Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:6

What does Ephesians 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:6 means

God’s purpose in saving is “to the praise of the glory of his grace.” The spotlight is on grace—its beauty, power, and worthiness of adoration. This grace is not stingy; it is “freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” The “Beloved” is Christ, the Father’s dearly loved Son. All saving gifts come wrapped in Christ; being united to him, we become recipients of grace that glorifies God by displaying his generosity. Our salvation, then, is designed to make much of God’s grace, not ourselves. As we receive and live from that grace, our lives become an echo of praise to the Giver.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely gave to us in the Loved One:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He did make us accepted in the beloved,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us, in his beloved son.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to [the] praise of [the] glory of his grace, wherein he has taken us into favour in the Beloved:

Context

Verse 6 concludes the first movement: election and adoption exist for God’s praise. It also transitions toward the Son’s redemptive work, since the grace is bestowed “in the Beloved.” The next verses (7–8) explain how this grace operates—through redemption and forgiveness purchased by Christ’s blood and lavished with wisdom. The flow keeps uniting purpose (praise), person (the Beloved), and provision (grace), leading to the revelation of God’s mystery and the summing up of all things in Christ (verses 9–10).

v.5having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

v.6This passage

v.7in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 10:17

    Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.

  • Romans 8:1

    There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.

  • Isaiah 61:11

    For as the earth bringeth forth its bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord Jehovah will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

  • Isaiah 45:24

    Only in Jehovah, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all they that were incensed against him shall be put to shame.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Matthew 3:17

    and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

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