King James Version

What Does Ephesians 2:15 Mean?

Ephesians 2:15 in the King James Version says “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself o...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”

Ephesians 2:15 · KJV

Peace

Context

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;

15

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby : thereby: or, in himself

17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 2:15 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 2:15 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 · 25 words
τήν1 of 25
G3588

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

ἔχθραν2 of 25

“the enmity”

G2189

hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition

ἐν3 of 25

“contained in”

G1722

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

τῇ4 of 25
G3588

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

σαρκί5 of 25

“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

αὐτοῦ6 of 25
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

τὸν7 of 25
G3588

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

νόμον8 of 25

“even the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

τῶν9 of 25
G3588

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

ἐντολῶν10 of 25

“of commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἐν11 of 25

“contained in”

G1722

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

δόγμασιν12 of 25

“ordinances”

G1378

a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical)

καταργήσας13 of 25

“Having abolished”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

ἵνα14 of 25

“for to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τοὺς15 of 25
G3588

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

δύο16 of 25

“of twain”

G1417

"two"

κτίσῃ17 of 25

“make”

G2936

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

ἐν18 of 25

“contained in”

G1722

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

ἑαὐτῷ19 of 25

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

εἰς20 of 25

“one”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἕνα21 of 25
G1520

one

καινὸν22 of 25

“new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

ἄνθρωπον23 of 25

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ποιῶν24 of 25

“so making”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰρήνην25 of 25

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:14Galatians 3:10Colossians 1:21-22Hebrews 8:13Galatians 3:28Galatians 6:15

Test Your Knowledge

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