Ephesians 2:13

KJV

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3570} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} ye {G5210} who {G3588} sometimes {G4218} were {G5607} far off {G3112} are made {G1096} nigh {G1451} by {G1722} the blood {G129} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood.

Berean Standard Bible

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

American Standard Version

But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:13 marks a pivotal turning point in Paul's letter, declaring a radical transformation for those once alienated from God. It proclaims that individuals, specifically Gentiles who were formerly distant from God's covenant promises and people, have now been brought into intimate fellowship and proximity through the decisive and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse underscores the profound shift from spiritual separation to divine reconciliation, achieved solely by the power of Christ's shed blood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant "but now" following Paul's sobering depiction of humanity's former spiritual state. In [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Humanity's Spiritual Death and Bondage"), he describes all people as spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, enslaved to the desires of the flesh and the prince of the power of the air, and by nature children of wrath. He then specifically addresses the Gentile believers in [Ephesians 2:11-12](/ephesians/2-11-12 "Ephesians 2:11-12 - The Gentiles' Former Alienation"), reminding them of their former condition: "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." They were, in essence, "far off" from God's saving work and His chosen people. Verse 13 introduces the dramatic contrast, highlighting God's gracious intervention that radically altered this hopeless situation, setting the stage for the subsequent explanation of the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the profound and long-standing division between Jews and Gentiles. For centuries, Gentiles were considered outside the covenant relationship God had established with Israel. This separation was not merely theological but also deeply cultural and social, reinforced by the Mosaic Law, dietary restrictions, and the physical barriers within the Jerusalem Temple, particularly the "Court of the Gentiles" beyond which non-Jews could not pass on pain of death. This "middle wall of partition" symbolized the spiritual and social estrangement. Gentiles were often viewed as "unclean" and idolaters, lacking access to the God of Israel and His promises. Paul's message in Ephesians 2:13 directly confronts this deeply ingrained separation, declaring that Christ's work has fundamentally altered this reality, making reconciliation possible for all.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 2:13 contributes significantly to several major themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Reconciliation and Atonement**, emphasizing that the profound spiritual distance between God and humanity (particularly Gentiles) has been overcome solely through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, represented by His "blood." Secondly, it highlights the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into God's covenant people, a revolutionary concept for many Jewish believers of the time, demonstrating God's universal redemptive plan beyond ethnic boundaries, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs"). Thirdly, it lays the groundwork for the theme of **Unity in Christ**, showing that by bringing both Jews and Gentiles near to God, Christ simultaneously brings them near to each other, forming "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man in Christ")). Finally, the verse implicitly underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative and Grace**, as it is God, through Christ, who acts to bring the "far off" near, not by human merit or effort, echoing the declaration in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But now (Greek, _dé nyní'_):** G1161 (dé) is an adversative particle, marking a strong contrast or transition ("but," "however"). G3570 (nyní) is an emphatic adverb meaning "just now" or "at this present moment." Together, "but now" signals a dramatic and decisive shift from the former state of alienation described in the preceding verses to a new reality in Christ. It emphasizes the immediate and transformative impact of Christ's work, creating a stark dichotomy between past hopelessness and present reconciliation.
* **far off (Greek, _makrán'_):** G3112 (makrán) is an adverb denoting a significant distance, literally "at a distance." In this context, it signifies not merely geographical separation but a profound spiritual and relational estrangement. It describes the Gentiles' state of being alienated from God, His covenants, His people Israel, and the hope of salvation, highlighting their utter spiritual destitution before Christ's intervention.
* **made nigh (Greek, _egenēthēte engýs'_):** This phrase combines the aorist passive form of G1096 (gínomai), "to become" or "to be made," with G1451 (engýs), "near" or "at hand." The passive voice "are made nigh" emphasizes that this proximity is not achieved by human effort but is a divine act performed upon the formerly distant. It signifies a radical transformation from alienation to intimate fellowship, access, and inclusion into God's presence and His people.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** G129 (haîma) literally means "blood." In biblical theology, "blood" is a powerful metonymy for life given in sacrifice, particularly for atonement and covenant ratification. Here, "the blood of Christ" refers to His sacrificial death on the cross, which served as the perfect, once-for-all payment for sin, satisfying divine justice and thereby opening the way for reconciliation between God and humanity. It is the means by which the formerly "far off" are brought into intimate relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now in Christ Jesus":** This opening phrase signifies a radical, divinely initiated turning point. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" denotes the sphere or realm of this new reality. It is not an abstract concept but a living, dynamic union with the resurrected Lord that enables this transformation. All reconciliation, new life, and access to God are found exclusively within this relationship.
* **"ye who sometimes were far off":** This identifies the recipients of this profound change. While primarily addressing Gentile believers, it encompasses all humanity separated from God by sin. "Far off" vividly describes their former state of spiritual alienation, exclusion from God's covenant promises, and lack of hope, emphasizing their profound distance from divine favor and fellowship.
* **"are made nigh":** This clause declares the miraculous outcome of God's redemptive work. The passive voice ("are made") highlights that this drawing near is God's sovereign act, not a human achievement. It signifies a transition from spiritual estrangement to intimate proximity, access to God's presence, and full inclusion into His family and covenant community.
* **"by the blood of Christ":** This specifies the sole and sufficient means by which this reconciliation is accomplished. "The blood of Christ" is a profound theological shorthand for His sacrificial, atoning death on the cross. It signifies the perfect payment for sin, the breaking of the power of sin and death, and the establishment of a new covenant, making possible the impossible — bringing the utterly distant into the closest fellowship with a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 2:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, powerfully highlighted by the phrase "But now." This phrase starkly juxtaposes the hopeless, alienated past ("sometimes were far off") with the glorious, reconciled present ("are made nigh"), underscoring the radical change brought about by Christ. **Metaphor** is also central, with "far off" and "made nigh" serving as spatial metaphors for spiritual distance and intimacy, respectively. These vivid images help the reader grasp the profound relational shift. Furthermore, "the blood of Christ" functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "blood" stands for the entire sacrificial act of Christ's death on the cross and its atoning efficacy. This single, potent image encapsulates the entirety of His redemptive work, making it the singular means of reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:13 encapsulates a core tenet of Christian theology: the gracious initiative of God to reconcile estranged humanity to Himself through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. It underscores the universal scope of sin's alienation, affecting both Jew and Gentile, and simultaneously proclaims the universal reach of God's redemptive grace. The verse reveals that the "nighness" to God is not earned through ritual, lineage, or moral striving, but is a free gift secured by the atoning power of Christ's shed blood. This truth dismantles all human-made barriers to God and to one another, establishing a new humanity united in Christ. It speaks to the very heart of the gospel: humanity's desperate need for reconciliation and God's perfect provision for it.

* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:13 holds profound implications for every believer, inviting deep gratitude and shaping our understanding of Christian community. If we truly grasp that we, who were once spiritually "far off" in our sin and alienation, have been "made nigh" to God through the immeasurable cost of Christ's blood, it should evoke an overwhelming sense of grace and unmerited favor. This truth compels us to live lives of worship and obedience, recognizing that our intimacy with God is a precious gift. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful call to unity within the body of Christ. Just as Christ broke down the ancient wall between Jew and Gentile, His sacrifice demands that we actively dismantle any contemporary "walls" – whether of race, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or denominational differences – that hinder genuine fellowship among those who have been brought near by the same blood. It reminds us that our shared identity in Christ transcends all earthly distinctions, fostering a spirit of peace, humility, and mutual love, and motivating us to extend this message of reconciliation to all who remain "far off."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your former state of being "far off" deepen your appreciation for Christ's work on the cross and your present relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, inadvertently create or perpetuate "walls" of division within the church or society that Christ has already broken down through His blood?**
* **How does the truth of being "made nigh by the blood of Christ" empower your witness and motivate you to share the gospel with others who are still spiritually distant?**

### FAQ

**Who are "ye who sometimes were far off"?**

Answer: Primarily, "ye who sometimes were far off" refers to the Gentiles. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is addressing a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile believers, but the immediate preceding verses ([Ephesians 2:11-12](/ephesians/2-11-12 "Ephesians 2:11-12 - The Gentiles' Former State")) specifically remind the Gentile readers of their former state: alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope, and without God in the world. More broadly, this phrase can apply to all humanity, as all people are spiritually separated from God by sin before salvation, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

**What does "the blood of Christ" signify in this verse?**

Answer: "The blood of Christ" is a profound theological metaphor that signifies Jesus Christ's sacrificial, atoning death on the cross. It represents the shedding of His life as the perfect, once-for-all payment for sin, which satisfies divine justice and makes reconciliation between God and humanity possible. In biblical thought, blood is often associated with life and atonement ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). Therefore, Christ's blood signifies the ultimate, efficacious sacrifice that cleanses from sin and provides access to God, as highlighted in passages like [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness").

**How does this verse relate to unity in the church?**

Answer: Ephesians 2:13 is foundational to understanding unity in the church because it declares that both Jews and Gentiles (and by extension, all diverse groups of people) are brought near to God through the *same* means: the blood of Christ. If all believers have been reconciled to God by the same sacrifice, then the former barriers and divisions between them are rendered obsolete. Christ's work not only reconciles humanity to God but also reconciles estranged groups to each other, creating "one new man" out of two ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and the New Man")). This verse therefore calls believers to live out the implications of their shared salvation by actively pursuing unity, peace, and mutual acceptance, recognizing that their common identity in Christ transcends all earthly distinctions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:13 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the *means* by which the "far off" are brought near, but He is the very embodiment of God's drawing near to humanity. His incarnation represents God stepping into our "far off" reality to bridge the infinite chasm of sin. As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus offered His own life, His "blood," as the ultimate and sufficient sacrifice that atones for sin and satisfies divine justice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death on the cross, He broke down the "middle wall of partition" that separated humanity from God and people from each other, becoming "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). His resurrection confirms the efficacy of His sacrifice, ushering believers into a new life of proximity and access to God. Furthermore, Christ, as our great High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption and granting us bold access to the Father ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, in Christ, the spiritual distance is abolished, and intimate fellowship with God becomes a present reality for all who believe, making them fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:22

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.