Ephesians 1:14
What does Ephesians 1:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 1:14 means
The Holy Spirit is “an earnest of our inheritance,” a down payment that guarantees the full possession to come. His presence assures believers that God will complete what he began, leading to “the redemption of God’s own possession.” We are God’s treasured people, and he will not abandon his claim. This guarantee moves us to confidence and worship—“unto the praise of his glory.” The Spirit’s sealing is thus both experiential assurance and eschatological promise. We taste the future now; what is pledged will surely be delivered. God’s glory is displayed in keeping his promise and bringing his people safely home.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which is the first-fruit of our heritage, till God gets back that which is his, to the praise of his glory.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which is an earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who is [the] earnest of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession to [the] praise of his glory.
Context
Verse 14 concludes the opening doxology (verses 3–14). After detailing blessings from eternity past to promised future, Paul ends with the Spirit’s pledge and the refrain of praise. With the foundation laid—grace planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, applied by the Spirit—Paul will shift in verses 15–23 to thanksgiving and intercession. The prayer that follows asks God to deepen the believers’ understanding of the very blessings just proclaimed, especially the hope, riches, and power at work in them through Christ’s exaltation.
v.13in 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,
v.14This passage
v.15For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 1:6
to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:
- Leviticus 25:24
And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.
- 2 Corinthians 1:22
who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
- Luke 21:28
But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.
- Psalms 74:2
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast gotten of old, Which thou hast redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance; Andmount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
- Jeremiah 32:7
Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is thine to buy it.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Your Spouse
Verses to pray over the person you said 'yes' to.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Forgiving Your Spouse
When the hurt is real and forgiveness feels impossible — verses to begin.