Ephesians 4:7

KJV

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} unto every {G1538} one {G1520} of us {G2257} is given {G1325} grace {G5485} according to {G2596} the measure {G3358} of the gift {G1431} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each one of us, however, has been given grace to be measured by the Messiah’s bounty.

Berean Standard Bible

Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

American Standard Version

But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:7 serves as a pivotal statement in Paul's exposition on the Church, bridging the theological foundation of unity established in the preceding verses with the practical outworking of diverse spiritual gifting. It declares that while the body of Christ is one, each individual believer is uniquely endowed with a specific measure of divine grace, a supernatural enablement freely bestowed by Christ Himself, for the purpose of building up the unified Church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial transition in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Chapters 1-3 lay out profound theological truths concerning God's eternal plan for the Church, the mystery of Gentile inclusion, and the believer's spiritual blessings in Christ. Chapter 4 then shifts from doctrine to duty, beginning with a powerful exhortation to "walk worthy of the calling" [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling"). Paul emphasizes the essential unity of the Spirit, expressed through "one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Seven 'Ones' of Unity"). Verse 7 immediately follows this declaration of unity, introducing the complementary truth of diversity in gifting, setting the stage for the detailed discussion of Christ's ascension and the distribution of specific ministry gifts in [Ephesians 4:8-16](/ephesians/4-8-16 "Ephesians 4:8-16 - Christ's Gifts to the Church").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome, to the church in Ephesus, a significant metropolitan center known for its diverse population and a blend of Roman, Greek, and Asian cultures. The Ephesian church, like many early Christian communities, comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, making the themes of unity and diversity particularly pertinent. In a society often stratified by social status and power, Paul's assertion that "every one of us" receives grace challenges hierarchical norms, emphasizing the equal value and divine enablement of all believers, regardless of background. This concept of spiritual gifting also stood in stark contrast to pagan practices where divine favor was often sought through ritual or sacrifice, presenting grace as a freely given, unmerited endowment from Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 4:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **unity in diversity**, demonstrating that individual differences in gifting do not undermine the Church's oneness but rather contribute to its holistic functioning and strength, as articulated in [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Growing in Love"). Secondly, it highlights **Christ's headship and sovereignty** over His Church, as He is the one who "gives grace according to the measure of the gift." This theme is further developed as Paul describes Christ's ascension and His subsequent distribution of gifts to equip the saints for ministry [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **divine enablement through grace**, revealing that the capacity for service within the body is not self-generated but is a supernatural endowment from God, empowering believers to participate in His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This word (G5485) signifies graciousness, favor, or a divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. In this context, it refers not merely to God's unmerited favor for salvation, but specifically to the divine enablement, empowerment, and spiritual capacity given to believers for service within the body of Christ. It is a supernatural endowment that allows one to fulfill a particular function.
* **is given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325) means "to give" in a very wide application, implying bestowal, granting, or delivering up. Its use here emphasizes that grace is not earned or achieved by human effort but is freely and sovereignly bestowed by Christ. The passive voice ("is given") highlights the divine initiative and the recipient's passive reception of this divine gift.
* **gift (Greek, _dōreá'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a gratuity," this noun (G1431) specifically denotes a free gift or present. Its inclusion here reinforces the unmerited nature of the spiritual enablement. It is not a wage or a reward, but a benevolent bestowal from Christ, underscoring His generosity and authority as the Giver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But unto every one of us":** This introductory phrase serves as a contrast ("But") to the preceding emphasis on unity, shifting the focus to individual believers within that unified body. The phrase "every one of us" is emphatic, underscoring the universality of spiritual enablement within the Church. No believer is excluded; all are recipients of Christ's grace.
* **"is given grace":** This clause identifies the divine endowment. As discussed in the key word analysis, "grace" here refers to a specific spiritual empowerment or ability for service. The passive voice highlights that this grace is not self-generated but is a divine bestowal, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in equipping His people.
* **"according to the measure":** This phrase indicates the specific portion or degree of grace each individual receives. It highlights the diversity of gifting within the body of Christ. Not everyone receives the same measure or type of grace, but each receives a uniquely tailored portion designed for their specific role and function within the Church. This "measure" is determined by Christ's wisdom and sovereign will.
* **"of the gift of Christ":** This final phrase identifies the ultimate source and nature of this grace. It is a "gift" (dōreá), emphasizing its unmerited character, and it originates directly "of Christ." This points to Christ's authority as the ascended Lord who, having conquered, now distributes spiritual endowments to His Church, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Triumphant Ascension").

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The conjunction "**But**" at the beginning signals a **Contrast** or **Transition**, moving from the preceding discussion of the Church's singular unity to the diversity of individual enablement. This creates a balanced theological perspective. The phrase "every one of us" utilizes **Emphasis** through its universal scope, ensuring no believer feels overlooked or excluded from divine gifting. The concept of "grace according to the measure" functions as a subtle **Metaphor**, portraying grace as a quantifiable portion or allotment, much like a measured quantity of something distributed. This metaphor effectively conveys the idea of diverse, yet precisely apportioned, spiritual endowments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:7 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of God's Trinitarian work in equipping His people for ministry. While Christ is explicitly named as the giver of the "gift," the Holy Spirit is the agent through whom these gifts are manifested and empowered (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")). The Father, as the ultimate source, orchestrates this divine plan for His Church. This verse underscores the New Testament's consistent teaching that every believer is a minister, not just a select few, and that the purpose of these diverse gifts is the edification and growth of the entire body of Christ. It highlights God's intentional design for His Church to function as a unified organism, with each part contributing its unique, divinely-enabled function.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts of Grace Differing")
* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Manifestation of the Spirit")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewards of God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:7 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for every believer. It affirms that you, personally, have been uniquely graced and gifted by Christ. This truth should liberate us from comparison and inadequacy, as our "measure" is divinely appointed and perfectly suited for God's purposes. Rather than striving to be someone we're not, we are called to embrace our unique endowment with humility and gratitude. This verse compels us to actively discern, develop, and deploy the grace and gifts we have received, recognizing that they are not for personal aggrandizement but for the common good and the building up of the Church. Our service, empowered by Christ's grace, becomes an essential contribution to the health, growth, and effectiveness of the entire body, demonstrating the beautiful unity that emerges from diverse, Christ-centered service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "every one of us is given grace" impact your view of your own value and role within the Church?**
* **What "measure of the gift of Christ" do you believe you have received, and how are you currently using it for the edification of others?**
* **In what ways can recognizing the diverse measures of grace in others foster greater humility, appreciation, and unity within your local church community?**

### FAQ

**What does "according to the measure of the gift of Christ" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that Christ sovereignly determines the specific portion, degree, or type of spiritual enablement that each believer receives. It does not imply that some receive more "grace" for salvation, but rather that the *manifestation* of grace for service is distributed diversely. Just as a body has many parts, each with a different function and capacity, so too does the body of Christ. The "measure" refers to the unique spiritual capacity, gifting, or role that Christ bestows upon each individual for the common good of the Church, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Christ's Gifts to the Church").

**Does this verse imply that spiritual gifts are earned or deserved?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The term "grace" (Greek: _cháris_) inherently means unmerited favor, and "gift" (Greek: _dōreá_) emphasizes something freely given. The verse explicitly states that grace "is given," highlighting the divine initiative and the passive reception by the believer. Spiritual gifts are not earned through good works, spiritual performance, or personal merit. They are sovereignly bestowed by Christ as a demonstration of His generosity and His desire to equip His Church for ministry, as is consistent with the broader teaching on grace throughout Paul's letters, such as [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified by Grace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is precisely because Christ "ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Triumphant Ascension") that grace is now distributed to every believer. His triumphant resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father marked His enthronement as the Head of the Church, from whom all spiritual life and enablement flow. The "gift of Christ" is not merely a concept but a dynamic reality rooted in His finished work on the cross, His victory over sin and death, and His ongoing intercession for His people. As the ascended Lord, He continues to pour out His Spirit and empower His body, the Church, to fulfill its mission until we all "come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" [Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Growing into the Fullness of Christ"). Thus, every measure of grace received by believers is a direct expression of Christ's present reign and His commitment to perfecting His bride.

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

Romans 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.