Ephesians 2:16
New International Version
and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

New Living Translation
Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

English Standard Version
and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Berean Standard Bible
and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.

Berean Literal Bible
and He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, by it having slain the hostility.

King James Bible
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

New King James Version
and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

New American Standard Bible
and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.

NASB 1995
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

NASB 1977
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Legacy Standard Bible
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having in Himself put to death the enmity.

Amplified Bible
And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility.

Christian Standard Bible
He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He did this so that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross and put the hostility to death by it.

American Standard Version
and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Contemporary English Version
On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body.

English Revised Version
and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He also brought them back to God in one body by his cross, on which he killed the hostility.

Good News Translation
By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God.

International Standard Version
and reconciling both groups to God in one body through the cross, on which he eliminated the hostility.

Majority Standard Bible
and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.

NET Bible
and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.

New Heart English Bible
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which he put to death their enmity.

Webster's Bible Translation
And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having by it slain the enmity:

Weymouth New Testament
thus effecting peace, and to reconcile Jews and Gentiles in one body to God, by means of His cross--slaying by it their mutual enmity.

World English Bible
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility through it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and might reconcile both in one body to God through the Cross, having slain the enmity by it,

Berean Literal Bible
and He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, by it having slain the hostility.

Young's Literal Translation
and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity in it,

Smith's Literal Translation
And that he might reconcile anew both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity in it:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, killing the enmities in himself.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and reconciling both to God, in one body, through the cross, destroying this opposition in himself.

New American Bible
and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.

New Revised Standard Version
and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he reconciled both in one body with God, and with his cross he destroyed the enmity:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he has reconciled the two with God in one body, and in his crucifixion he has killed the hatred.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and that he might reconcile both, in one body, to God, through the cross, having by it put to death the cause of enmity;

Godbey New Testament
and that he may reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity on in.

Haweis New Testament
and might reconcile them both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;

Mace New Testament
that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them:

Weymouth New Testament
thus effecting peace, and to reconcile Jews and Gentiles in one body to God, by means of His cross--slaying by it their mutual enmity.

Worrell New Testament
and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;

Worsley New Testament
and that He might reconcile both in one body unto God, by the cross, having thereby slain the enmity:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
One in Christ
15by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace 16and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.…

Cross References
Colossians 1:20-22
and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. / Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. / But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:6
We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Romans 8:3-4
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, / so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Galatians 6:15
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Isaiah 57:19
bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”

Micah 5:5
And He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.


Treasury of Scripture

And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

reconcile.

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; …

Colossians 1:21-22
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled …

having.

Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 8:3,7
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: …

thereby.

Jump to Previous
Agreement Body Cross Death Effecting End Enmity Gentiles Hostility Jews Killed Means Mutual Peace Putting Reconcile Slain Slaying Thereby
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Agreement Body Cross Death Effecting End Enmity Gentiles Hostility Jews Killed Means Mutual Peace Putting Reconcile Slain Slaying Thereby
Ephesians 2
1. By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,
10. he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ,
19. should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.














and reconcile
The Greek word for "reconcile" is "apokatallassō," which means to restore a relationship to harmony. In the context of Ephesians, Paul speaks of the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, who were historically divided by cultural and religious barriers. This reconciliation is not merely a truce but a profound transformation of relationship, bringing both groups into unity with God. The concept of reconciliation is central to the Christian message, emphasizing the restoration of humanity's relationship with God through Christ.

both of them
This phrase refers to Jews and Gentiles, the two groups that Paul often addresses in his letters. Historically, Jews were seen as God's chosen people, while Gentiles were outsiders. The early church faced significant challenges in integrating these two groups. Paul's message here is radical for its time, asserting that both groups are equally reconciled to God, breaking down the walls of division and creating a new, unified people of God.

to God
The ultimate goal of reconciliation is to bring both Jews and Gentiles into a right relationship with God. This reflects the biblical narrative of God's desire for all humanity to be in communion with Him. The reconciliation is not just horizontal (between people) but vertical (with God), highlighting the spiritual dimension of this unity.

in one body
The "one body" refers to the Church, the body of Christ. This metaphor is used throughout Paul's letters to describe the unity and diversity of believers. Each member, whether Jew or Gentile, is an integral part of the body, contributing to its function and health. This imagery underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of all believers, united in Christ.

through the cross
The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, representing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It is through the cross that reconciliation is made possible. The cross signifies the breaking down of barriers and the establishment of peace. Historically, the cross was a symbol of shame and suffering, but in the Christian context, it becomes a symbol of victory and reconciliation.

by which He extinguished
The Greek word "katargeō" is translated as "extinguished," meaning to render inactive or to abolish. This indicates the complete and total removal of hostility between Jews and Gentiles. The work of Christ on the cross is seen as definitive and final, putting an end to the enmity that once existed.

their hostility
The "hostility" refers to the deep-seated enmity and division between Jews and Gentiles. This hostility was not only cultural and social but also spiritual, as it represented the separation from God. Through Christ, this hostility is not merely reduced but completely extinguished, allowing for true peace and unity. This transformation is a testament to the power of the Gospel to overcome even the most entrenched divisions.

(16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body.--In this verse the latter subject opens--the reconciliation of all to God. On the reconciliation of man to God, see the great passage 2Corinthians 5:18-21. But it should be noted that in the original the word used here and in Colossians 1:20-21 (and nowhere else) is a compound signifying not simply to "conciliate," but properly to "reconcile,"--that is to reunite those who were originally united, but afterwards separated by the sin of man. This brings out the profound idea, which so especially characterises these Epistles, of a primeval unity of all created being in Christ, marred and broken by sin, and restored by His manifestation in human flesh. Note that the passage in the Colossians (on which see Notes) has a far wider scope than this passage--"having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself; by Him (I say), whether they be things on earth or things in heaven." On the other hand, this passage characteristically still lays stress on the idea "in one body"--that is, as throughout, His mystical body, the Church--although probably the phrase is suggested here by the thought of the natural body of the Lord offered on the cross, which is clearly referred to in Colossians 1:21. There is a similar connection of thought in 1Corinthians 10:16-17, "The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we are all one bread, and one body."

By the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.--In this verse (in accordance with the context) "the enmity," which by His death He "slew," is the barrier between God and man, created by sin, but brought out by the Law, as hard and rigid law, "in ordinances" of which St. Paul does not hesitate to say that "sin took occasion by it," and "by it slew" man (Romans 7:11). This is illustrated by the cognate, though different, metaphor of Colossians 2:14, where it is said of Christ that He "blotted out the handwriting of ordinances which was against us, which was contrary unto us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Compare also, in Galatians 2:19-20, the connection of spiritual "death to the Law" with our partaking of our Lord's crucifixion: "I, through the Law, am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. . . . by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." By His death Christ has both redeemed us from sin, and also "redeemed (properly, bought) us from the curse of the Law" (Galatians 3:13). . . .

Verse 16. - And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross. Exegetical of preceding statements, and making emphatic the fact of reconciliation to God on the same footing and by the same means; both were to be reconciled in, one body (see Ephesians 4:4) and by the cross. No preference was to be given to the Jew facilitating his union to Christ: the Gentile was to be taken into Christ's body as readily as the Jew. In reference to the sense in which reconciliation was effected by the cross of Jesus, some say it was only as the cross demonstrated to men the love of God and his willingness to bless them; while others maintain very strongly that it was as providing a satisfaction to God's justice for their guilt, and thus enabling him to receive and bless the sinner. Not only the analogy of other passages of Scripture as well as of this Epistle justifies the latter view, but preeminently the words, "by the cross." If Christ had only to proclaim God's friendship toward sinners, why should he have suffered on the cross? The cross as a mere pulpit is hideous; as an altar it is glorious. The love of God is ill revealed, if it subjected Jesus to unnecessary agony. The love of both Father and Son is indeed commended, if the agony was voluntarily borne by the Son, and permitted by the Father, as being indispensable for the pardon of the sinner. 'Αποκαταλλάξῃ denotes the whole process of reconciliation (see Eadie). Having slain the enmity thereby (or, thereon). "The enmity" is the same as at the beginning of ver. 15 - the enmity of man to God. The destruction of this enmity is one of the effects of the cross, though not the only effect; it is necessary to root out the enmity of the carnal mind. That this is the meaning here seems plain from Romans 5:10, "If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son." The apostle there makes no allusion to the enmity of Jew and Gentile to each other, but to this wider fact - τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκὸς ἔχθρα εἰς Θεόν. If any words can denote the result of a propitiatory sacrifice, it is surely "reconciled to God by the death of his Son."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

reconciling
ἀποκαταλλάξῃ (apokatallaxē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 604: To reconcile, change from one state of feeling to another. From apo and katallasso; to reconcile fully.

both [of them]
ἀμφοτέρους (amphoterous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 297: Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.

to God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

one
ἑνὶ (heni)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

body
σώματι (sōmati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cross,
σταυροῦ (staurou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

which
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

He extinguished
ἀποκτείνας (apokteinas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.

[their]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hostility.
ἔχθραν (echthran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2189: Enmity, hostility, alienation. Feminine of echthros; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 2:16 And might reconcile them both in one (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 2:15
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