G3588

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

κόσμῳ27 of 27

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))


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 2:12 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 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study