King James Version
What Does Ephesians 2:4 Mean?
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,”
Context
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
6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Rich in mercy.**—Not only merciful, but rich “in the multitude of mercy,” as attaching even to those dead in sin (see Chrysostom on this passage). The idea of richness in grace, glory, mercy, is especially frequent in this Epistle. (See Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:8; Ephesians 3:16.)
**For his great** **love.**—Again, as in Ephesians 1:4, stress is laid on the love of God, before all else, as the one moving cause of salvation. (Comp. Romans 5:8, “God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:4 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 2:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge