Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:7

What does Ephesians 4:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:7 means

Unity does not erase individuality. Christ gives grace to each believer “according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” He sovereignly apportions capacities and ministries. No one has all the gifts; no one is giftless. This personal distribution keeps us humble and interdependent. The measure is not random; it reflects Christ’s wise design for His body’s good. Grace here refers especially to ministry grace—abilities and roles for service. Remembering that gifts are given by Christ discourages envy and pride. It also fosters stewardship: whatever we have, we received for building others up. Diversity of gifts is not a threat to unity but a means by which unity becomes fruitful.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to every one of us has grace been given in the measure of the giving of Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to each one of you was given the grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But to each one of us has been given grace according to the measure of the gift of the Christ.

Context

Having established the church’s shared spiritual realities (verses 4–6), Paul now shows how unity and diversity coexist. Verse 7 introduces individualized grace within the one body. The next verses (8–10) explain this distribution by pointing to Christ’s victorious ascent and His right to give gifts. Then verse 11 will name specific gifted people Christ gave to the church. The movement is deliberate: one church (verses 4–6), many graces (verse 7), given by the triumphant Christ (verses 8–10), for equipping and growth (verses 11–16).

v.6one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

v.7This passage

v.8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:7

    But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

  • Matthew 25:15

    And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:13

    But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.

  • Ephesians 3:8

    Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

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