Ephesians 2:19

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

Now {G3767} therefore {G686} ye are {G2075} no more {G3765} strangers {G3581} and {G2532} foreigners {G3941}, but {G235} fellowcitizens {G4847} with the saints {G40}, and {G2532} of the household {G3609} of God {G2316};

So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family.

Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,

So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

Commentary

Ephesians 2:19 (KJV) delivers a powerful declaration of the new identity and status of believers in Christ, particularly emphasizing the full inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people. This verse marks a profound transition from being alienated outsiders to being intimately connected members of God's spiritual family.

Context

This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter (Ephesians 2:11-22) where he meticulously explains the profound impact of Christ's reconciling work. Prior to Christ, Gentiles were spiritually separated from Israel, described as "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 2:12). However, through the blood of Christ, those who were once far off are now brought near (Ephesians 2:13), becoming part of a new, unified humanity with direct access to God the Father.

Key Themes

  • Full Inclusion and Belonging: The core message is the radical transformation from exclusion to complete integration. The terms "strangers and foreigners" vividly describe their former alienation, while "fellowcitizens" and "household of God" powerfully convey their new, secure, and intimate belonging. This highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.
  • Spiritual Citizenship: Believers are granted full rights and privileges as "fellowcitizens with the saints." This signifies a shared identity, destiny, and inheritance with all of God's holy people, past, present, and future. It implies a citizenship not bound by earthly borders, but of a heavenly kingdom, a concept also echoed in Philippians 3:20.
  • The Family of God: Being "of the household of God" denotes an even deeper, more personal relationship than mere citizenship. It moves beyond legal status to familial intimacy. Believers are not merely subjects but adopted children of God (Romans 8:15), sharing in His love, care, and inheritance. This familial bond fosters profound unity and mutual responsibility among believers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's translation of "strangers and foreigners" captures the essence of two distinct Greek terms: xénoi (ξένοι), meaning "aliens" or "outsiders," and pároikoi (πάροικοι), referring to "sojourners" or "temporary residents." This dual description emphasizes their complete lack of permanent belonging. In contrast, "fellowcitizens" translates sympolitai (συμπολῖται), which clearly denotes joint or shared civic rights and privileges. "Household of God" comes from oikeioi tou Theou (οἰκεῖοι τοῦ Θεοῦ), signifying those belonging to a family or household, highlighting a deep, intimate, and familial connection.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:19 provides immense comfort and assurance for every believer today, regardless of their background or past. It underscores that through faith in Christ, we are fully accepted and truly belong. This profound truth should:

  • Inspire Unity: It calls all believers to transcend social, racial, and denominational divides, recognizing our shared identity and spiritual kinship in Christ. We are one family, united by the Holy Spirit.
  • Provide Security: There is no longer a fear of being an outsider or temporary guest. We have a permanent spiritual home and an eternal inheritance that cannot be taken away.
  • Encourage Purposeful Living: As cherished members of God's household, we are called to live in a manner worthy of our new status, serving God and one another as integral parts of His family, contributing to the growth and edification of the body of Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Philippians 3:20 (32 votes)

    For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

  • 1 John 3:1 (21 votes)

    ¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

  • Galatians 6:10 (19 votes)

    As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

  • Galatians 3:26 (18 votes)

    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:28 (18 votes)

    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.

  • Ephesians 2:12 (12 votes)

    That at that time ye were 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 3:6 (11 votes)

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: