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.