Ephesians 2:14

KJV

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he {G846} is {G2076} our {G2257} peace {G1515}, who {G3588} hath made {G4160} both {G297} one {G1520}, and {G2532} hath broken down {G3089} the middle wall {G3320} of partition {G5418} between us;

Complete Jewish Bible

For he himself is our shalom — he has made us both one and has broken down the m’chitzah which divided us

Berean Standard Bible

For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility

American Standard Version

For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:14 profoundly declares that Jesus Christ Himself embodies and establishes peace, specifically by uniting two historically estranged groups—Jews and Gentiles—into one new humanity. Through His sacrificial work on the cross, Christ meticulously dismantled the profound spiritual, social, and ceremonial barriers that had long separated these groups, thereby creating a singular, reconciled body in God. This verse stands as a foundational statement on the radical inclusivity and transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating Christ's unique role as the ultimate peacemaker and unifier.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's grand theological exposition in Ephesians, particularly in chapter 2. Having first established the universal spiritual deadness of humanity—both Jew and Gentile—in [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Spiritual Death"), Paul then magnifies God's astonishing grace in making believers alive together with Christ, raising them up, and seating them with Him in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 2:4-10](/ephesians/2-4-10 "Ephesians 2:4-10 - God's Grace in Salvation")). Following this, Paul directly addresses the Gentile believers, reminding them of their former alienation—"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" ([Ephesians 2:11-12](/ephesians/2-11-12 "Ephesians 2:11-12 - The Gentiles' Former Alienation")). Verse 13 then announces a dramatic shift: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." It is against this backdrop of profound separation and miraculous bringing near that [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") introduces Christ as the very embodiment of the peace that not only reconciles humanity to God but also unifies previously hostile factions with each other, leading directly into the concept of "one new man" in [Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "middle wall of partition" is a vivid and potent metaphor deeply rooted in the architecture of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Within the Temple complex, there was a physical barrier known as the *soreg*, a low stone wall approximately 4.5 feet high, which separated the outer Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts accessible only to Jews. Inscriptions in Greek and Latin on this wall explicitly warned Gentiles that to pass beyond it meant certain death. This physical barrier powerfully symbolized the deep-seated religious, social, and cultural animosity and division between Jews and Gentiles. Jews, as the covenant people of God, possessed the Mosaic Law, the covenants, and the promises, while Gentiles were considered "unclean," "dogs," and outside the sphere of God's special favor. This division was not merely ceremonial but permeated every aspect of daily life, fostering mutual suspicion and hostility. Paul's audience, particularly the Gentile believers in Ephesus, would have immediately grasped the profound significance of Christ's act in "breaking down" such a wall, understanding it as the dismantling of centuries of separation and enmity.

* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") encapsulates several critical themes central to Paul's theology in Ephesians and beyond. Firstly, it highlights **Christ as the Embodiment of Peace**. The declaration "For he is our peace" goes beyond merely stating that Christ *brings* peace; it asserts that He *is* peace itself, the very source and substance of reconciliation, echoing the prophetic title "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")). This peace is holistic, encompassing harmony with God and with fellow human beings. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Radical Unity and Reconciliation**. By stating Christ "hath made both one," Paul emphasizes the miraculous unification of Jew and Gentile into a single, new spiritual entity—the church. This unity transcends all former ethnic, social, and religious distinctions, forming a new community where common identity in Christ supersedes all other allegiances ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the **Breaking Down of Barriers**. The "middle wall of partition" symbolizes not only the physical Temple barrier but also the Mosaic Law with its ceremonial requirements and the resulting social and spiritual chasm it created between Jews and Gentiles. Christ's work on the cross abolished these dividing ordinances, opening a new and living way for all to approach God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** G1515. Derived from a verb meaning "to join," this word signifies a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being, often reflecting the Hebrew concept of *shalom*. When Christ is declared "our peace," it means He is not merely the bringer of peace, but the very embodiment, source, and reality of reconciliation and holistic flourishing, both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with one another).
* **made (Greek, _poiéō'_):** G4160. This verb has a very wide application, meaning "to make or do." In this context, it emphasizes Christ's active and decisive role in bringing about the unification of Jews and Gentiles. It is a creative act, bringing something new into existence—a unified body—where division previously reigned.
* **broken down (Greek, _lýō'_):** G3089. Meaning "to loosen," "destroy," or "dissolve," this verb powerfully conveys the definitive and complete demolition of the barrier. It is not merely weakened or bypassed, but utterly dismantled, signifying the permanent removal of the legal and social distinctions that separated the two groups.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he is our peace":** This opening clause immediately establishes Christ's identity as the source and reality of reconciliation. He doesn't just *give* peace; He *is* the very peace that bridges the chasm between God and humanity, and between formerly estranged human groups. This declaration points to His unique divine nature and redemptive work.
* **"who hath made both one":** This phrase specifies the profound consequence of Christ being "our peace." The "both" refers to Jews and Gentiles, two groups historically defined by their mutual antagonism and separation. Christ's work has fundamentally transformed this relationship, uniting them into a single, cohesive entity—the church—where their former distinctions are superseded by their shared identity in Him. This is a new creation, a spiritual unity forged by divine action.
* **"and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];":** This climactic clause employs a powerful metaphor to illustrate the extent of Christ's unifying work. The "middle wall of partition" refers to the physical barrier in the Jerusalem Temple that separated Jews from Gentiles, but more profoundly, it symbolizes the entire system of the Mosaic Law, with its ceremonial regulations and nationalistic distinctions, which created a chasm of hostility between the two groups. Christ's death on the cross definitively abolished these legalistic and social barriers, tearing down everything that once separated and alienated people, opening a direct path to God for all.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 2:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the middle wall of partition." While referencing a literal architectural feature of the Temple, it functions metaphorically to represent the deep-seated spiritual, social, and legal divisions between Jews and Gentiles. Christ's act of "breaking down" this wall is a powerful image of the abolition of the Mosaic Law's divisive aspects and the removal of all barriers to unity. Furthermore, the declaration "For he is our peace" employs **Personification** and **Identification**, where an abstract concept (peace) is embodied by a person (Christ). This is more than Christ *bringing* peace; it asserts that He *is* the very essence and reality of peace itself, making Him the living solution to humanity's brokenness. This also functions as **Symbolism**, where the wall symbolizes not just a physical barrier but the entire system of hostility and separation that Christ's sacrifice overcame. The active verbs "made" and "broken down" contribute to the dynamic and decisive tone, emphasizing the completed and effective nature of Christ's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:14 stands as a cornerstone of New Testament theology, articulating the radical implications of Christ's atoning work for human relationships and the nature of the church. Theologically, it asserts that genuine peace, both with God and with one another, is not merely the cessation of conflict but a profound state of reconciliation and wholeness, found exclusively in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross not only dealt with the sin that separated humanity from God but also dismantled the historical, cultural, and legal barriers that separated humanity from itself. This verse underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, revealing that His ultimate purpose is to gather all things in Christ, establishing a new humanity where former distinctions based on ethnicity, law, or social status are rendered obsolete by a shared identity in Him. It redefines the people of God not by lineage or adherence to ceremonial law, but by faith in the crucified and risen Christ, forming a unified body that reflects God's multi-faceted wisdom to the principalities and powers ([Ephesians 3:10](/ephesians/3-10 "Ephesians 3:10 - God's Wisdom Through the Church")).

* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Ephesians 2:14 calls believers today to a radical re-evaluation of how we perceive and interact with those around us, particularly within the body of Christ. Just as Christ definitively broke down the formidable "middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile, His work compels us to actively identify and dismantle any lingering "walls" that continue to divide His church and society at large. These contemporary barriers may manifest as racial prejudice, socioeconomic disparity, political polarization, denominational pride, or cultural insularity. To truly live out the implications of this verse means to recognize that our primary identity is found in Christ alone, transcending all other human-made distinctions. As recipients of Christ's peace, we are not merely passive beneficiaries but are commissioned to be active agents of reconciliation in a broken world. This involves intentionally pursuing unity, fostering understanding, extending grace, and demonstrating sacrificial love across perceived divides, always remembering that our shared identity in Christ is infinitely more significant than any difference that might seek to separate us. It challenges us to build bridges rather than walls, to seek common ground in the Gospel, and to embody the "one new man" that Christ has created.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls of partition" (e.g., racial, social, economic, denominational) do you observe in your community or church today, and how might Christ's work challenge them?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual believer, contribute to breaking down these contemporary barriers and fostering greater unity?**
* **How does understanding Christ as "our peace" transform your approach to conflict or disagreement, both within and outside the church?**
* **How does your identity in Christ supersede and redefine any other identities (e.g., ethnic, national, political) you hold?**

### FAQ
**What was the "middle wall of partition" literally, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: Literally, the "middle wall of partition" (Greek: *mesótoichon tou phragmoú*) refers to the *soreg*, a low stone barrier within the ancient Jerusalem Temple complex. This wall separated the outer Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts, which were reserved for Jews. Inscriptions on this wall explicitly warned Gentiles that crossing it meant death. Symbolically, this wall represented the profound and centuries-old division, hostility, and alienation between Jews and Gentiles. It embodied the legalistic and ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law that created a chasm, defining Jews as "near" to God through covenant and Gentiles as "far off" and excluded from God's promises ([Ephesians 2:11-12](/ephesians/2-11-12 "Ephesians 2:11-12 - Gentiles Without Christ")).

**How did Christ "break down" this wall?**

Answer: Christ broke down this "middle wall of partition" through His death on the cross. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of reconciliation, effectively fulfilling and thereby setting aside the Mosaic Law as a dividing barrier. As [Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances") states, He "blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... nailing it to his cross." By His blood, He reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciled in One Body")), creating a new way of access to the Father for all. This act dismantled the legal and social distinctions that separated the two groups, ushering in an era where salvation and access to God are by grace through faith in Christ alone, irrespective of ethnic or legal background.

**Does Christ breaking down the "middle wall of partition" mean the Old Testament Law is entirely abolished for Christians?**

Answer: No, it does not mean the entire Old Testament Law is abolished in the sense of being irrelevant or without divine origin. Rather, it means that the **dividing and separating function** of the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law, which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile, has been fulfilled and rendered obsolete by Christ's work. The moral law, summarized in the commandments to love God and neighbor, remains eternally valid and is upheld and deepened by Christ ([Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Christ Fulfills the Law")). Christ's sacrifice provided the perfect obedience and atonement that the Law required, thus bringing an end to the need for the sacrificial system and the ceremonial distinctions that defined Israel's separation from the nations. In Christ, both Jew and Gentile are now united under a new covenant, where justification comes through faith, not through adherence to the Law's former dividing ordinances ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:14 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus. He is not merely a messenger of peace, but the incarnate "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) who embodies and enacts God's ultimate plan for reconciliation. Through His sinless life, His obedient death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Christ systematically dismantled every barrier that separated humanity from God and from one another. His body, broken on the cross, became the means by which the symbolic "middle wall of partition"—representing the Mosaic Law's divisive ceremonial aspects and the resulting hostility between Jew and Gentile—was utterly abolished. He did this by "abolishing in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Abolishing the Law of Commandments")), thereby creating "in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace." This new humanity, the Church, is now built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone")), into whom all believers, regardless of their former identity, are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of peace and unity, having perfectly reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciled in One Body")).

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

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Ephesians 2:15

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

1 Corinthians 12:12

¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Colossians 2:10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: