Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:17

What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:17 means

Christ “came and preached peace” to those far (Gentiles) and near (Jews). Though he did not physically visit Ephesus, his message went forth through his apostles, and Paul treats this as Christ himself speaking. The content is peace—the reconciliation described in the previous verses. The same gospel addresses both groups; neither has a different way to God. This preaching fulfills the promise that God would extend salvation beyond Israel and confirms that unity is built by the word of Christ. Peace is not a private feeling but a proclaimed reality to be heard, believed, and shared.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he came preaching peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having come, he did proclaim good news--peace to you--the far-off and the nigh,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And coming, he preached peace to you that were afar off: and peace to them that were nigh.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and, coming, he has preached the glad tidings of peace to you who [were] afar off, and [the glad tidings of] peace to those [who were] nigh.

Context

Verse 17 transitions from what Christ accomplished (vv. 14–16) to how that accomplishment reaches people—through proclamation. It recalls themes from chapter 1 about the word of truth and faith. Verse 18 will give the relational result of this preached peace: shared access to the Father in one Spirit through the Son. The movement is from achievement to announcement to access.

v.16and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

v.17This passage

v.18for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 2:14

    Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

  • Deuteronomy 4:7

    For what great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh unto them, as Jehovah our God is whensoever we call upon him?

  • Psalms 75:1

    We give thanks unto thee, O God; We give thanks, for thy name is near: Men tell of thy wondrous works.

  • Matthew 10:13

    And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

  • Romans 5:1

    Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

  • Psalms 147:19

    He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel.

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