Ephesians 2:2 kjv

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:2 nkjv

in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

Ephesians 2:2 niv

in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Ephesians 2:2 esv

in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience ?

Ephesians 2:2 nlt

You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil ? the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

Ephesians 2 verses

Ephesians 2 2 Meaning

Ephesians 2:2 describes the spiritual condition of humanity before conversion to Christ. It portrays people as living according to the prevalent sinful patterns and values of the world, operating under the dominion and active influence of Satan, who is identified as "the prince of the power of the air." This unseen spiritual power continuously energizes disobedience in those who remain unredeemed, signifying a state of spiritual death and rebellion against God.

Ephesians 2 2 Context

Ephesians 2:2 immediately follows verse 1, which states that believers were "dead in transgressions and sins." This verse then elaborates on the nature of that spiritual death. It explains how they walked while spiritually dead, outlining two primary influences: the corrupting "course of this world" and the enslaving power of "the prince of the power of the air." This passage sets the stage for the dramatic contrast presented from verse 4 onward, where God's abundant mercy and grace intervene to bring new life, reconciliation, and inclusion into God's family through Christ. Historically, Ephesus was a cosmopolitan city known for its diverse religious practices, including emperor worship and belief in various deities and cosmic powers. Paul's message here strongly challenges any notion of these spiritual forces as benevolent or neutral, explicitly identifying their ruler as an adversarial "prince" who actively opposes God and blinds humanity.

Ephesians 2 2 Word analysis

• wherein: Connects the spiritual death (v. 1) to the lifestyle that exemplified it. It signifies the manner in which they were "dead in transgressions and sins."
• in time past (ποτε, pote): Denotes a previous period, specifically their former life prior to God's intervention and salvation. This word clearly demarcates a decisive change from a prior state of bondage to a present state of freedom.
• ye walked (περιεπατήσατε, periepatēsate): From peripateō, meaning to "walk around," often used metaphorically in scripture for one's manner of life, conduct, or general lifestyle (e.g., to "walk in the Spirit" or "walk worthy"). It signifies a continuous, habitual way of living.
• according to the course of this world (κατὰ τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, kata ton aiōna tou kosmou toutou):
  • according to (kata): Indicates conformity to a standard, principle, or prevailing custom.
  • course (aiōn): Not merely a chronological "age" but the prevailing spiritual and moral "zeitgeist" or current of the world; its corrupted values, systems, and philosophies. It's the dominant spirit of an unredeemed age.
  • of this world (tou kosmou toutou): Refers to human society in rebellion against God; a fallen system separate from God, characterized by idolatry, immorality, and pride. It denotes the organized evil that characterizes the ungodly social order.
• according to the prince of the power of the air (κατὰ τὸν ἄρχοντα τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ ἀέρος, kata ton archonta tēs exousias tou aeros):
  • prince (archōn): Signifies a ruler, chief, or leader with significant authority and dominion. Here, it identifies Satan.
  • power (exousia): Denotes authority, rightful power, or delegated control. This implies Satan's permitted authority or sphere of influence in the present fallen age.
  • of the air (tou aeros): Not merely the physical atmosphere but the region above the earth, seen in ancient thought as the dwelling place of evil spiritual forces. It highlights the pervasive, unseen, and inescapable influence of Satan over humanity. This imagery portrays him as presiding over and actively impacting humanity from this close, intermediate spiritual domain.
• the spirit that now worketh (τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ νῦν ἐνεργοῦντος, tou pneumatos tou nyn energountos):
  • This phrase is in apposition to "prince of the power of the air," explaining how he exerts his dominion.
  • spirit (pneuma): Refers to the disposition, mind, or unseen influence of the prince. It is his corrupting spiritual power.
  • now (nyn): Emphasizes that this is not just a past influence, but a continuing active work of Satan in the unsaved.
  • worketh (energountos): From energeō, meaning "to work effectively," "to operate," "to energize." It implies active, forceful, and dynamic operation, showing Satan is not passive but continuously fueling evil and disobedience.
• in the children of disobedience (ἐν τοῖς υἱοῖς τῆς ἀπειθείας, en tois huiois tēs apeitheias):
  • children of (huiois tēs): A Semitic idiom (Hebraism) meaning "those characterized by," "those belonging to," or "those dominated by" the quality that follows.
  • disobedience (apeitheias): Literally "unpersuadability" or "unwillingness to believe," which results in willful rebellion against divine authority. It denotes obstinate rejection of God's revealed will and truth. This signifies that rebellion is their core identifying characteristic, indicating their state of unbelief and rejection of God.

Ephesians 2 2 Bonus section

• Dual Dominion: This verse emphasizes that the unsaved are subject to two powerful, interlocking forces: the world's values and Satan's power. One describes the outward lifestyle, the other the inward, spiritual control.
• Invisible Enemy: The phrase "prince of the power of the air" vividly portrays Satan's pervasive, yet unseen, influence, operating in the unseen spiritual realm that impacts all humanity, highlighting a spiritual battle not always discernible by human senses.
• Ultimate Emancipation: Paul's exposition of humanity's dire spiritual state underscores the magnificent work of God's grace in rescuing believers, revealing that true freedom is not merely behavioral modification but a supernatural deliverance from cosmic powers of darkness into the glorious kingdom of God's Son.

Ephesians 2 2 Commentary

Ephesians 2:2 paints a stark picture of the pre-conversion human condition. It unveils that unbelievers' lives are not just random acts of sin, but a deliberate pattern of existence ("walked") conforming to the moral drift of a fallen society ("course of this world"). This worldly current is not autonomous; it is actively orchestrated and powered by "the prince of the power of the air," Satan. His influence is a pervasive "spirit" that currently energizes and manifests itself in the consistent, wilful rejection of God's truth by "the children of disobedience." This highlights a cosmic spiritual reality: before Christ, humanity is spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, conforming to an ungodly world system, and under the dominion of a powerful spiritual enemy. The radical transformation described in subsequent verses becomes all the more glorious when contrasted with this profound bondage and spiritual death.