That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

EPHESIANS 2:12KJV
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Ephesians 2:12 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:12 mean?

Ephesians 2:12 describes how, before knowing Christ, the Gentiles were separated from the people of Israel, excluded from the promises God made to His people, and living without hope or a relationship with God in the world. The verse highlights the spiritual distance and lack of belonging experienced by those outside the covenant community.

Paul is writing to Gentile believers in Ephesus, reminding them of their former situation before they became followers of Jesus. He points out that they were once outsiders, not part of Israel’s community or the promises God gave to Israel, and lived without the hope or knowledge of God that Israel had. This sets up the contrast with what Christ has now done for them, which Paul explains in the following verses.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:12

  • "χωρὶς" (chōris, G5565) means "without" or "apart from." Here, it emphasizes the Gentiles' complete separation from Christ and everything associated with Him.
  • "πολιτείας" (politeias, G4174) means "commonwealth" or "citizenship." Paul uses this to show that Gentiles were not part of the community or national identity of Israel.
  • "διαθηκῶν" (diathēkōn, G1242) means "covenants." The plural points to the multiple promises God made to Israel throughout history, not just one.
  • "ἐλπίδα" (elpida, G1680) means "hope." Paul stresses that without these connections, Gentiles had no real hope for the future from God’s perspective.

Why Ephesians 2:12 matters

  • Ephesians 2:12 clarifies that Gentiles were not just physically distant from Israel, but spiritually excluded from God’s promises and hope.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic change that comes in Christ, making the following verses about reconciliation and unity much more powerful.
  • It helps readers understand the depth of separation that existed before Christ, highlighting the significance of being brought near and included in God’s family.

Where else these words appear

“commonwealth” Greek G4174 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

“aliens” Greek G526 · used in 3 verses

  • Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

“strangers” Greek G3581 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • Matthew 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

“covenants” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;