Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:4

What does Ephesians 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:4 means

After the dark backdrop of wrath and disobedience, Paul introduces the turning point: “But God.” The source of salvation is not our improvement but God’s character—he is rich in mercy and moved by great love. Mercy speaks to our misery; love speaks to God’s heart. These divine qualities, not human merit, explain the change that follows. The verse insists that God’s initiative is lavish, not reluctant. He did not save because we were worthy, but because he is abundantly merciful and loving. This frames everything that follows as the overflow of God’s gracious nature, ensuring that salvation rests securely in who God is.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But God, being full of mercy, through the great love which he had for us,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and God, being rich in kindness, because of His great love with which He loved us,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But God (who is rich in mercy) for his exceeding charity wherewith he loved us

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

butGod, being rich in mercy, because of his great love wherewith he loved us,

Context

Verse 4 is the pivot of the chapter’s first section. Having described universal guilt and wrath in verses 1–3, Paul now reveals God’s gracious character as the sole reason for hope. Verses 5–7 will spell out what God’s mercy and love achieve: life with Christ, exaltation, and an eternal display of grace. The contrast between human inability and divine generosity is central to understanding the gospel Paul proclaims.

v.3among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:—

v.4This passage

v.5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved),

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 4:10

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

  • Romans 9:23

    and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory,

  • Isaiah 55:6

    Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  • Psalms 86:5

    For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee.

  • Micah 7:18

    Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness.

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