What does Ephesians 2:8 mean?
Paul wrote this to explain how anyone is saved. In the verses before, he describes people as spiritually dead in their sins, then rescued because God is rich in mercy. "By grace" means salvation is God's undeserved kindness, not a reward. "Through faith" means we receive it by trusting Christ, the way an open hand receives a gift. Paul then stresses that "not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." The next verse adds, "Not of works, lest any man should boast." No one earns their way to God. Yet verse 10 says we are saved for good works, which flow from grace rather than earning it.
Ephesians 2:8 in the World English Bible
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Context
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Ephesians 2:8 mean?
Paul wrote this to explain how anyone is saved. In the verses before, he describes people as spiritually dead in their sins, then rescued because God is rich in mercy. "By grace" means salvation is God's undeserved kindness, not a reward. "Through faith" means we receive it by trusting Christ, the way an open hand receives a gift. Paul then stresses that "not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." The next verse adds, "Not of works, lest any man should boast." No one earns their way to God. Yet verse 10 says we are saved for good works, which flow from grace rather than earning it.
What does Ephesians 2:8 say in the KJV?
Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) reads: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”