Ephesians 2:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Also, when he came, he announced as Good News shalom to you far off and shalom to those nearby,

Berean Standard Bible:

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

American Standard Version:

and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} came^{G2064} and preached^{G2097} peace^{G1515} to you^{G5213} which^{G3588} were afar off^{G3112}, and^{G2532} to them that were nigh^{G1451}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Ephesians 2:17

Ephesians 2:17 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian community in Ephesus. This verse encapsulates the theme of unity and reconciliation between Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Jesus Christ. In the historical context, there was a significant divide between Jews and Gentiles, with deep-rooted religious and cultural differences. Jews, who were "nigh" or near to God due to their covenant relationship and proximity to the Promised Land, often viewed Gentiles as "afar off," both spiritually and physically.

The verse speaks to the heart of the Gospel message that Jesus preached: peace and reconciliation with God and among all people. By stating that Christ "came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh," Paul emphasizes that the salvation brought by Jesus is universal, extending beyond the ethnic boundaries of Israel to include all humanity. This message of peace is not just a cessation of hostilities but a profound restoration of relationships—both between humans and God and between different groups of people.

In essence, Ephesians 2:17 highlights the inclusive nature of the Christian message, breaking down the barriers that previously separated Jews and Gentiles. It reflects the early Church's struggle and eventual realization that in Christ, there is a new humanity, where divisions are healed, and all are brought together in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). This verse underscores the transformative power of the Gospel to bring peace and unity, transcending cultural and social distinctions.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2064
   There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔρχομαι
   Transliteration: érchomai
   Pronunciation: el'-tho
   Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2097
   There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εὐαγγελίζω
   Transliteration: euangelízō
   Pronunciation: yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo
   Description: from εὖ and ἄγγελος; to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel:--declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
   
4. Strong's Number: G1515
   There are 86 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰρήνη
   Transliteration: eirḗnē
   Pronunciation: i-ray'-nay
   Description: probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5213
   There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῖν
   Transliteration: hymîn
   Pronunciation: hoo-min'
   Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).
   
6. Strong's Number: G3588
   There are 498 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὁ
   Transliteration: ho
   Pronunciation: to
   Description: the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3112
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μακράν
   Transliteration: makrán
   Pronunciation: mak-ran'
   Description: feminine accusative case singular of μακρός (ὁδός being implied); at a distance (literally or figuratively):--(a-)far (off), good (great) way off.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1451
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐγγύς
   Transliteration: engýs
   Pronunciation: eng-goos'
   Description: from a primary verb (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of ἀγκάλη); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time):--from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.