And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

EPHESIANS 2:16KJV
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Ephesians 2:16 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:16 mean?

Ephesians 2:16 says that Jesus’ death on the cross brought together two previously divided groups, reconciling both to God as one united body and putting an end to the hostility between them. The verse emphasizes that this reconciliation happened specifically through the cross, which removed the barrier of enmity.

Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, a group made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile) Christians who had once been separated by deep cultural and religious differences. In this verse, Paul explains that Jesus’ sacrifice did not just restore people’s relationship with God, but also created peace between groups that were once enemies, forming a single community of faith.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:16

  • "Reconcile" (καταλλάξῃ, katallaxē): This Greek word means to bring back into harmony or restore a relationship. Here, it highlights that the work of Jesus is not just about individual forgiveness but about repairing relationships between groups and with God.
  • "Both" (ἀμφοτέρους, amphoterous): This word refers to the two groups Paul has been discussing—Jews and Gentiles—making it clear that reconciliation is not limited to one group but includes all.
  • "Enmity" (ἔχθραν, echthran): This word means hostility or deep-seated hatred. Paul uses it to describe the division that existed, which Jesus "slain" or put to death through the cross.
  • "By the cross" (διὰ τοῦ σταυροῦ, dia tou staurou): This phrase underlines that the means of reconciliation is Jesus’ death, not human effort or religious law.

Why Ephesians 2:16 matters

  • Ephesians 2:16 clears up the idea that reconciliation with God is only a personal matter; Paul insists it is also about unity among people who were once divided.
  • The verse emphasizes that the cross is the only basis for true peace, not cultural practices or religious rules.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the church is meant to be a single, united body made up of all kinds of people, with old hostilities put to death through Christ.

Where else these words appear

“reconcile” Greek G604 · used in 3 verses

  • Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

“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 2:15 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;

“both” Greek G297 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
  • Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
  • Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.