Ephesians 1:14 kjv

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14 nkjv

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:14 niv

who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession?to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14 esv

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14 nlt

The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 14 Meaning

Ephesians 1:14 describes the Holy Spirit as the "earnest" or "down payment" of the inheritance believers possess in Christ. This indwelling Spirit serves as God's guarantee and initial installment of the full, future redemption that awaits His chosen people. The ultimate purpose of this divine provision is to bring ultimate praise and glory to God Himself, whose redemptive work is perfectly accomplished.

Ephesians 1 14 Context

Ephesians chapter 1 opens with a profound doxology, blessing God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ. Paul meticulously outlines God's sovereign plan from eternity past: the election of believers before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4), their adoption as sons (Eph 1:5), and their redemption and forgiveness through Christ's blood (Eph 1:7). He then emphasizes the mystery of God's will revealed in Christ—to unite all things in Him (Eph 1:9-10). Believers have been predestined to obtain an inheritance (Eph 1:11) and sealed with the Holy Spirit upon believing (Eph 1:13). Verse 14 culminates this section by defining the role of the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of that inheritance and a sign of the completed redemption of God's own people, all leading to God's ultimate glory. Historically, the believers in Ephesus lived in a sophisticated, idolatrous city, making Paul's emphasis on their divine identity and secure future in Christ a powerful counter-narrative to the fleeting promises of pagan religions.

Ephesians 1 14 Word analysis

• Which (ὅς - hos): This pronoun directly refers back to the Holy Spirit mentioned in the preceding verse (Eph 1:13). It highlights the personal nature of the guarantee; it is not merely a promise but the very person of the Spirit acting as the pledge.
• is the earnest (ἀρραβών - arrabōn): This significant Greek word means a down payment, a first installment, or a pledge. It was a common term in ancient commercial and legal contracts. Unlike a token gift, the `arrabōn` was a legally binding part of the total price, guaranteeing the full payment or completion of the contract. Its presence secured the full future delivery.
• of our inheritance (τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν - tēs klēronomias hēmōn): The Spirit is the certain guarantee of the believer's future portion or share allotted by God. This inheritance encompasses all spiritual blessings in Christ, culminating in eternal life, shared glory with Christ, and presence with God in the new creation. It emphasizes God's generous provision.
• until (εἰς - eis / implying duration unto): This preposition indicates the time-frame or purpose. The Spirit serves as the earnest until the specific point of full redemption. It highlights the Spirit's present, continuous role as a deposit, looking forward to its consummation.
• the redemption (ἀπολύτρωσιν - apolytrosis): Derived from words meaning "to release by payment of a ransom," this signifies deliverance or liberation. Here, it refers to the final and complete deliverance of believers from the presence and effects of sin, corruption, and death. While initial redemption from sin's penalty is in Christ's death (Eph 1:7), this points to the ultimate bodily and cosmic redemption at His return.
• of the purchased possession (τῆς περιποιήσεως - tēs peripoiēseōs): This refers to God's own special people whom He has "acquired" or "purchased." This echoes Old Testament concepts of Israel as God's `segullah` (treasured possession, Exod 19:5; Deut 7:6). In the New Covenant, this treasured possession is the church, bought by the precious blood of Christ (1 Pet 1:18-19).
• unto the praise (εἰς ἔπαινον - eis epainon): This phrase indicates the ultimate purpose or goal. All the previous blessings—election, adoption, redemption, and the guarantee of the Spirit—are not for man's self-glory but for God's renown.
• of his glory (τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ - tēs doxēs autou): "Glory" refers to the inherent honor, splendor, majesty, and perfection of God's being. The ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan is the magnification and extolling of His character, power, and love, which is fully displayed through the salvation and transformation of His purchased people.

• "Which is the earnest of our inheritance": This phrase underlines the certainty and security of the believer's future in Christ. The presence of the Spirit within a believer is not merely a symbol, but a tangible, legal down payment by God, assuring the full delivery of their future spiritual blessings and eternal life. It highlights the 'already' but 'not yet' aspect of salvation.
• "until the redemption of the purchased possession": This specifies the scope and timing of the Spirit's work as earnest. The Spirit indwells as a pledge until the full and final glorification of God's people (the purchased possession), when they are fully redeemed from sin's power and presence, and their bodies are resurrected. It points to a future glorious culmination.
• "unto the praise of his glory": This powerful teleological statement frames the entire process from election to ultimate redemption. Every step in God's saving plan is meticulously orchestrated and executed to showcase and magnify His character, worth, and inherent greatness. God's glory is the ultimate end, ensuring that praise and honor are rightly attributed to Him alone.

Ephesians 1 14 Bonus section

The concept of the "earnest" or "down payment" directly ties into the Trinitarian nature of God's redemptive plan. The Father determined the plan and inheritance, the Son purchased redemption through His blood, and the Holy Spirit is the active agent who applies and guarantees these realities within the believer until their consummation. The "purchased possession" (τῆς περιποιήσεως) underscores a strong continuity with Old Testament covenant theology where Israel was God's chosen people, but now this identity extends to all believers in Christ, forming the Church. This highlights that God's plan is one grand, unified narrative from creation to glorification, focusing on bringing a people to Himself for His own pleasure and praise. The tension between the "already" (Spirit received, sealed, forgiveness) and the "not yet" (full bodily redemption, glorification, perfect communion) is powerfully felt in this verse, providing comfort and assurance while instilling eager anticipation for Christ's return.

Ephesians 1 14 Commentary

Ephesians 1:14 brilliantly consolidates several profound theological truths, cementing the certainty of a believer's salvation. The Holy Spirit is God's concrete and personal guarantee, acting as a "down payment" (arrabōn) for the complete inheritance awaiting us in Christ. This "earnest" signifies that our future blessedness—full redemption, eternal life, and glorified bodies—is not merely a hope but a secured reality, much like a binding deposit ensures the full completion of a contract. The Spirit’s presence within us affirms our divine ownership and seals us for the day of ultimate redemption. This final redemption refers to the complete liberation of believers from all the effects of sin, including death and decay, at Christ's glorious return, when the church, His "purchased possession," will be perfected. The magnificent design behind this entire process of election, redemption, and sealing is singular: the ceaseless and ultimate praise of God's glorious nature, reflecting His omnipotence, love, and faithfulness through His work in saving a people for Himself.

Examples:

• A house deposit: Just as a down payment for a house secures the full purchase and grants initial access (perhaps for renovations), the Spirit guarantees the full "ownership" of our inheritance in Christ.
• An engagement ring: An engagement ring is a pledge of future marriage, indicating commitment and a pending complete union. The Spirit is God's binding commitment to His beloved church.