Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

EPHESIANS 2:19KJV
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Ephesians 2:19 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:19 mean?

Ephesians 2:19 tells believers that they are no longer outsiders or foreigners, but now belong as fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. The verse emphasizes a new sense of belonging and unity among those who follow Christ.

Paul, the writer, is addressing Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians in Ephesus who once felt excluded from God’s promises to Israel. He assures them that, through Jesus, they are now fully included in God’s family, sharing equal status with all other believers. This marks a major shift from being separated to being welcomed as part of God’s own people.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:19

  • ξένοι (xenoi, G3581): This word means "strangers" or "outsiders." Paul uses it to describe how Gentile believers were once seen in relation to God’s people.
  • πάροικοι (paroikoi, G3941): Translated "foreigners," this word refers to people living in a land that is not their own, without the rights of citizens. Paul highlights that this is no longer the Gentiles’ status.
  • συμπολῖται (sumpolitai, G4847): This word means "fellow citizens." It carries the sense of full membership and shared rights within a community, showing that Gentile believers now have equal standing.
  • οἰκεῖοι (oikeioi, G3609): Meaning "members of a household," this word deepens the idea of belonging—not just as citizens, but as part of God’s own family.

Why Ephesians 2:19 matters

  • Ephesians 2:19 clears up the misunderstanding that Gentile believers are second-class or only loosely connected to God’s people; Paul insists they are fully included.
  • The verse highlights the unity that Jesus brings, breaking down old barriers between different groups and creating one new community.
  • This statement connects to the larger theme of Ephesians 2, where Paul explains how Jesus reconciles people to God and to each other, forming a new, united household of faith.

Where else these words appear

“household” Greek G3609 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

“foreigners” Greek G3941 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • Acts 7:29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“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 2:12 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:

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.