Ephesians 2:16

KJV

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that he might reconcile {G604} both {G297} unto God {G2316} in {G1722} one {G1520} body {G4983} by {G1223} the cross {G4716}, having slain {G615} the enmity {G2189} thereby {G1722}{G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and in order to reconcile to God both in a single body by being executed on a stake as a criminal and thus in himself killing that enmity.

Berean Standard Bible

and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.

American Standard Version

and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:16 encapsulates the profound work of Christ on the cross, revealing how He, through His sacrificial death, completely reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God. This reconciliation is not merely individual but corporate, bringing these formerly alienated groups together into a single, unified spiritual body—the Church—by decisively destroying the deep-seated hostility that separated them from God and from each other.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 2:16 stands as a climactic statement within Paul's discourse on the radical transformation wrought by Christ's redemptive work. The preceding verses (Ephesians 2:11-13) remind the Gentile believers of their former state: alienated from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. Paul then introduces Christ as the one who "has broken down the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), specifically referring to the Mosaic Law's ordinances that created a barrier between Jew and Gentile. Verse 15 explains *how* this wall was abolished: by creating "in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity")). Therefore, verse 16 builds directly on this, explaining the *purpose* and *means* of this new humanity—reconciliation to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity. The subsequent verses (Ephesians 2:17-22) elaborate on the implications of this peace and unity, describing believers as fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Ephesians 2:16 is the deep-seated, centuries-old animosity and division between Jews and Gentiles. Jews, as the recipients of God's covenant and law, often viewed Gentiles as ritually unclean, morally corrupt, and outside the sphere of God's special favor. This division was codified in the Mosaic Law, which, while intended to set Israel apart for God, also inadvertently created a barrier. The Jerusalem Temple, with its "Court of the Gentiles" and a physical barrier beyond which Gentiles could not pass on pain of death, symbolized this separation. Culturally, there were significant differences in worship, dietary laws, social customs, and worldview that reinforced the mutual suspicion and contempt. Paul's audience, a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus, would have been acutely aware of these historical and cultural tensions. The gospel's radical claim was that Christ had transcended these deeply ingrained divisions, offering a new basis for unity that superseded ethnic and religious distinctions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. The primary theme is **Reconciliation**, emphasizing Christ's unique ability to bring alienated parties—both humanity to God, and Jew to Gentile—into a harmonious relationship. This reconciliation is achieved through the **Efficacy of the Cross**, which is presented as the sole instrument by which God's justice and mercy meet, and sin's power, along with human divisions, is overcome. The result of this reconciliation is **Unity in the Body of Christ**, a recurring theme in Ephesians, where the church is depicted as a single, unified organism, transcending all former social, ethnic, or religious distinctions ([Ephesians 4:4](/ephesians/4-4 "Ephesians 4:4 - Unity of the Spirit in One Body")). This unity is not merely a cessation of conflict but the active creation of "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creation of One New Humanity")), demonstrating God's ultimate purpose to gather all things in Christ ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - God's Plan to Unite All Things in Christ")). Finally, the concept of **Slaying the Enmity** highlights the decisive and complete victory Christ achieved over all forms of hostility, both spiritual and interpersonal, through His atoning sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reconcile (Greek, _apokatallássō'_):** This compound verb, G604, means "to reconcile fully" or "restore to favor." It implies a complete and definitive change from a state of hostility or alienation to one of peace and harmony. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive restoration of relationship between God and humanity, as well as between formerly estranged groups (Jews and Gentiles), through Christ's work. The prefix "apo" (from) intensifies the action, suggesting a complete removal of the former state of enmity.
* **Cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** G4716, referring to "a stake or post" used for capital punishment, but figuratively, it signifies "exposure to death, i.e., self-denial," and "by implication, the atonement of Christ." The cross is not merely an instrument of execution but the very means by which Christ accomplished reconciliation. It represents the focal point of God's redemptive plan, where sin was judged, enmity was destroyed, and peace was secured.
* **Enmity (Greek, _échthra'_):** G2189, meaning "hostility," "hatred," or "antagonism," and by implication, "a reason for opposition." This term encompasses both the spiritual alienation between humanity and God caused by sin, and the social and religious antagonism between Jews and Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that Christ's work on the cross did not merely reduce this hostility but "slain" it, indicating a decisive and complete destruction of its power and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that he might reconcile both unto God":** This clause reveals the ultimate goal of Christ's work: to bring both alienated parties—Jews and Gentiles—into a restored, right relationship with God. Reconciliation is fundamentally vertical (humanity to God) before it is horizontal (humanity to humanity). It underscores that human division is rooted in a prior alienation from God, and true unity can only flow from a restored relationship with the Creator.
* **"in one body":** This phrase specifies the corporate nature of the reconciliation. It is not just about individual peace with God, but the formation of a new, unified spiritual entity—the Church, which is Christ's body. This "one body" transcends all previous distinctions, demonstrating that in Christ, ethnic and social barriers are abolished, and all believers share a common identity and purpose.
* **"by the cross":** This identifies the exclusive means through which this profound reconciliation and unity are achieved. The cross, representing Christ's sacrificial death, is the instrument of atonement. It is where Christ bore the penalty for sin, satisfying divine justice and making peace possible. Without the cross, neither reconciliation with God nor unity between estranged peoples could occur.
* **"having slain the enmity thereby":** This powerful participial phrase describes the decisive action accomplished by the cross. The "enmity" refers to both the hostility between humanity and God (due to sin) and the hostility between Jews and Gentiles (due to the Law's separating function). Christ's death "slain" this enmity, meaning it was utterly destroyed, rendered powerless, and brought to a definitive end. The "thereby" points back to the cross as the instrument of this decisive victory.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound theological truth. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "in one body," which vividly portrays the Church as a unified organism, intimately connected to Christ, its head. This organic imagery emphasizes the spiritual unity and interdependence of all believers, regardless of their former identities. The phrase "having slain the enmity" utilizes **Personification**, giving the abstract concept of "enmity" (hostility) a tangible, active presence that can be "slain" or killed. This dramatic imagery underscores the decisive and complete victory of Christ over the forces of division and alienation. Furthermore, the "cross" functions as a powerful **Synecdoche**, where a part (the instrument of execution) stands for the whole (Christ's entire atoning work, including His suffering, death, and resurrection). It encapsulates the full redemptive act that brings about reconciliation and peace. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the former state of "enmity" and division with the new reality of "reconciliation" and "one body," highlighting the radical transformation achieved by Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:16 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the comprehensive nature of Christ's atoning work. It reveals that the cross not only addresses the vertical problem of humanity's sin against God but also the horizontal problem of human division. God's ultimate plan is not just to save individuals but to create a new, unified community that reflects His own Trinitarian unity. This reconciliation is a divine act, initiated by God through Christ, demonstrating His profound love and desire for peace. The "one body" concept underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel, breaking down all human-made barriers that separate people, whether ethnic, social, economic, or cultural. The church, therefore, is called to embody this reconciliation, living out the peace that Christ secured, and serving as a living testament to the power of the cross to overcome all forms of hostility.

* [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")
* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through the Cross")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:16 profoundly challenges believers today to live out the radical implications of the cross in a fractured world. It reminds us that any division, prejudice, or animosity within the body of Christ fundamentally contradicts the very essence of what Christ accomplished. Just as the historical chasm between Jew and Gentile was bridged by Christ's blood, so too are all contemporary barriers—whether racial, socio-economic, political, or denominational—rendered powerless in the light of His unifying work. We are called to actively pursue and preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, recognizing that our shared identity in Christ far outweighs any differences. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts for any lingering "enmity" towards others, particularly fellow believers, and to allow the reconciling power of the cross to transform our relationships, fostering genuine love, acceptance, and collaboration. The peace that Christ made is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality that should characterize the church, making it a beacon of reconciliation to a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, contribute to divisions within the body of Christ, and how can I actively work towards reconciliation?**
* **How does the "slaying of enmity" on the cross impact my personal relationships, especially with those who are different from me or with whom I have disagreements?**
* **What practical steps can my local church take to better embody the "one body" reality described in this verse, welcoming and integrating people from all backgrounds?**
* **How does understanding the depth of Christ's reconciling work on the cross deepen my appreciation for His sacrifice and my commitment to living a life of peace?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "both" that Christ reconciles in this verse?**

Answer: The "both" refers specifically to the two major groups previously discussed by Paul in Ephesians 2:11-15: the Jews and the Gentiles. Before Christ, these groups were deeply divided by religious law, cultural practices, and mutual hostility. Paul emphasizes that Christ's work on the cross uniquely brought these two estranged peoples together, uniting them into a single, new spiritual entity—the Church. This reconciliation abolished the legal and social barriers that separated them, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creation of One New Humanity")) where their former distinctions no longer define their identity in Christ.

**What does it mean that Christ "slain the enmity thereby"?**

Answer: To "slay the enmity" means that Christ decisively and completely destroyed the hostility. This refers to two primary forms of enmity: first, the spiritual hostility and alienation between humanity (both Jew and Gentile) and God, caused by sin. Through His death, Christ removed the barrier of sin, making peace with God possible ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Second, it refers to the social and religious hostility that existed between Jews and Gentiles, particularly the "dividing wall" of the Mosaic Law's ceremonial requirements that separated them ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). By dying on the cross, Christ rendered this Law obsolete as a means of salvation or a source of division, thereby eliminating the very basis for their mutual antagonism. The "thereby" explicitly links this act of slaying to the cross, highlighting its decisive power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:16 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the divine Reconciler and the embodiment of God's peace. He is the one who, through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, perfectly executed God's plan to bring all things into harmony. The "cross" is not merely an instrument but the very stage upon which the Son of God enacted cosmic reconciliation, bearing the full weight of human sin and the curse of the Law, thereby satisfying divine justice and making peace with God possible for all who believe. As the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), Jesus didn't just offer a way to peace; He *is* our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")). His body, broken on the cross, becomes the means by which a new, unified spiritual body—the Church—is formed, transcending all human divisions. He is the head of this body, and in Him, all believers are made one, demonstrating God's ultimate purpose to gather all things in Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). Thus, Ephesians 2:16 points unequivocally to Christ as the sole means and ultimate end of all true reconciliation, both vertically with God and horizontally among humanity, establishing His eternal reign of peace.

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

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:

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Colossians 2:14

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;