Ephesians 2:12

Authorized King James Version

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

That

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦτε

G2258

ye were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

καιρῷ

G2540

time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἐκείνῳ

G1565

that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

χωρὶς

G5565

without

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι

G526

being aliens

to estrange away, i.e., (passively and figuratively) to be non-participant

#10

τῆς

G3588

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

#11

πολιτείας

G4174

from the commonwealth

citizenship; concretely, a community

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

Ἰσραὴλ

G2474

of Israel

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

ξένοι

G3581

strangers

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

#16

τῶν

G3588

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

#17

διαθηκῶν

G1242

from the covenants

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

#18

τῆς

G3588

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

#19

ἐπαγγελίας

G1860

of promise

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

#20

ἐλπίδα

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#21

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#22

ἔχοντες

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#24

ἄθεοι

G112

without God

godless

#25

ἐν

G1722

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

#26

τῷ

G3588

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

#27

κόσμῳ

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Ephesians. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?

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Topics

Salvation