Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:10

What does Ephesians 2:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:10 means

Far from making works irrelevant, grace makes them possible and necessary in their proper place. Believers are God’s “workmanship,” his handcrafted new creation in Christ Jesus. We are remade with a purpose: “for good works” that God prepared beforehand. Salvation includes a new way of life, a path laid out by God himself. We do not invent our mission; we walk in it. These works do not earn favor; they express the life already given in Christ. The contrast with verse 2 is striking—we once “walked” in sin’s course; now we “walk” in God-prepared obedience. Our identity (God’s workmanship) fuels our activity (good works).

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For by his act we were given existence in Christ Jesus to do those good works which God before made ready for us so that we might do them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for of Him we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God did before prepare, that in them we may walk.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, whichGod has before prepared that we should walk in them.

Context

Verse 10 concludes the first section (vv. 1–10) by clarifying the place of good works: the fruit, not the root, of salvation. It connects back to verse 2’s language of “walking,” showing a transformed path. With individual salvation set, Paul shifts in verses 11–22 to the corporate dimension: how Jew and Gentile are united in one new humanity and built into God’s dwelling. The remembrance of Gentile alienation in verses 11–12 sets the stage for this unity.

v.9not of works, that no man should glory.

v.10This passage

v.11Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:5

    Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.

  • John 3:21

    But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.

  • Titus 2:14

    who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

  • Isaiah 44:21

    Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

  • Titus 2:7

    in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,

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