Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

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

What does Ephesians 2:2 mean?

Ephesians 2:2 describes how, in the past, the readers lived according to the ways of the world and were influenced by a spiritual power described as "the prince of the power of the air," a spirit now at work in those who disobey God. The verse highlights a former way of life shaped by outside influences opposed to God.

Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, reminding them of their previous spiritual condition before knowing Christ. He points out that their old behavior was not just personal choice but was also shaped by larger forces—both the general direction of society and a spiritual influence described as a "prince" with power over the "air," a phrase that suggests an unseen realm of influence.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:2

  • "Course" (αἰών, aiōn): This word often means "age" or "era," so "the course of this world" points to the spirit or mindset of the present age, not just individual actions.
  • "Prince" (ἄρχων, archōn): This term means a ruler or authority figure. Here, it refers to a spiritual being with significant influence, not a human leader.
  • "Power" (ἐξουσία, exousia): This word means authority or the right to rule, emphasizing that the "prince" has real, though limited, control in this context.
  • "Air" (ἀήρ, aēr): In the ancient world, "air" was thought of as the space between earth and heaven, often associated with spiritual activity or unseen forces.
  • "Worketh" (ἐνεργέω, energeō): This verb means "to be active" or "to be at work," stressing that this spirit is currently influencing those who are disobedient.

Why Ephesians 2:2 matters

  • Ephesians 2:2 clarifies that spiritual disobedience is not just about individual failings but is also shaped by broader cultural and spiritual influences.
  • The verse connects personal behavior to larger unseen forces, helping readers understand the depth of change Paul says has happened in their lives.
  • By describing the "prince of the power of the air," Paul sets up a contrast between the believers' old way of life and their new identity, which he develops throughout the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“air” Greek G109 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 22:23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
  • 1 Corinthians 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
  • Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

“disobedience” Greek G543 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
  • Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
  • Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“past” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
  • Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.