That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

EPHESIANS 2:7KJV
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Ephesians 2:7 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:7 mean?

Ephesians 2:7 says that God’s purpose in showing kindness and grace to believers through Jesus Christ is so that, in the future, everyone can see just how overwhelmingly generous and good He is. The verse points to God’s intent to display the greatness of His grace for all time.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, explaining that God’s saving work through Jesus is not just for their benefit now, but also to reveal God’s character to future generations and ages. This verse follows Paul’s description of salvation as a gift, emphasizing that God’s kindness is meant to be a lasting demonstration of His grace.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:7

  • αἰῶσιν (aiōsin, “ages”): This word often refers to long stretches of time or even eternity. Paul is highlighting that God’s grace will be recognized not just now, but throughout all future ages.
  • ὑπερβάλλοντα (hyperballonta, “exceeding”): This word means surpassing or extraordinary. Paul chooses a term that stresses just how far God’s grace goes beyond normal expectations.
  • χρηστότητι (chrēstotēti, “kindness”): This word carries the sense of genuine goodness and benevolence. Paul is pointing out that God’s grace is not cold or distant, but expressed in real kindness toward people.

Why Ephesians 2:7 matters

  • Ephesians 2:7 clarifies that God’s grace is not only for the present moment but is meant to be a display for all future generations, showing that salvation has a purpose beyond individual experience.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s motivation is His own goodness and kindness, not anything people have done to earn it, which helps correct misunderstandings about earning salvation.
  • Ephesians 2:7 connects the personal experience of grace to God’s larger plan, showing that every believer’s story is part of a much bigger picture of God’s character being revealed to the world.

Where else these words appear

“exceeding” Greek G5235 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

“kindness” Greek G5544 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

“come” Greek G1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • Acts 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

“shew” Greek G1731 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
  • Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.