Ephesians 2:20

Authorized King James Version

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐποικοδομηθέντες

G2026

And are built

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

ἐπὶ

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ

G3588

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

θεμελίῳ

G2310

the foundation

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

τῶν

G3588

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

ἀποστόλων

G652

of the apostles

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

προφητῶν

G4396

prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ὄντος

G5607

being

#10

ἀκρογωνιαίου

G204

the chief corner

belonging to the extreme corner

#11

αὐτοῦ

G846

himself

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

#12

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#13

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

Salvation