Ephesians 6:23
What does Ephesians 6:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 6:23 means
Paul pronounces a blessing: peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace is reconciliation with God and harmony among believers; love with faith pairs affection and trust as twin graces of the Christian life. The source is clear—these gifts flow from the Father and the Son together, underscoring the unity of the Godhead in salvation. This benediction wraps the letter’s themes into a prayerful wish: that what God has accomplished in Christ would be experienced richly in the church’s life and relationships, sustaining them in both household duties and spiritual conflict.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Peace to the brethren, and love, with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Peace be to the brethren and charity with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, fromGod [the] Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.
Context
As Paul turns from personal notes (vv. 21–22) to his closing words, verse 23 provides the first part of a twofold benediction. It echoes Ephesians’ major themes of unity, love, and divine provision. The final verse, 24, will add grace to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love, closing the epistle with the note of grace that began it and pervaded its teaching.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 1:7
to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philemon 1:5
hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
- Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
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