Ephesians 4:30

Authorized King James Version

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

λυπεῖτε

G3076

grieve

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

τὸ

G3588

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

πνεῦμα

G4151

Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ

G3588

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

ἅγιον

G40

the holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

whereby

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

ᾧ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#12

ἐσφραγίσθητε

G4972

ye are sealed

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

#13

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

#14

ἡμέραν

G2250

the day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#15

ἀπολυτρώσεως

G629

of redemption

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of redemption reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on redemption address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 might the original audience's understanding of redemption differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Topics

Salvation