Keraia
Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:8

Unity in the Body · Ephesians 4:1–16
Read Ephesians 4

Translations

Modern
This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
Traditional
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Literal
Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.”
Latin
Propter quod dicit: Ascendens in altum, captivam duxit captivitatem: dedit dona hominibus.

Original

Greek
English
This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”

Notes

Ephesians 4:8

  • "He led captives away": This may refer to Christ’s victory over spiritual powers (see 1:21–22; Colossians 2:15). It may also refer to his capture of disobedient sinners, turning them into believers through the power of the good news.

  • Christ gave gifts to his people (see Ephesians 4:11–12).

Ephesians 4:7–16

Though believers share a common faith, God has given different special abilities to each individual believer for building up the church community.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Ascension of Jesus

Parallels

Psalm 133:1–3 1 Corinthians 1:10–17

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Descent into Hell Evangelist Exaltation of Christ Heaven Letter to the Ephesians Spirit of God Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Captivity: |Captivity Led Captive| Gifts from God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Both Temporal and Spiritual Jesus, the Christ: Ascension of Jesus, the Christ: Exaltation of Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: That Purpose Fulfilled Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Spiritual Bondage: Christ Delivers From The Ascension of Christ: Prophecies Respecting The Ascension of Christ: To Receive Gifts for Men The Gifts of God: Spiritual are Through Christ the Head of the Church Christ: Imparts Gifts