Ephesians 4:9

Commentary on Ephesians 4:9 (KJV)

Ephesians 4:9 is a pivotal verse in Paul's discussion of Christ's work and its implications for the unity and gifting of the church. The King James Version reads: "(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" This verse unpacks the preceding statement about Christ giving gifts to men, drawing a profound connection between His descent and His subsequent ascension.

Context

This verse is part of a larger theological argument in Ephesians 4:7-10, where Paul explains how grace is given to each believer according to the measure of Christ's gift. Verse 8 quotes Psalm 68:18: "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Verse 9 then serves as an interpretive bridge, clarifying the full scope of the "He" who ascended. It emphasizes that the one who ascended to the highest heavens is the same one who first humbled Himself to the lowest depths.

Key Themes

• Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation: The verse highlights the incredible journey of Jesus, from the highest glory with God, through profound self-humiliation, and back to ultimate exaltation. His descent precedes His ascent, showcasing the full spectrum of His redemptive work.
• The Scope of Christ's Work: The phrase "descended first into the lower parts of the earth" underscores the completeness of Christ's victory. He conquered not only sin and death on the cross but also entered the realm associated with death and the grave, demonstrating His triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse connects Christ's actions directly to Old Testament prophecy, specifically the imagery from Psalm 68:18, which speaks of a victorious ascent after a prior engagement in the depths.
• Unity of Christ's Person: It affirms that the ascended Christ, who now distributes spiritual gifts to His church, is the very same person who experienced the depths of human existence and death. This ensures the authority and efficacy of His work.

Linguistic Insights and Interpretation

The phrase "the lower parts of the earth" (Greek: eis ta katōtera merē tēs gēs) has been subject to various interpretations throughout church history:

• The Grave/Death: Many scholars believe "the lower parts of the earth" simply refers to the grave or the state of death. It emphasizes that Christ truly died and was buried, descending into the realm of the dead before His resurrection. This aligns with statements about Christ being "in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).
• Hades/Sheol: Another common interpretation is that it refers to Hades (the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Sheol), the realm of the dead. This view suggests Christ's spirit descended into this realm during the period between His death and resurrection, possibly to proclaim His victory.
• The Earth Itself: A less common view is that "lower parts of the earth" simply contrasts with "ascended on high," meaning His descent was to the physical earth itself, emphasizing His incarnation and earthly life as a profound condescension from heaven.

Regardless of the precise interpretation, the core message remains: Christ's descent signifies a profound humbling and a complete engagement with human mortality and the consequences of sin, paving the way for His glorious ascent.

Significance and Practical Application

Ephesians 4:9 is significant because it undergirds the authority and power of Christ's redemptive work. His descent into the "lower parts" signifies that His victory is total and comprehensive, leaving no domain unconquered. For believers, this means:

• Assurance of Victory: Christ's journey from the depths to the heights assures us that He has conquered every enemy, including death itself. We can trust in His complete work.
• Humility Precedes Exaltation: Christ's example teaches us that true exaltation often follows profound humility. His willingness to descend fully equips Him to ascend and give gifts to His church.
• Foundation for Spiritual Gifts: The descent and ascent of Christ are the very foundation upon which He bestows spiritual gifts upon His people (as discussed in Ephesians 4:11). Because He has fully triumphed, He has the authority and power to equip His body for ministry and unity.

This verse deepens our understanding of the ascension of Christ, revealing it not as a simple departure, but as the culmination of a divine mission that encompassed both profound humility and ultimate triumph.