Ephesians 2:15

Authorized King James Version

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τήν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἔχθραν
the enmity
hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition
#3
ἐν
contained in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
σαρκί
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
#6
αὐτοῦ
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#7
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
νόμον
even the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#9
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐντολῶν
of commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#11
ἐν
contained in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
δόγμασιν
ordinances
a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical)
#13
καταργήσας
Having abolished
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
#14
ἵνα
for to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#15
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
δύο
of twain
"two"
#17
κτίσῃ
make
to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)
#18
ἐν
contained in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
ἑαὐτῷ
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#20
εἰς
one
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#21
ἕνα
one
#22
καινὸν
new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#23
ἄνθρωπον
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#24
ποιῶν
so making
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#25
εἰρήνην
peace
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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