Ephesians 1:7 kjv

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

Ephesians 1:7 nkjv

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

Ephesians 1:7 niv

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Ephesians 1:7 esv

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

Ephesians 1:7 nlt

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 7 Meaning

Ephesians 1:7 declares that believers possess spiritual liberation and pardon "in Christ." This redemption is secured uniquely through the sacrificial death of Jesus, symbolized by "His blood." It specifically results in the "forgiveness of sins," signifying the complete pardon and release from the guilt and penalty of wrongdoing. This profound act of grace is not earned by humanity but is extended freely and generously by God, flowing from the immeasurable "riches of His grace."

Ephesians 1 7 Context

Ephesians chapter 1 opens with an emphatic declaration of God's spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers "in Christ." This verse, Eph 1:7, is central to Paul's unfolding doxology (Eph 1:3-14), which highlights the Father's predetermined plan, the Son's executed redemption, and the Spirit's sealing work. The immediate preceding verses (Eph 1:4-6) speak of God's election before the foundation of the world, adoption as sons, and acceptance "in the Beloved," all to the praise of His glorious grace. Thus, Eph 1:7 clarifies the primary means by which these magnificent spiritual realities—election, adoption, and acceptance—are made possible for humanity: through Christ's redeeming sacrifice. Historically, the audience, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus, lived in a context where various mystery religions offered 'salvation' through secret knowledge or rituals, and where Roman society understood 'redemption' in terms of manumission from slavery or payment for freedom. Paul's message is a clear polemic, stating that true redemption and forgiveness are solely accomplished by the real, historical act of Christ's sacrificial blood, a concept rooted deeply in Israelite sacrificial atonement, not by human effort, knowledge, or pagan practices.

Ephesians 1 7 Word analysis

• In him (ἐν ᾧ - en hō): This phrase emphasizes Christ as the ultimate sphere, location, or instrumentality through which all spiritual blessings are obtained. It's a foundational Pauline concept, signifying not merely 'by means of Christ' but 'united with Christ' or 'as part of the new reality in Christ.'
• we have (ἔχομεν - echomen): A present tense verb, indicating a current and continuing possession. Believers do not merely hope for redemption; they actively and presently possess it as a gift. It signifies a secured, realized spiritual reality.
• redemption (τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν - tēn apolytrōsin): Derived from apolytrōsis, meaning 'release upon payment of a ransom.' In ancient usage, it denoted freeing a slave by paying a price, or the ransoming of a prisoner of war. Theologically, it signifies deliverance from the bondage of sin, death, the law, and the devil through Christ's decisive act of paying the required price.
• through (διὰ - dia): A preposition here indicating the means or instrumentality by which redemption is accomplished. It points to Christ's blood as the direct instrument.
• his blood (τοῦ αἵματος αὐτοῦ - tou haimatos autou): In biblical thought, blood represents life (Lev 17:11) and its shedding signifies a sacrificial death leading to atonement. Christ's blood refers to His violent, substitutionary death on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice that fully satisfies God's righteous demands against sin. It links directly to the Old Testament sacrificial system, presenting Christ as the perfect Passover Lamb and the great High Priest whose blood makes once-for-all atonement.
• the forgiveness (τὴν ἄφεσιν - tēn aphesin): From aphesis, meaning 'a sending away,' 'release,' 'pardon,' 'remission.' It is the complete cancellation of guilt and the penalty for sins. This is a judicial and relational act, restoring communion with a holy God.
• of sins (τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν - tōn hamartiōn): From hamartia, a comprehensive term for missing the mark, moral failing, transgression, or offense against God's law and character. It includes both specific acts of wrongdoing and the general state of alienation from God.
• according to (κατὰ - kata): This preposition denotes the standard, measure, or source from which something flows. Here, it indicates that the redemption and forgiveness are commensurate with, and proceed from, the immense bounty of God's grace.
• the riches (τὸν πλοῦτον - ton plouton): Denotes superabundance, immense wealth, an inexhaustible supply. It underscores the boundless generosity and inexhaustible nature of God's grace, contrasting human limitation with divine limitlessness.
• of his grace (τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ - tēs charitos autou): Grace (charis) is God's undeserved favor and loving-kindness toward humanity. It is His free and benevolent disposition, demonstrated supremely in providing salvation for undeserving sinners through Christ. It emphasizes that salvation is wholly of God's initiative and gift, not human merit.

• "redemption through his blood": This phrase clearly identifies the source and cost of redemption. It wasn't through good deeds, human merit, or religious rituals, but through Christ's violent, sacrificial death. His blood is the payment, the ransom price that frees us from the bondage and penalty of sin.
• "the forgiveness of sins": This is presented as a direct outcome or component of redemption. Redemption isn't just freedom from bondage but also a complete absolution of guilt for every past, present, and future sin. It's a declaration of 'not guilty' by the divine judge.
• "according to the riches of his grace": This group of words points to the magnificent motive and boundless measure of God's saving act. It ensures that human boasting is excluded (Eph 2:8-9) and highlights the sheer overflow of God's kindness as the ultimate cause, demonstrating His generosity far beyond what is deserved or expected.

Ephesians 1 7 Bonus section

The concept of "redemption" here speaks to two critical aspects: firstly, the "price paid" for our liberation (ransom from sin's penalty, bondage, and ultimate consequences of death); and secondly, the "deliverance effected," meaning our actual release from that slavery and our placement into a new realm of freedom in Christ. This verse underlines the Trinitarian work inherent in salvation: the Father's predetermined plan to lavish His grace, the Son's executed work through His atoning blood, and implicitly, the Spirit's role in applying this redemption and forgiveness to individual believers. This profound gift of redemption is often termed a "finished work" on the cross, indicating its completeness and efficacy for all who are "in Him." The hamartia (sins) mentioned encompasses both general sinfulness and specific transgressions, signifying God's comprehensive forgiveness.

Ephesians 1 7 Commentary

Ephesians 1:7 encapsulates the core of the Gospel, establishing the unbreakable link between Christ's person and His work in salvation. The redemption "in Him" is a spiritual liberation that entails release from slavery to sin and judgment. This freedom is achieved exclusively and powerfully "through His blood," a metaphor for Christ's propitiatory, substitutionary death on the cross, satisfying divine justice. The primary manifestation of this redemption for the believer is "the forgiveness of sins," an absolute pardon that cancels the debt of trespasses and restores fellowship with God. This entire magnificent act is not in response to human merit but flows solely "according to the riches of His grace," underscoring God's lavish and unmerited favor as the origin and measure of all salvific blessings. This grace ensures that salvation is an unearned gift, magnifying God's abundant generosity rather than human effort. Practically, it means believers can stand fully accepted and justified before God, liberated from the past and secure in their standing.