Ephesians 2:3

Authorized King James Version

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
Among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
οἷς
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#5
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
ἀνεστράφημέν
had our conversation
to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live
#7
ποτε
in times past
indefinite adverb, at some time, ever
#8
ἐν
Among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐπιθυμίαις
the lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#11
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
σαρκὸς
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
#13
ἡμῶν
of our
of (or from) us
#14
ποιοῦντες
fulfilling
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#15
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θελήματα
the desires
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#17
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σαρκὸς
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
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
διανοιῶν
of the mind
deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise
#22
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
ἤμεν
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#24
τέκνα
the children
a child (as produced)
#25
φύσει
by nature
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
#26
ὀργῆς
of wrath
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
#27
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#28
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
λοιποί·
others
remaining ones

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics