And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

EPHESIANS 2:17KJV
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Ephesians 2:17 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?

Ephesians 2:17 says that Jesus came and announced peace to both those who were far away and those who were near. This means that the message of peace was offered to all people, no matter their background or previous distance from God.

The apostle Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, many of whom were Gentiles (non-Jews). In the context of this letter, "those who were afar off" refers to Gentiles, while "those who were nigh" refers to Jews. Paul is emphasizing that Jesus brought the same message of reconciliation and peace to both groups, breaking down the old divisions.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:17

  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This Greek word means more than just the absence of conflict; it often carries the idea of wholeness, well-being, and restored relationship. Here, it highlights the kind of peace Jesus brings—restoring people to God and to one another.
  • μακράν (makran, "afar off") and ἐγγύς (engys, "nigh"): These words show the distance between Gentiles ("afar off") and Jews ("nigh") in terms of their previous relationship to God. The verse stresses that both groups are now equally invited to receive peace.

Why Ephesians 2:17 matters

  • Ephesians 2:17 clears up the idea that Jesus' message was only for one group; Paul insists it was for everyone, regardless of their starting point.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Ephesians 2, where Paul explains how Jesus unites people who were once separated by religious and cultural barriers.
  • By using the language of distance and nearness, Paul shows that no one is too far away to be reached by the peace Jesus brings.

Where else these words appear

“off” Greek G3112 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
  • Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

“nigh” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

“preached” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:(he is Lord of all:)
  • 2 Corinthians 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.