King James Version

What Does Ephesians 2:3 Mean?

Ephesians 2:3 in the King James Version says “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. desires: Gr. wills

Ephesians 2:3 · KJV


Context

1

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. desires: Gr. wills

4

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) by: or, by whose grace


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 2:3 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 2:3 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 · 30 words
ἐν1 of 30

Among

G1722

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

οἷς2 of 30

whom

G3739

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

καὶ3 of 30

also

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς4 of 30

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

πάντες5 of 30

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνεστράφημέν6 of 30

had our conversation

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

ποτε7 of 30

in times past

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἐν8 of 30

Among

G1722

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

ταῖς9 of 30
G3588

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

ἐπιθυμίαις10 of 30

the lusts

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

τῆς11 of 30
G3588

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

σαρκὸς12 of 30

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

ἡμῶν13 of 30

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

ποιοῦντες14 of 30

fulfilling

G4160

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

τὰ15 of 30
G3588

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

θελήματα16 of 30

the desires

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τῆς17 of 30
G3588

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

σαρκὸς18 of 30

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

καὶ19 of 30

also

G2532

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

τῶν20 of 30
G3588

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

διανοιῶν21 of 30

of the mind

G1271

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

καὶ22 of 30

also

G2532

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

ἤμεν23 of 30
G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

τέκνα24 of 30

the children

G5043

a child (as produced)

φύσει25 of 30

by nature

G5449

growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native

ὀργῆς26 of 30

of wrath

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

ὡς27 of 30

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ28 of 30

also

G2532

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

οἱ29 of 30
G3588

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

λοιποί·30 of 30

others

G3062

remaining ones


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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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