Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

EPHESIANS 2:15KJV
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Ephesians 2:15 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:15 mean?

Ephesians 2:15 says that Jesus, through his own body, put an end to the hostility caused by the law of commandments and its rules, so that he could create one new humanity out of two groups, bringing peace between them. The verse teaches that the old barriers, especially those set by religious laws, have been removed to unite people who were once divided.

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, which included both Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile) believers. The situation was that these groups were often separated by religious customs and laws. Paul explains that Jesus’ death broke down those dividing lines, making it possible for all believers to be joined together as one new people, living in peace.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:15

  • ἔχθραν (echthran, G2189): This word means "enmity" or "hostility." Paul uses it to describe the deep division or animosity that existed, especially between Jews and Gentiles, because of the law.
  • νόμος (nomos, G3551): This is the word for "law." Here, it refers to the Jewish law, especially the commandments and regulations that set Israel apart from other nations.
  • δόγμασιν (dogmasin, G1378): This word means "ordinances" or "decrees." It points to the specific rules and regulations that made up the law, highlighting not just general moral commands but also detailed religious practices.
  • ποιήσῃ (poiēsē, G4160): This is the word for "making" or "creating." Paul uses it to show that Jesus actively formed a new kind of humanity, not just a mix of old groups but something entirely new.

Why Ephesians 2:15 matters

  • Ephesians 2:15 clears up the idea that following religious rules is what brings people close to God; instead, it is Jesus’ work that unites people.
  • The verse emphasizes that the peace Jesus brings is not just personal but also social, breaking down real barriers between groups who were once enemies.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the church is meant to be a united community, no longer divided by background, ethnicity, or old religious boundaries.

Where else these words appear

“ordinances” Greek G1378 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

“enmity” Greek G2189 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
  • Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
  • Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

“make” Greek G2936 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
  • Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
  • Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

“abolished” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.