Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:10

What does Ephesians 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:10 means

The One who descended is the very One who ascended “far above all the heavens,” a way of saying He now holds supreme authority and fills all things. His exaltation is comprehensive; nothing lies outside His reign. He fills all things not by dissolving distinctions but by exercising His presence and power everywhere, especially in His church. From that fullness He supplies what is needed for the body’s growth. Therefore, the gifts named next do not arise from human ingenuity; they are the administration of the ascended Christ, who rules the universe and actively provides for His people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who went down is the same who went up far over all the heavens so that he might make all things complete.)

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

he who went down is the same also who went up far above all the heavens, that He may fill all things--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens: that he might fill all things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He that descended is the same who has also ascended up above all the heavens, that he might fill all things;

Context

This completes the explanatory aside of verses 9–10. It bridges back to the main argument: the exalted Christ, having conquered and ascended, now gives gifts to equip His body. With His supremacy affirmed, Paul will list in verse 11 certain offices Christ bestowed. The point is to move from Christ’s person and work (descent and ascent) to His provision for the church (gifted servants), which will lead directly to the purposes of equipping, ministry, and maturity in verses 12–16.

v.9(Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?

v.10This passage

v.11And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • Acts 3:18

    But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.

  • John 19:28

    After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that the scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst.

  • Romans 9:25

    As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved.

  • John 19:36

    For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

  • Colossians 1:19

    For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell;

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