Ephesians 4:13

Authorized King James Version

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Word-by-Word Analysis

μέχρι

G3360

Till

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

καταντήσωμεν

G2658

come

to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)

οἱ

G3588

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

πάντες

G3956

we all

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

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

ἑνότητα

G1775

the unity

oneness, i.e., (figuratively) unanimity

τῆς

G3588

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

πίστεως

G4102

of the faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

τῆς

G3588

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

#12

ἐπιγνώσεως

G1922

of the knowledge

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

#13

τοῦ

G3588

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

#14

υἱοῦ

G5207

of the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#15

τοῦ

G3588

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

#16

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#17

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#18

ἄνδρα

G435

man

a man (properly as an individual male)

#19

τέλειον

G5046

a perfect

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

#20

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#21

μέτρον

G3358

the measure

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

#22

ἡλικίας

G2244

of the stature

maturity (in years or size)

#23

τοῦ

G3588

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

#24

πληρώματος

G4138

of the fulness

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

#25

τοῦ

G3588

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

#26

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of 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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation