Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:22

What does Ephesians 2:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:22 means

Paul personalizes the image: “ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” The Gentile believers in Ephesus are not peripheral stones; they are integral to God’s dwelling place. The Spirit makes the church God’s home, fulfilling the promise of divine presence among his people. The emphasis on “together” highlights unity—believers are not isolated sanctuaries but one house. This is the climax of the chapter: from death in sins to life in Christ, from alienation to access, from separation to being God’s own dwelling. Their story is the story of the church—a Spirit-filled people centered on Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In whom you, with the rest, are united together as a living-place of God in the Spirit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in whom also ye are builded together, for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in whom ye also are built together for a habitation ofGod in [the] Spirit.

Context

Verse 22 brings the cosmic vision of verses 20–21 down to the readers: they themselves are part of God’s temple. It completes the chapter’s arc—from individual resurrection life (vv. 1–10) to corporate reconciliation and indwelling (vv. 11–22). The chapter ends with the Spirit’s indwelling presence, preparing for the further unfolding of the church’s mystery and calling in the chapters that follow.

v.21in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;

v.22This passage

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16

    Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

  • 1 John 3:24

    And he that keepeth his commandments abideth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.

  • 1 John 4:13

    hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

  • John 14:17

    even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19

    Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;

  • 2 Corinthians 6:16

    And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

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