Ephesians 1:14

KJV

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} is {G2076} the earnest {G728} of our {G2257} inheritance {G2817} until {G1519} the redemption {G629} of the purchased possession {G4047}, unto {G1519} the praise {G1868} of his {G846} glory {G1391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.

Berean Standard Bible

who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

American Standard Version

which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:14 concludes Paul's profound doxology, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's indispensable role as a divine guarantee for believers. The Spirit serves as the "earnest," a down payment, ensuring the full realization of our future inheritance in Christ. This inheritance awaits a complete "redemption of the purchased possession"—referring to the ultimate liberation and glorification of God's people—all of which culminates in the magnificent display and adoration of God's own glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Paul's opening doxology in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Paul's Doxology of Spiritual Blessings"). Having celebrated God's sovereign election before creation ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")), our adoption as sons ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")), and redemption through Christ's blood ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")), Paul shifts focus to the Holy Spirit. Verse 13 explicitly states that believers, having heard and believed the gospel, were "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Verse 14 then elaborates on the purpose and function of this sealing, portraying the Spirit as a tangible, legally binding guarantee of future blessings, connecting the present experience of salvation to its ultimate eschatological fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major commercial and religious center in Asia Minor, known for its temple of Artemis (Diana) and a diverse population. In this bustling commercial environment, the concept of an "earnest" (Greek: _arrhabōn_) would have been well understood. It was a common legal and commercial term for a first installment or down payment that legally bound the payer to complete the full payment or transaction. This practice provided security and assurance in business dealings. Paul's use of this term would have resonated deeply with his original audience, conveying the absolute certainty and divine commitment behind God's promises. Furthermore, the idea of "inheritance" was significant in both Jewish and Roman legal traditions, often signifying a guaranteed future possession for legitimate heirs.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 1:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Grace**, showing God's meticulous plan from eternity past to future glory. It highlights the **Trinitarian Nature of Salvation**, with the Father electing, the Son redeeming, and the Spirit sealing and guaranteeing. Crucially, it develops the theme of **Assurance and Security in Christ**, providing believers with an unwavering confidence in their salvation through the Spirit's presence. Finally, the verse strongly emphasizes the **Eschatological Hope** of believers, pointing forward to the full realization of God's redemptive work—the "redemption of the purchased possession"—which is the ultimate glorification of God's people and the culmination of His plan, as seen throughout Paul's writings, such as in [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Redemption of Our Body"). This entire divine process is ultimately directed "unto the praise of his glory," underscoring that God's ultimate purpose is His own exaltation, a theme central to the entire book of Ephesians and indeed, to all of Scripture, as highlighted in passages like [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - To God Be the Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **earnest (Greek, _arrhabṓn'_):** From G728, this term refers to a pledge, a first installment, or a down payment given in advance as security for the rest of a purchase or agreement. In ancient commerce, it was a legally binding guarantee that the full payment or transaction would be completed. Its use here signifies that the Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life is not merely symbolic, but a tangible, irrevocable divine guarantee from God that He will complete the work of salvation and bestow the full inheritance.
* **redemption (Greek, _apolýtrōsis'_):** From G629, this word denotes the act of ransom in full, signifying liberation or release secured by a price. It implies a complete deliverance from bondage, often through the payment of a ransom. In this context, it points to the ultimate, final liberation of believers from sin, death, and all the effects of the Fall, a liberation secured by Christ's sacrificial death. It speaks to the future glorification of the believer, including the body.
* **purchased possession (Greek, _peripoíēsis'_):** From G4047, this term refers to an acquisition, either the act of acquiring or the thing acquired. It can also denote preservation. Here, it refers to God's people—the church—who have been "purchased" by Christ's blood. The phrase "redemption of the purchased possession" therefore refers to the full and final liberation and glorification of God's people, whom He has already acquired through the sacrifice of His Son.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this word signifies glory as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. It refers to the manifest excellence, majesty, and splendor of God. The ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan, including the Spirit's role as an earnest, is to bring about the praise and manifestation of God's inherent, magnificent glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which is the earnest of our inheritance":** This clause identifies the Holy Spirit, mentioned in the preceding verse, as the "earnest" or down payment. The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers is God's tangible guarantee that the full "inheritance"—the future blessings, glorification, and full communion with God—will indeed be received. It signifies that our future hope is not based on wishful thinking but on a present, divine reality.
* **"until the redemption of the purchased possession":** This phrase specifies the duration and ultimate goal of the Spirit's role as an earnest. The Spirit remains the guarantee "until" the final and complete "redemption" of "the purchased possession." "The purchased possession" refers to God's people, the church, whom He has acquired through Christ's atoning work. This "redemption" is not merely spiritual but encompasses the full liberation of believers, including their bodies, from the curse of sin and death, culminating in the resurrection and glorification.
* **"unto the praise of his glory":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose of this entire divine process. From election to redemption, including the Spirit's role as a guarantee, every aspect of God's plan is designed to bring about the "praise of his glory." God's magnificent attributes—His wisdom, power, grace, and faithfulness—are fully displayed and lauded as His plan for humanity and creation unfolds to its glorious conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Metaphor** in this verse, particularly with the term "earnest" (Greek: _arrhabōn_). This commercial term transforms into a rich theological metaphor, portraying the Holy Spirit as a divine down payment, a tangible and legally binding guarantee of the full inheritance yet to be received. This metaphor effectively communicates the certainty and irrevocability of God's promises. The phrase "purchased possession" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where the "possession" stands for the people whom God has acquired through Christ's redemptive work. The entire verse, as part of a larger doxology, also exhibits characteristics of **Exaltation** and **Praise**, directing the reader's focus to the magnificent attributes and ultimate purposes of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:14 stands as a profound theological statement on the security of the believer and the eschatological hope grounded in the Triune God's work. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is not merely a spiritual experience but a divine seal and an irrevocable pledge from God Himself, ensuring that what He has begun in salvation, He will surely complete. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that their future inheritance is as certain as God's own faithfulness. The "redemption of the purchased possession" points to the grand climax of salvation history, where God's people will be fully liberated and glorified, and even creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay. This entire unfolding of God's redemptive plan is ultimately for His own glory, revealing His character and eliciting praise from His redeemed people.

* [2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21-22 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God's Seal and the Spirit as a Guarantee")
* [2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - God Gives the Earnest of the Spirit")
* [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Redemption of Our Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:14 offers a robust foundation for Christian assurance and hope. In a world fraught with uncertainty, the knowledge that the Holy Spirit within us is God's personal, irrevocable guarantee of our future inheritance provides unparalleled peace. This truth liberates us from anxiety about our salvation, shifting our focus from our imperfect performance to God's unfailing faithfulness. It empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that the God who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. This assurance should cultivate deep gratitude, motivate steadfast endurance through trials, and inspire a life lived for the praise of God's glory, eagerly anticipating the day when our full redemption is realized and we stand in His unblemished presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit as an "earnest" deepen your assurance of salvation?**
* **What does the "redemption of the purchased possession" mean for your future hope and the ultimate destiny of God's people?**
* **How does the ultimate purpose of God's plan—"unto the praise of his glory"—influence your daily life and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "earnest" mean in the context of Ephesians 1:14?**

Answer: In Ephesians 1:14, "earnest" (Greek: _arrhabṓn_) refers to a down payment, a pledge, or a first installment that legally binds the payer to complete the full payment or transaction. It was a common commercial term in the ancient world, signifying a tangible and legally binding guarantee. In this verse, it means that the Holy Spirit, given to believers, is God's absolute and irrevocable guarantee that He will fulfill all His promises, including the full inheritance and ultimate glorification of His people. It's not just a symbol, but a divine assurance of future reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection that humanity was "purchased" and made a "possession" for God, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price"). The "redemption of the purchased possession" is the eschatological culmination of Christ's redemptive work, signifying the full and final liberation of His body, the church, from the power of sin and death, a reality anticipated by His own glorious resurrection and ascension ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")). The Holy Spirit, who serves as the "earnest," is none other than the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), poured out as a result of Christ's finished work on the cross and His exaltation ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Holy Spirit Poured Out")). Thus, the Spirit's presence is a direct consequence of Christ's triumph, a living down payment guaranteeing that all who are in Christ will share in His glorious inheritance and partake in the ultimate "redemption of our body" ([Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Redemption of Our Body")) when He returns ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The entire process, from our initial election to our final glorification, is designed to bring "praise to His glory"—the glory of God revealed supremely in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:5

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Romans 8:23

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.