Ephesians 2:9

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Not {G3756} of {G1537} works {G2041}, lest {G3363} any man {G5100} should boast {G2744}.

You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast.

not by works, so that no one can boast.

not of works, that no man should glory.

Commentary

Context

Ephesians 2:9 stands as a pivotal statement within Paul's profound explanation of salvation. This verse immediately follows Ephesians 2:8, which declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Together, these verses form the bedrock of Christian understanding regarding justification. Paul addresses a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus, emphasizing that neither group could claim salvation through their own merits, adherence to the Mosaic Law, or any other human effort. The letter consistently highlights God's sovereign initiative in bringing humanity, particularly Gentiles, into a relationship with Him through Christ, dismantling any basis for spiritual pride or ethnic superiority.

Key Themes

  • Salvation by Grace Alone: The verse emphatically states that salvation is "not of works." This underscores that eternal life is a free gift from God, entirely undeserved and unearned by human effort or merit. It directly challenges any notion that one can achieve righteousness or favor with God through religious rituals, moral living, or adherence to the law.
  • Humility and God's Glory: The phrase "lest any man should boast" reveals the divine purpose behind this method of salvation. If salvation could be earned, humans would have grounds for pride and self-glory. By making it a gift, God ensures that all glory belongs to Him alone, preventing any human boasting and fostering true humility in the believer. This highlights God's desire for a relationship based on His generosity, not our performance.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Works" (Greek: ἔργων, ergon): This term refers to deeds, actions, or human efforts, particularly those associated with religious observance or moral performance. In this context, it specifically denotes any attempt by humans to earn or contribute to their own salvation through their own doing. Paul consistently argues that such "works" are insufficient to merit God's favor or justify a person before Him, as seen in his arguments in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 2:16.
  • "Boast" (Greek: καυχάομαι, kauchaomai): This word means to glory, to brag, to take pride in, or to exult. Paul's use of this term here emphasizes that God designed salvation in such a way that no human being could ever take credit or pride in their own role in achieving it. All credit and glory must rightly go to God.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:9 has profound implications for daily life and faith:

  • Cultivates Humility: It removes the burden of trying to earn God's love or salvation, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude. Believers are reminded that their standing before God is solely due to His grace, not their own achievements.
  • Promotes Gratitude: Understanding salvation as a gift should lead to immense gratitude towards God. This gratitude becomes the primary motivation for living a life pleasing to Him, rather than a fear of punishment or a desire to earn favor.
  • Clarifies the Role of Good Works: While salvation is not *of* works, it is *unto* good works. The very next verse, Ephesians 2:10, clarifies this: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Good works are the natural outcome and evidence of genuine faith, not the means by which salvation is obtained. This distinction is crucial for understanding the relationship between faith and works, as also discussed in James 2:17-26.
  • Offers Assurance: Because salvation is a gift based on God's character and not human performance, believers can have assurance of their salvation. Their security rests in God's faithfulness, not their own wavering efforts.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:9 (25 votes)

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • Romans 11:6 (23 votes)

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Titus 3:3 (19 votes)

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

  • Titus 3:5 (19 votes)

    Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

  • Romans 9:16 (19 votes)

    So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29 (17 votes)

    That no flesh should glory in his presence.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:31 (17 votes)

    That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.