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

EPHESIANS 1:7KJV
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Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:7 mean?

Ephesians 1:7 says that through Jesus Christ, believers have been set free and forgiven for their sins because of the generous kindness God has shown. The verse highlights that this forgiveness and redemption come specifically through Jesus’ sacrifice, not by anything people have done.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, reminding them of the spiritual blessings they have because of their faith in Christ. He emphasizes that redemption—being bought back or rescued—and forgiveness are possible only because of Jesus’ blood, which refers to his death. Paul points out that all of this is rooted in God’s abundant grace, showing how generous God is in offering forgiveness.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:7

  • ἀπολύτρωσις (apolutrōsis, “redemption”): This word means being released or set free, often with the idea of a ransom being paid. Here, it stresses that believers are freed from the consequences of sin because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • ἄφεσις (aphesis, “forgiveness”): This word means a release or letting go, especially of debts or offenses. Paul uses it to show that sins are not just overlooked but fully sent away or canceled.
  • πλοῦτος (ploutos, “riches”): This word refers to wealth or abundance. Paul uses it to underline that God’s grace is not limited or stingy, but overflowing and more than enough to cover all sin.
  • χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word means favor or kindness that is undeserved. Paul is highlighting that everything believers receive—redemption and forgiveness—comes purely from God’s generous heart, not from human effort.

Why Ephesians 1:7 matters

  • Ephesians 1:7 clarifies that forgiveness and redemption are not earned by good works or religious rituals, but are gifts received through Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • The verse connects the ideas of redemption and forgiveness, showing that being set free from sin and having sins forgiven are deeply linked in the Christian faith.
  • By mentioning “the riches of his grace,” Paul shifts the focus from human shortcomings to God’s generosity, encouraging readers to trust in God’s kindness rather than their own ability to be good enough.

Where else these words appear

“redemption” Greek G629 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
  • Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

“forgiveness” Greek G859 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

“sins” Greek G3900 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
  • Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
  • Romans 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

“riches” Greek G4149 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
  • Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: