Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Among {G1722} whom {G3739} also {G2532} we {G2249} all {G3956} had our conversation {G390} in times past {G4218} in {G1722} the lusts {G1939} of our {G2257} flesh {G4561}, fulfilling {G4160} the desires {G2307} of the flesh {G4561} and {G2532} of the mind {G1271}; and {G2532} were {G2258} by nature {G5449} the children {G5043} of wrath {G3709}, even {G2532} as {G5613} others {G3062}.

Indeed, we all once lived this way — we followed the passions of our old nature and obeyed the wishes of our old nature and our own thoughts. In our natural condition we were headed for God’s wrath, just like everyone else.

All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:—

Ephesians 2:3 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's former spiritual condition before encountering God's grace. Paul includes himself and his readers ("we all") in this description, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and its consequences. This verse vividly portrays a life dominated by inherent human desires and the natural state of being subject to divine judgment.

Context

This verse continues Paul's powerful exposition on salvation, building directly from Ephesians 2:1-2, where he describes believers as formerly "dead in trespasses and sins." While verses 1-2 focus on being spiritually dead and following the "course of this world" and the "prince of the power of the air," verse 3 shifts the focus inward, highlighting the internal drivers of sin: the "lusts of our flesh" and the "desires of the flesh and of the mind." It sets the stage for the astonishing contrast of God's rich mercy and great love, which are introduced in the very next verse.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The phrase "we all" is crucial, indicating that this description is not limited to Gentiles or specific groups, but encompasses all humanity, including the Jewish people. It underscores the universal human condition of sinfulness that affects all humanity.
  • Dominion of Sinful Desires: "Lusts of our flesh" and "desires of the flesh and of the mind" speak to the comprehensive nature of sin. It's not just external actions but internal cravings, both physical and intellectual, that drive ungodly behavior. This points to a will enslaved by sin.
  • Inherent "Children of Wrath": To be "by nature the children of wrath" means that humanity, apart from God's intervention, is inherently deserving of His righteous judgment. This "nature" (Greek: physei) refers to an inherited state, a spiritual predisposition to sin and its consequences, rather than merely acquired habits. It highlights humanity's fallen state from birth.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Conversation" (KJV): In modern English, "conversation" typically means talking. However, in KJV English, it refers to one's conduct, manner of life, or behavior (Greek: anastrophē). So, "we all had our conversation" means "we all conducted ourselves" or "lived our lives."
  • "Lusts" / "Desires": The Greek word used here, epithymia, refers to strong cravings or desires. While it can be used positively, in the context of "flesh" (sarx), it almost always carries the negative connotation of sinful, self-serving appetites and passions, whether physical or intellectual.
  • "By Nature": The term physei emphasizes that the state of being "children of wrath" is not merely something we become through actions, but an inherent condition of fallen humanity. It speaks to our inherited spiritual brokenness.

Related Scriptures

This verse paints a grim picture, which is essential to appreciate the magnitude of God's grace. It aligns with other Pauline teachings on humanity's fallen state, such as Romans 3:10-18, which declares that "there is none righteous, no, not one." The contrast between our former state and God's intervention is beautifully articulated in Romans 5:8, where God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. This fallen nature necessitates a spiritual rebirth, as Jesus taught Nicodemus, to enter the kingdom of God.

Practical Application

Understanding Ephesians 2:3 fosters profound humility and gratitude. It reminds us that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, not earned by human merit. This verse:

  • Encourages a deep appreciation for the deliverance we have received from a life dominated by sin and its ultimate consequence.
  • Promotes empathy and compassion for those who are still living "in the lusts of their flesh," recognizing that this was once our own condition.
  • Motivates believers to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ, consciously resisting the old "desires of the flesh and of the mind," knowing that we are no longer "children of wrath" but children of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Galatians 5:16

    [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

  • Galatians 5:24

    And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

  • Ephesians 4:22

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

  • Psalms 51:5

    Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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