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Ephesians 1:7

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In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

In {G1722} whom {G3739} we have {G2192} redemption {G629} through {G1223} his {G846} blood {G129}, the forgiveness {G859} of sins {G3900}, according {G2596} to the riches {G4149} of his {G846} grace {G5485};

In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

This verse is a core statement within Paul's opening blessing and declaration of the spiritual riches believers have in Christ. Following the themes of being chosen and predestined (Ephesians 1:4-5), Paul now details a primary benefit received through God's plan: redemption and forgiveness.

Context

Ephesians chapter 1 opens with Paul's salutation, followed by a lengthy doxology (verses 3-14) praising God the Father for the immense spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers "in Christ." These blessings include election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, revelation of God's will, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Verse 7 specifically elaborates on the nature and source of the redemption mentioned as one of these blessings. It flows directly from the truth that these blessings are found "In whom" (referring back to Jesus Christ in Ephesians 1:6).

Key Themes

  • Redemption: The term 'redemption' (Greek: apolutrosis) implies being bought back or set free from bondage through the payment of a price. Here, the bondage is sin and its consequences. Believers are redeemed from slavery to sin and the penalty of death. This concept is central to understanding salvation in Christianity.
  • Through His Blood: The price paid for this redemption is explicitly stated as Christ's blood. This points to His sacrificial death on the cross as the means by which reconciliation and freedom are achieved. The shedding of blood signifies the giving of life as an atoning sacrifice for sin, echoing Old Testament sacrificial practices but fulfilled uniquely in Christ. Colossians 1:14 uses very similar language.
  • The Forgiveness of Sins: The immediate result and a key aspect of this redemption is the forgiveness of sins. Our offenses against God are pardoned and removed through Christ's atoning work. This forgiveness is not earned but is a gift received through faith in Him. Acts 10:43 highlights forgiveness through His name.
  • According to the Riches of His Grace: The ultimate source and measure of this redemption and forgiveness is God's abundant, overflowing grace (Greek: charis). It is not a minimal provision but a generous, lavish gift flowing from God's own character and wealth of kindness and mercy. This emphasizes the divine initiative and generosity behind our salvation. This grace is the foundation upon which our salvation rests, as highlighted in verses like Titus 2:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for 'redemption', apolutrosis, carries the idea of a release secured by payment, often used for freeing slaves or prisoners of war. 'Grace', charis, signifies unmerited favor or divine kindness, emphasizing that our salvation is entirely God's doing, not based on human merit. The phrase "riches of his grace" underscores the immense, inexhaustible nature of this favor.

Reflection

Ephesians 1:7 reminds believers of the profound cost and boundless generosity of their salvation. We are not saved by our own efforts but by the finished work of Christ, who paid the ultimate price with His blood to free us from the power and penalty of sin and grant us full forgiveness. This act flows solely from the immeasurable "riches of his grace." Understanding this should lead to deep gratitude, humility, and confidence in our standing before God, knowing that our redemption and forgiveness are secure because they are based on His abundant grace, not our performance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:24 (57 votes)

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Romans 3:24 (49 votes)

    Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

  • Colossians 1:14 (39 votes)

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

  • 1 John 1:7 (36 votes)

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • 1 John 1:9 (36 votes)

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • 1 Peter 1:18 (32 votes)

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 1:19 (32 votes)

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: