Ephesians 2:7

Authorized King James Version

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἵνα
That
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#2
ἐνδείξηται
he might shew
to indicate (by word or act)
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
αἰῶσιν
the ages
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#6
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐπερχομένοις
to come
to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὑπερβάλλοντα
the exceeding
to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)
#10
πλοῦτον
riches
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
#11
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
χάριτος
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#13
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
#14
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
χρηστότητι
his kindness
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
#16
ἐφ'
toward
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
ἡμᾶς
us
us
#18
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
Χριστῷ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#20
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of grace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, 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 grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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