1:3 1:3

Ephesians 1:4

1:5 1:5

Bible Versions

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
According as {G2531} he hath chosen {G1586} us {G2248} in {G1722} him {G846} before {G4253} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}, that we {G2248} should be {G1511} holy {G40} and {G2532} without blame {G299} before {G2714} him {G846} in {G1722} love {G26}:
In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence.
For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:

Ephesians 1:4 KJV is a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace and purpose for believers. This verse introduces the incredible truth that God's plan for humanity's salvation was not an afterthought but was conceived in eternity past.

Context of Ephesians 1:4

This verse is part of Paul's magnificent opening salutation and doxology (Ephesians 1:3-14), where he blesses God for every spiritual blessing given to believers in Christ Jesus. Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, a significant city in Asia Minor, emphasizing the unity of believers (both Jews and Gentiles) in Christ and the glorious spiritual realities they share. Verse 4 sets the stage for understanding the depth and eternal nature of God's redemptive work, highlighting His divine initiative before time began.

Key Themes in Ephesians 1:4

  • Divine Election and Choice: The phrase "he hath chosen us in him" underscores God's sovereign act of selection. This is not based on human merit but on God's gracious will. It speaks to a divine initiative that precedes any human action or worthiness.
  • Pre-temporal Purpose: "Before the foundation of the world" reveals that God's decision to choose was made in eternity, prior to creation itself. This emphasizes the timelessness and certainty of His plan, providing immense assurance for believers. It resonates with other scriptures that speak of God's eternal purposes, such as 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
  • The Sphere of Election "In Him": Believers are chosen "in him," referring to Christ. Our election is not abstract but is intrinsically linked to our union with Jesus Christ. He is the means, the context, and the embodiment of God's choice for us.
  • The Purpose of Election: Holiness and Blamelessness: The ultimate goal of God's choice is "that we should be holy and without blame before him." This speaks to both our positional standing (justification) and our practical conduct (sanctification). God desires His chosen ones to be set apart for Him (holy) and to live lives that are morally pure and faultless in His sight. This call to holiness is echoed throughout scripture, for example, in 1 Peter 1:16.
  • The Foundation of Election "In Love": The concluding phrase "in love" can be understood in two primary ways: either as the atmosphere in which we are to live (holy and blameless in love) or, more profoundly, as the very motivation and essence of God's choice. God chose us because of His great love. This emphasizes that divine election is not a cold, impersonal decree but an act flowing from the deepest affection of God's heart, a love often described by the Greek word agapē.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "chosen" is eklegomai, meaning "to pick out, select, or choose for oneself." It highlights deliberate selection.
  • "Before the foundation of the world" translates pro katabolēs kosmou, literally "before the casting down/laying down of the cosmos," emphasizing an eternal pre-creation decision.
  • "Holy" (hagious) signifies being consecrated or set apart for God's exclusive use and purpose.
  • "Without blame" (amōmous) means without blemish, faultless, often used for sacrificial animals that were pure. This points to the moral purity God desires in His people.

Practical Application of Ephesians 1:4

For believers today, Ephesians 1:4 offers immense comfort and a clear call to living. Understanding that you were chosen by God before time began instills a deep sense of security and value. It assures us that our salvation is not precarious but rests on God's eternal, unwavering purpose. This truth should motivate us to pursue the very purpose for which we were chosen: to live lives of increasing holiness and blamelessness, reflecting God's character as His chosen people. It reminds us that our walk with God is rooted in His profound and eternal love for us, empowering us to live in love towards Him and others.

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.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Romans 8:30

    Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
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