Ephesians 4:8 - Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Psalm 68:18
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ephesians 4:8" mean?
Ephesians 4:8 quotes Psalm 68:18 and applies it to Jesus's ascension. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Therefore he says": This indicates that the author of Ephesians is using Scripture to support his argument about unity and diversity within the church.
"When he ascended on high": This refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). "On high" emphasizes the exaltation and authority that Jesus received.
"He led captivity captive": This is the most debated part of the verse. There are a few possible interpretations:
Defeated the powers of darkness: This is the most common interpretation. "Captivity" represents the spiritual forces of evil (sin, death, the devil) that held humanity captive. By his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered these powers and "led them captive" in a triumphal procession. This interpretation aligns with other passages that speak of Jesus defeating Satan and his forces (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15).
Led believers out of captivity: Another interpretation sees "captivity" as referring to believers held captive by sin and death. When Jesus ascended, he "led captive" these believers, freeing them from their bondage.
Captured captives to be servants: In the ancient world, conquering kings would often take captives in war. Some captives would be put in prison, while others would be freed and become servants of the king. Some see the captives as those who were already in the paradise of God, and when Jesus resurrected, he led them into heaven with him.
"and gave gifts to men": This refers to the spiritual gifts that Jesus bestows upon his followers, enabling them to serve in the church and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These gifts are diverse and include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as well as other abilities and talents.
Overall Meaning:
Ephesians 4:8 emphasizes that Jesus' ascension was not just a physical event, but a triumphant victory over the forces of evil and the source of spiritual gifts for the church. Because of his ascension and victory, Jesus is able to empower his followers with the gifts they need to fulfill their roles in the body of Christ, leading to unity and maturity within the church.
In short, the verse means that Jesus, through his ascension, triumphed over evil and now gives spiritual gifts to believers so they can build up the church.
Ephesians 4:8 - Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Psalm 68:18
What does "Ephesians 4:8" mean?
Ephesians 4:8 quotes Psalm 68:18 and applies it to Jesus's ascension. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Therefore he says": This indicates that the author of Ephesians is using Scripture to support his argument about unity and diversity within the church.
"When he ascended on high": This refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). "On high" emphasizes the exaltation and authority that Jesus received.
"He led captivity captive": This is the most debated part of the verse. There are a few possible interpretations:
Defeated the powers of darkness: This is the most common interpretation. "Captivity" represents the spiritual forces of evil (sin, death, the devil) that held humanity captive. By his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered these powers and "led them captive" in a triumphal procession. This interpretation aligns with other passages that speak of Jesus defeating Satan and his forces (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15).
Led believers out of captivity: Another interpretation sees "captivity" as referring to believers held captive by sin and death. When Jesus ascended, he "led captive" these believers, freeing them from their bondage.
Captured captives to be servants: In the ancient world, conquering kings would often take captives in war. Some captives would be put in prison, while others would be freed and become servants of the king. Some see the captives as those who were already in the paradise of God, and when Jesus resurrected, he led them into heaven with him.
"and gave gifts to men": This refers to the spiritual gifts that Jesus bestows upon his followers, enabling them to serve in the church and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These gifts are diverse and include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as well as other abilities and talents.
Overall Meaning:
Ephesians 4:8 emphasizes that Jesus' ascension was not just a physical event, but a triumphant victory over the forces of evil and the source of spiritual gifts for the church. Because of his ascension and victory, Jesus is able to empower his followers with the gifts they need to fulfill their roles in the body of Christ, leading to unity and maturity within the church.
In short, the verse means that Jesus, through his ascension, triumphed over evil and now gives spiritual gifts to believers so they can build up the church.