Ephesians 4:9

KJV

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

KJV (with Strong's)

(Now {G1161} that he ascended {G305}, what {G5101} is it {G2076} but {G1508} that {G3754} he {G2597} also {G2532} descended {G2597} first {G4412} into {G1519} the lower {G2737} parts {G3313} of the earth {G1093}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Now this phrase, “he went up,” what can it mean if not that he first went down into the lower parts, that is, the earth?

Berean Standard Bible

What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?

American Standard Version

(Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:9 serves as a crucial parenthetical clarification within Paul's discourse on Christ's distribution of spiritual gifts to the church. It interprets the preceding reference to Christ's ascension by positing that His ascent necessarily implies a prior, profound descent. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, emphasizing His journey from the highest glory to the deepest humiliation, thereby establishing the authority and scope of His subsequent exaltation and gifting of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an interpretive interjection following Paul's quotation of [Psalm 68:18](/psalm/68-18 "Psalm 68:18 - The Victorious Ascent") in [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Triumphant Gifting"). In [Ephesians 4:7-10](/ephesians/4-7-10 "Ephesians 4:7-10 - The Source of Spiritual Gifts"), Paul establishes that grace and spiritual gifts are given "according to the measure of the gift of Christ." To explain *how* Christ gives gifts, he cites the Old Testament, which speaks of a victorious figure ascending and giving gifts. Verse 9 then clarifies the identity and scope of this ascending figure, asserting that the one who ascended must first have descended. This parenthetical statement provides the theological grounding for Christ's authority to bestow gifts, linking His ultimate triumph to His prior self-humiliation. The subsequent verses, [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry"), then detail the specific gifts and their purpose in building up the body of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Ephesians was written to a diverse church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its temple of Artemis and a blend of Roman, Greek, and local Anatolian cultures. The concept of a deity descending to earth and ascending to the heavens was not entirely foreign in the Greco-Roman world, but Paul redefines it through the lens of Jewish messianic expectation and the unique event of Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection. The reference to [Psalm 68](/psalm/68 "Psalm 68 - God's Triumphant Procession") would have resonated with Jewish converts, drawing on imagery of divine conquest and procession. For Gentile believers, it would have presented a radical understanding of divine power and humility, contrasting sharply with the self-exalting deities of paganism. The emphasis on Christ's descent "into the lower parts of the earth" likely evoked contemporary Jewish and early Christian understandings of Sheol/Hades as the realm of the dead, a place from which Christ emerged victorious.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 4:9](/ephesians/4-9 "Ephesians 4:9 - Christ's Descent and Ascent") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians. It deepens the theme of **Christ's Supremacy and Authority**, demonstrating that His power to give gifts is rooted in His complete victory over all realms, including death itself. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Humiliation and Exaltation**, a central tenet of Christian theology where Christ's profound condescension ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")) precedes His ultimate glorification and universal dominion ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Furthermore, it reinforces the **Unity of Christ's Person and Work**, affirming that the exalted Lord who empowers His church is the same one who fully identified with humanity in its deepest vulnerability. This verse also implicitly supports the theme of **Redemptive Victory**, asserting that Christ's work encompasses every dimension, leaving no domain unconquered by His triumph.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ascended (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** From G305, meaning "to go up (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to Christ's physical and spiritual ascent to heaven after His resurrection, signifying His return to glory and His position of authority at the right hand of God. This ascent is the direct fulfillment of the prophecy quoted in [Psalm 68:18](/psalm/68-18 "Psalm 68:18 - God's Triumphant Procession").
* **descended (Greek, _katabaínō'_):** From G2597, meaning "to descend (literally or figuratively)." This word highlights Christ's movement from a higher state or place to a lower one. Its pairing with "ascended" creates a powerful theological antithesis, emphasizing the profound condescension that preceded Christ's exaltation. It implies a voluntary act of self-humiliation.
* **lower (Greek, _katṓteros'_):** From G2737, a comparative form meaning "inferior (locally, of Hades)." This adjective modifies "parts" and "earth," specifying the nature of Christ's descent. It points to a realm beneath the physical earth, commonly understood as the grave, the realm of the dead (Hades/Sheol), or even the profound depths of His incarnation and suffering on earth. The comparative nature suggests a contrast with the "highest heavens" from which He ascended.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(Now that he ascended":** This phrase picks up directly from the preceding verse, [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Triumphant Gifting"), which quotes [Psalm 68:18](/psalm/68-18 "Psalm 68:18 - The Victorious Ascent") regarding Christ's ascension. The "Now that" (G1161 _dé_) introduces a logical inference or clarification. Paul is about to unpack the profound implications of Christ's ascension, asserting that it is not merely a departure but the culmination of a broader redemptive journey.
* **"what is it but that he also descended first":** This is a rhetorical question that functions as a strong affirmation. The Greek phrase (G5101 _tís_ G2076 _estí_ G1508 _ei mḗ_) translates to "what is it except that," powerfully asserting that the only logical conclusion or prerequisite for the ascension is a prior descent. The word "first" (G4412 _prōton_) is critical, establishing the chronological and theological order: humiliation precedes exaltation. This emphasizes the voluntary nature of Christ's condescension as foundational to His subsequent triumph.
* **"into the lower parts of the earth?":** This clause specifies the destination and depth of Christ's descent. The phrase "lower parts" (G2737 _katṓteros_ G3313 _méros_) combined with "of the earth" (G1093 _gē_) is subject to interpretation but universally points to a profound humbling. Common interpretations include the grave, the realm of the dead (Hades/Sheol), or simply the physical earth itself in contrast to the heavens, signifying His incarnation. Regardless of the precise geographical or spiritual location, the core meaning is Christ's complete engagement with human mortality, suffering, and the consequences of sin, extending even to the realm of death.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in [Ephesians 4:9](/ephesians/4-9 "Ephesians 4:9 - Christ's Descent and Ascent") ("what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"). This device is not meant to elicit an answer but to make a forceful assertion, guiding the reader to the undeniable conclusion that Christ's ascension logically necessitates a prior descent. This technique engages the audience directly and emphasizes the self-evident truth of Paul's argument. Furthermore, the verse utilizes stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing "ascended" with "descended" and "on high" (from [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Triumphant Gifting")) with "the lower parts of the earth." This highlights the vast scope of Christ's redemptive journey, from the highest glory to the deepest humiliation, underscoring the completeness and profundity of His saving work. The language also contains **Symbolism**, where "the lower parts of the earth" serves as a symbolic representation of the realm of death, the grave, or the ultimate depths of human suffering and sin that Christ entered and conquered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:9 profoundly articulates the theological truth that Christ's exaltation is intrinsically linked to His prior humiliation. It underscores the comprehensive nature of His redemptive work, asserting that His victory over sin and death was not merely achieved on the cross but extended to every realm, including the "lower parts of the earth." This verse establishes the authority and efficacy of Christ's subsequent distribution of spiritual gifts, for only a Savior who has fully conquered the depths can bestow such abundant grace from the heights. It speaks to the divine paradox where ultimate power is demonstrated through ultimate humility, setting the stage for the church's mission built on His complete triumph.

* [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "The Christ Hymn: Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [1 Peter 3:18-20](/1_peter/3-18-20 "Christ's Suffering, Spirit, and Proclamation")
* [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "The Sign of Jonah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:9 offers a profound theological truth with immense practical implications for the believer's life. It reminds us that Christ's journey was one of radical condescension before glorious exaltation. This pattern of humility preceding glory is not just a historical fact about Jesus; it is a profound principle for Christian living. For us, it means that true spiritual authority and effectiveness often emerge from seasons of self-denial, suffering, and identification with the vulnerable. Christ's descent into the "lower parts" assures us that no depth of human experience – no sorrow, no struggle, no despair – is beyond His reach or His redemptive power. We can find hope and assurance in His complete victory, knowing that because He descended to conquer, we can ascend with Him in newness of life. His triumph over the grave empowers us to face our own mortality and the challenges of this world with unwavering faith, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with the ascended Lord who has already overcome all things. This verse compels us to embrace humility, trust in Christ's comprehensive victory, and live out the implications of His finished work in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Christ's descent into the "lower parts of the earth" deepen your understanding of His love and the comprehensiveness of His redemptive work?**
* **In what ways might the principle of "descent before ascent" apply to your own spiritual journey or areas of service?**
* **How does the assurance of Christ's triumph over all realms, including death, impact your fears and uncertainties?**
* **Considering that Christ's descent enabled His ascent to give gifts, how does this motivate you to use the spiritual gifts you have received for the building up of the church?**

### FAQ

**What are the main interpretations of "the lower parts of the earth" in Ephesians 4:9?**

Answer: The phrase "the lower parts of the earth" (Greek: _eis ta katōtera merē tēs gēs_) has been interpreted in several ways throughout church history. The most common interpretations include:
1. **The Grave/Death:** This view suggests it refers to Christ's burial and His state of death, emphasizing that He truly died and was laid in the tomb. This aligns with passages like [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "Matthew 12:40 - The Sign of Jonah"), where Jesus speaks of being "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
2. **Hades/Sheol:** This interpretation posits that it refers to the realm of the dead, often called Hades in Greek or Sheol in Hebrew. In this view, Christ's spirit descended into this spiritual realm between His death and resurrection, possibly to proclaim His victory over death and the powers of darkness, as suggested by [1 Peter 3:18-20](/1_peter/3-18-20 "1 Peter 3:18-20 - Christ's Proclamation to the Spirits in Prison").
3. **The Earth Itself (Incarnation):** A less common but significant interpretation is that "the lower parts of the earth" simply contrasts with "ascended on high," meaning Christ's descent was to the physical earth itself. This emphasizes His incarnation—His profound condescension from heaven to be born as a human being and live among us—as the ultimate act of humility that preceded His glorious ascent.
While the precise meaning is debated, all interpretations underscore the profound extent of Christ's self-humiliation and His complete engagement with human existence and the consequences of sin, paving the way for His ultimate triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:9 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the heart of the Gospel: the redemptive journey of the Son of God. It is a concise theological statement affirming that the one who ascended to the Father's right hand, from whom all spiritual gifts flow ([Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7-8 "Ephesians 4:7-8 - Grace and Gifts from Christ")), is the very same one who first descended into the depths of human experience and death. This verse encapsulates the entire scope of Christ's saving work, from His pre-incarnate glory, through His profound condescension in becoming human ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")), His suffering and death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")), His burial and descent into the realm of the dead ([Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - Peter's Sermon on Christ's Resurrection")), and finally His glorious resurrection and ascension ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). The "descent first" is the essential prerequisite for the "ascended" power and authority that enables Him to bestow gifts upon humanity. It assures us that Christ's victory is comprehensive, leaving no domain unconquered, and that His present reign is founded upon His complete triumph over sin, death, and all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the church's empowerment and unity are directly rooted in the full, redemptive work of the Christ who both descended and ascended.

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

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.

Matthew 12:40

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

John 6:33

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Psalms 63:9

But those [that] seek my soul, to destroy [it], shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

Proverbs 30:4

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Genesis 11:5

¶ And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

Psalms 8:5

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.