Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:16

What does Ephesians 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:16 means

The purpose is twofold: to reconcile both Jew and Gentile “in one body unto God” through the cross, and in doing so to slay the enmity. The cross removes hostility between peoples and restores a right relationship with God. Unity is not achieved by sidelining truth but by dealing with sin at its root. In one body—the church—diverse believers are joined to Christ and thus to each other. The same instrument that makes peace with God makes peace among people. The cross is therefore the center of both salvation and community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that the two might come into agreement with God in one body through the cross, so putting an end to that division.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity in it,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, killing the enmities in himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and might reconcile both in one body toGod by the cross, having by it slain the enmity;

Context

Verse 16 completes the theological foundation for unity: the cross reconciles both horizontally and vertically. With hostility slain, the way is open for a shared message. Verse 17 will speak of Christ’s proclamation of peace to those far and near, and verse 18 will crown the section with shared access to the Father by one Spirit—a deeply Trinitarian conclusion.

v.15having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace;

v.16This passage

v.17and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh:

Cross references

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

  • Romans 5:10

    For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18

    But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • Romans 8:3

    For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

  • Colossians 2:14

    having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

  • Ephesians 2:15

    having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace;

  • Galatians 2:20

    I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

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