Ephesians 2:11
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;
Original Language Analysis
μνημονεύετε
remember
G3421
μνημονεύετε
remember
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
2 of 19
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῆς
that which
G3588
τῆς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
7 of 19
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
σαρκὶ
the flesh
G4561
σαρκὶ
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
9 of 19
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
τῆς
that which
G3588
τῆς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγομένης
are called
G3004
λεγομένης
are called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀκροβυστία
Uncircumcision
G203
ἀκροβυστία
Uncircumcision
Strong's:
G203
Word #:
12 of 19
the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 19
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 (
τῆς
that which
G3588
τῆς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγομένης
are called
G3004
λεγομένης
are called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
περιτομῆς
the Circumcision
G4061
περιτομῆς
the Circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
16 of 19
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Colossians 2:11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Colossians 1:21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled1 Corinthians 12:2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:Deuteronomy 16:12And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth of Ephesians 2:11 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
- What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
- How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?
Analysis & Commentary
[Verse 2:11 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.