Ephesians 4:9

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

Now what is the saying “He ascended,” except that He also descended into the lower regions of the earth?

Latin

Quod autem ascendit, quid est, nisi quia et descendit primum in inferiores partes terræ?

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Ephesians 4:9–10

to the lower parts of the earth: This phrase has been understood in several different ways by Bible scholars. Some people have thought this phrase refers to Jesus' tomb after his crucifixion. Others have suggested it means the world of the dead, the place where spirits go after death (compare Matthew 12:40; 1 Peter 3:18–20). Still others have connected it to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. However, the phrase most likely refers to the incarnation. The incarnation is when Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, descended from heaven and became a human being (see John 1:14; 3:13; Philippians 2:7–8).

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

Related verses

John 3:13
No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.
Matthew 12:40
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Proverbs 30:4
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!
John 6:33
For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
Psalm 63:9
But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth.
John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
John 16:27–28
For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.
John 6:41
At this, the Jews began to grumble about Jesus because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
Psalm 139:15
My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
John 6:62
Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?
Isaiah 44:23
Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.
Psalm 8:5
You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor.

Ephesians 4:9

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