TRV
Translation
King James Version
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Complete Jewish Bible
For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift.
Berean Standard Bible
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
American Standard Version
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
World English Bible Messianic
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For by grace are ye saued through faith, and that not of your selues: it is the gift of God,
Young's Literal Translation
for by grace ye are having been saved, through faith, and this not of you--of God the gift,
In the KJVVerse 29,238 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Ephesians 2 verses 4–10
4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Here the apostle begins his account of the glorious change that was wrought in them by converting grace, where observe,
I. By whom, and in what manner, it was brought about and effected. 1. Negatively: Not of yourselves, Eph 2:8. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not the mere product of any natural abilities, nor of any merit of our own: Not of works, lest any man should boast, Eph 2:9. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, and therefore all boasting is excluded; he who glories must not glory in himself, but in the Lord. There is no room for any man's boasting of his own abilities and power; or as though he had done any thing that might deserve such immense favours from God. 2. Positively: But God, who is rich in mercy, etc., Eph 2:4. God himself is the author of this great and happy change, and his great love is the spring and fontal cause of it; hence he resolved to show mercy. Love is his inclination to do us good considered simply as creatures; mercy respects us as apostate and as miserable creatures. Observe, God's eternal love or good-will towards his creatures is the fountain whence all his mercies vouch-safed to us proceed; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy of his is rich mercy, inexpressibly great and inexhaustibly rich. And then by grace you are saved (Eph 2:5), and by grace are you saved through faith - it is the gift of God, Eph 2:8. Note, Every converted sinner is a saved sinner. Such are delivered from sin and wrath; they are brought into a state of salvation, and have a right given them by grace to eternal happiness. The grace that saves them is the free undeserved goodness and favour of God; and he saves them, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, by means of which they come to partake of the great blessings of the gospel; and both that faith and that salvation on which it has so great an influence are the gift of God. The great objects of faith are made known by divine revelation, and made credible by the testimony and evidence which God hath given us; and that we believe to salvation and obtain salvation through faith is entirely owing to divine assistance and grace; God has ordered all so that the whole shall appear to be of grace. Observe,
II. Wherein this change consists, in several particulars, answering to the misery of our natural state, some of which are enumerated in this section, and others are mentioned below. 1. We who were dead are quickened (Eph 2:5), we are saved from the death of sin and have a principle of spiritual life implanted in us. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. As death locks up the senses, seals up all the powers and faculties, so does a state of sin, as to any thing that is good. Grace unlocks and opens all, and enlarges the soul. Observe, A regenerate sinner becomes a living soul: he lives a life of sanctification, being born of God; and he lives in the sense of the law, being delivered from the guilt of sin by pardoning and justifying grace. He hath quickened us together with Christ. Our spiritual life results from our union with Christ; it is in him that we live: Because I live, you shall live also. 2. We who were buried are raised up, Eph 2:6. What remains yet to be done is here spoken of as though it were already past, though indeed we are raised up in virtue of our union with him whom God hath raised from the dead. When he raised Christ from the dead, he did in effect raise up all believers together with him, he being their common head; and when he placed him at his right hand in heavenly places, he advanced and glorified them in and with him, their raised and exalted head and forerunner. - And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This may be understood in another sense. Sinners roll themselves in the dust; sanctified souls sit in heavenly places, are raised above the world; the world is as nothing to them, compared with what it has been, and compared with what the other world is. Saints are not only Christ's freemen, but they are assessors with him; by the assistance of his grace they have ascended with him above this world to converse with another, and they live in the constant expectation of it. They are not only servants to the best of masters in the best work, but they are exalted to reign with him; they sit upon the throne with Christ, as he has sat down with his Father on his throne.
III. Observe what is the great design and aim of God in producing and effecting this change: And this, 1. With respect to others: That in the ages to come he might show, etc. (Eph 2:7), that he might give a specimen and proof of his great goodness and mercy, for the encouragement of sinners in future time. Observe, The goodness of God in converting and saving sinners heretofore is a proper encouragement to others in after-time to hope in his grace and mercy, and to apply themselves to these. God having this in his design, poor sinners should take great encouragement from it. And what may we not hope for from such grace and kindness, from riches of grace, to which this change is owing? Through Christ Jesus, by and through whom God conveys all his favour and blessings to us. 2. With respect to the regenerated sinners themselves: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, etc., Eph 2:10. It appears that all is of grace, because all our spiritual advantages are from God. We are his workmanship; he means in respect of the new creation; not only as men, but as saints. The new man is a new creature; and God is its Creator. It is a new birth, and we are born or begotten of his will. In Christ Jesus, that is, on the account of what he has done and suffered, and by the influence and operation of his blessed Spirit. Unto good works, etc. The apostle having before ascribed this change to divine grace in exclusion of works, lest he should seem thereby to discourage good works, he here observes that though the change is to be ascribed to nothing of that nature (for we are the workmanship of God), yet God, in his new creation, has designed and prepared us for good works: Created unto good works, with a design that we should be fruitful in them. Wherever God by his grace implants good principles, they are intended to be for good works. Which God hath before ordained, that is, decreed and appointed. Or, the words may be read, To which God hath before prepared us, that is, by blessing us with the knowledge of his will, and with the assistance of his Holy Spirit; and by producing such a change in us. That we should walk in them, or glorify God by an exemplary conversation and by our perseverance in holiness.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 4–10. Public domain.
Copy as
Polycarp of SmyrnaAD 155
Epistle to the Philippians 1
I have greatly rejoiced with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example of true love [as displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith, spoken of in days long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but] "whom God raised froth the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave." "In whom, though now ye see Him not, ye believe, and believing, rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory;" into which joy many desire to enter, knowing that "by grace ye are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Sacraments 5.4.19
You have become a good son from a wicked servant; therefore, presume not from your own works, but from the grace of Christ: for by grace you have been saved, says the Apostle. Therefore, this is not arrogance, but faith: to preach what you have received is not pride, but devotion.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Ephesians 4
"For by grace," saith he "have ye been saved." In order then that the greatness of the benefits bestowed may not raise thee too high, observe how he brings thee down: "by grace ye have been saved," saith he, "Through faith;" Then, that, on the other hand, our free-will be not impaired, he adds also our part in the work, and yet again cancels it, and adds, "And that not of ourselves." Neither is faith, he means, "of ourselves." Because had He not come, had He not called us, how had we been able to believe? for "how," saith he, "shall they believe, unless they hear?" So that the work of faith itself is not our own. "It is the gift," said he, "of God," it is "not of works." Was faith then, you will say, enough to save us? No; but God, saith he, hath required this, lest He should save us, barren and without work at all. His expression is, that faith saveth, but it is because God so willeth, that faith saveth. Since, how, tell me, doth faith save, without works? This itself is the gift of God.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ephesians 2:8-9
Paul says this in case the secret thought should steal upon us that “if we are not saved by our own works, at least we are saved by our own faith, and so in another way our salvation is of ourselves.” Thus he added the statement that faith too is not in our own will but in God’s gift. Not that he means to take away free choice from humanity … but that even this very freedom of choice has God as its author, and all things are to be referred to his generosity, in that he has even allowed us to will the good.
Fulgentius of RuspeAD 533
ON THE INCARNATION 1
The blessed Paul argues that we are saved by faith, which he declares to be not from us but a gift from God. Thus there cannot possibly be true salvation where there is no true faith, and, since this faith is divinely enabled, it is without doubt bestowed by his free generosity. Where there is true belief through true faith, true salvation certainly accompanies it. Anyone who departs from true faith will not possess the grace of true salvation.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Ephesians 2:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:8 stands as a theological cornerstone, succinctly articulating the profound truth of salvation. It declares that humanity's deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God is not achieved through personal merit or human effort, but is an entirely unearned, gracious act originating from God, received solely through the instrument of faith. This verse underscores God's sovereign initiative and boundless generosity in the redemptive process, removing any basis for human boasting and establishing salvation as a divine gift.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Ephesians 2:8 is embedded within Paul's foundational teaching on salvation and the new identity of believers in Christ. The preceding verses (Ephesians 2:1-3) vividly describe humanity's former spiritual deadness, enslaved by sin and subject to divine wrath. Paul then introduces a radical shift, highlighting God's immense love and mercy that "made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5). Verse 8 functions as a powerful summary of this divine intervention, immediately followed by the crucial clarification in Ephesians 2:9 that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast." This flow emphasizes the stark contrast between humanity's inability and God's sovereign, gracious provision, setting the stage for the purpose of salvation in Ephesians 2:10.
Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's letter to the Ephesians was written to a diverse church in a prominent Roman city, known for its temple to Artemis (Diana) and a blend of Greek, Roman, and Asian religious and philosophical influences. The cultural milieu often emphasized human achievement, philosophical wisdom, and adherence to various religious rituals or laws as pathways to divine favor or enlightenment. Within Judaism, a strong emphasis on the Mosaic Law and good works often led to a perception of earning righteousness. Paul's emphatic declaration that salvation is "not of yourselves" directly confronts these prevailing notions, whether pagan or Jewish, by asserting that God's grace, not human performance or lineage, is the sole basis for salvation. This message would have been revolutionary, challenging deeply ingrained ideas about how one attains spiritual standing.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes prevalent throughout Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. The overarching theme of God's Grace is paramount, emphasizing His unmerited favor as the source of salvation, a concept foundational to the gospel message. Closely linked is the theme of Salvation by Faith Alone, which highlights faith as the instrumental means of receiving this divine gift, distinguishing it from works or human merit. The verse also reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Initiative, portraying God as the primary actor in redemption, in stark contrast to human inability or self-sufficiency, as detailed in Ephesians 2:1-3. Finally, it lays the groundwork for the theme of Humility and the Rejection of Boasting, as the gift-nature of salvation removes any grounds for human pride, a point further elaborated in Ephesians 2:9.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his profound theological message in this concise verse. The primary device is Emphasis through repetition and negation. The phrase "not of yourselves" followed by "the gift of God" serves to emphatically underscore that salvation is entirely God's work, leaving no room for human contribution or pride. This creates a powerful Contrast between human inability and divine omnipotence and generosity. The concept of salvation as a Gift is a powerful Metaphor, illustrating that it is freely bestowed and cannot be earned or purchased, much like a physical present. This metaphor immediately evokes gratitude and removes any sense of obligation or merit on the part of the recipient.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:8 is a quintessential expression of the Protestant doctrine of sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone), asserting that salvation is entirely God's unmerited favor received through trusting belief, not human works. This truth liberates believers from the burden of earning righteousness and grounds their assurance in God's faithfulness rather than their own performance. It highlights God's sovereignty in salvation, demonstrating His initiative and power to redeem a humanity that is spiritually dead and incapable of saving itself. This foundational principle informs Christian theology, worship, and evangelism, emphasizing the accessibility of salvation to all who believe.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:8 offers profound comfort and clarity to the believer, while simultaneously dismantling any human pride in salvation. Understanding that salvation is a pure gift, not earned by our efforts, liberates us from the exhausting cycle of trying to prove ourselves worthy before God. This truth cultivates deep humility and immense gratitude, prompting us to live lives of worship and service not for salvation, but from salvation. It transforms our motivation for good works from a desperate attempt to gain favor into a joyful response to God's overwhelming love. This verse is a constant reminder that our security and hope rest entirely on God's finished work, not on our fluctuating performance, fostering a profound sense of peace and assurance in our relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is faith itself a work that earns salvation?
Answer: No, according to Ephesians 2:8-9, faith is explicitly distinguished from "works." While faith is an action of the human heart (trusting, believing), it is the means by which God's gift of salvation is received, not the merit by which it is earned. The phrase "and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" applies to the entire concept of "being saved through faith," indicating that even the capacity to believe is a divine enablement, not a human achievement. Faith is the empty hand that receives the gift, not the payment for it.
What does "not of yourselves" truly mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "not of yourselves" emphatically negates any human origin or contribution to salvation. It means salvation does not come from human effort, merit, wisdom, strength, good deeds, religious rituals, or even the act of faith itself as a meritorious work. It underscores that humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and utterly incapable of initiating or achieving its own redemption. This phrase highlights the complete and utter dependence on God's initiative and provision for salvation.
Why is it so important that salvation is called "the gift of God"?
Answer: Calling salvation "the gift of God" is crucial because it reinforces its nature as something freely given, unearned, and undeserved. A gift cannot be bought or earned; it can only be received. This truth removes all grounds for human boasting or pride (Ephesians 2:9), ensuring that all glory for salvation belongs to God alone. It also provides immense assurance to believers, as the security of their salvation rests on the Giver's unchanging character and generosity, not on their own fluctuating performance or worthiness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:8, while not explicitly naming Jesus, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications, as the grace and gift of salvation are made possible through Christ's redemptive work. The "grace" spoken of here is God's favor poured out through His Son, Jesus Christ, who "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). It is through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that humanity, once "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), can be "made alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), the ultimate expression of God's unmerited favor. The "faith" by which we are saved is specifically faith in Him, recognizing Him as the sole provision for sin and the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Thus, the "gift of God" is ultimately the gift of salvation found exclusively in Jesus Christ, the one "in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7).