Ephesians 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Διὸ
Wherefore
through which thing, i.e., consequently
#2
μνημονεύετε
remember
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
#3
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#5
ποτὲ
being in time past
indefinite adverb, at some time, ever
#6
τῆς
that which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἔθνη
Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
σαρκὶ
the flesh
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
#10
τῆς
that which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
λεγομένης
are called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#12
ἀκροβυστία
Uncircumcision
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
#13
ὑπὸ
by
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 (
#14
τῆς
that which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λεγομένης
are called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#16
περιτομῆς
the Circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
σαρκὶ
the flesh
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
#19
χειροποιήτου
made by hands
manufactured, i.e., of human construction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ephesians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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