Ephesians 1:13
What does Ephesians 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 1:13 means
Paul turns to his readers: “in whom ye also.” Their inclusion follows a clear gospel pattern—hearing “the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,” believing it, and then being “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” The seal marks ownership, authenticity, and security. God stamps his people with his Spirit, fulfilling promises of the new covenant and assuring them they belong to Christ. The sequence emphasizes both the necessity of the proclaimed gospel and the gracious work of the Spirit. Conversion is not vague spirituality; it is truth heard, trusted, and confirmed by God’s indwelling presence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
KJV
King James Version · 1611In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In whom you, having been given the true word, the good news of your salvation, and through your faith in him, were given the sign of the Holy Spirit of hope,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth--the good news of your salvation--in whom also having believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of the promise,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation), in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in whom ye also [have trusted], having heard the word of the truth, the glad tidings of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, ye have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Context
Following the reference to those who first hoped in Christ (verse 12), verse 13 extends the same salvation blessings to the Gentile believers—“ye also.” It outlines the means of inclusion: hearing, believing, sealing. Verse 14 will explain what this sealing signifies—the Spirit as earnest of our inheritance. The flow demonstrates that the church is one people, joined by the gospel and secured by the same Spirit, moving toward the same promised future to the praise of God’s glory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:33
Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.
- John 14:26
But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.
- John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
- Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
- Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
- 2 Timothy 2:19
Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
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