Devine Scripture

Ephesians 2:9

What does Ephesians 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 2:9 means

To remove any remaining doubt, Paul adds that salvation is “not of works, that no man should glory.” Human effort, moral achievement, or religious rite cannot be the ground of acceptance with God. This strips pride and levels the field for all people. If salvation came by works, heaven would echo with self-congratulation; instead, it resounds with praise to God. The verse does not demean obedience; it simply denies it a saving role. Grace excludes boasting because it places all credit in God’s hands. In a world driven by merit and comparison, the gospel announces a different economy—one where the rescued can only give thanks.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

not of works, that no man should glory.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

not of works, that no man should glory.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not by works, so that no man may take glory to himself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

not of works, that no one may boast;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not of works, that no man may glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

not on the principle of works, that no one might boast.

Context

Verse 9 complements verse 8 by stating the negative: works do not save. This protects the doctrine of grace and prepares for verse 10, where good works reappear as the purpose and path of those already saved. The flow is crucial: grace (v. 8), not works (v. 9), then works as the result (v. 10). This preserves both assurance and ethical seriousness without confusion.

v.8for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

v.9This passage

v.10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 3:20

    because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

  • Romans 3:27

    Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.

  • Romans 4:2

    For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

  • Romans 9:11

    for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

  • Titus 3:3

    For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

  • Romans 11:6

    But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

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