To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

EPHESIANS 1:6KJV
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Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:6 mean?

Ephesians 1:6 says that God’s grace is so wonderful that it deserves praise, because through this grace, God has made believers accepted and welcomed in Christ, who is described as “the beloved.” The verse highlights that being accepted by God is not earned, but is a result of His generous favor shown through Jesus.

Paul is writing this letter to Christians in Ephesus, explaining the spiritual blessings they have because of what God has done through Jesus. In this part of the letter, Paul is describing how God’s plan brings people into His family, and that this is all to show how glorious and generous God’s grace really is.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:6

  • χάριτος (charitos, “grace”): This word means undeserved favor or kindness. The verse centers on God’s grace as the reason for praise, emphasizing that acceptance comes from God’s initiative, not human effort.
  • ἐχαρίτωσεν (echaritōsen, “made us accepted”): This verb is related to “grace” and means to show favor or to make someone favored. It highlights that God has actively chosen to include and welcome believers, not just tolerate them.
  • ἠγαπημένῳ (ēgapēmenō, “the beloved”): This refers to Jesus, using a word that means “the one who is deeply loved.” It shows that believers are accepted by God because they are connected to Jesus, who is perfectly loved by the Father.

Why Ephesians 1:6 matters

  • Ephesians 1:6 clarifies that acceptance with God is not something people achieve, but something God gives because of His grace, correcting the idea that people must earn God’s approval.
  • The verse ties the believer’s acceptance directly to Jesus, showing that all spiritual blessings come through being united with Him, not through personal merit.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Ephesians 1, where Paul continues to describe the riches of God’s grace and the security believers have in Christ.

Where else these words appear

“made” Greek G5487 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

“praise” Greek G1868 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
  • Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

“beloved” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.