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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/49_Eph_02_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 2:15 - One in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. 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His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. <a href="/esv/ephesians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having annulled in His flesh the law of commandments in ordinances, so that He might create in Himself the two into one new man, making peace, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might create the two into one new man, making peace, <a href="/amp/ephesians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the hostility caused by the Law with its commandments contained in ordinances [which He satisfied]; so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thereby establishing peace. <a href="/csb/ephesians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. <a href="/asv/ephesians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; <a href="/cev/ephesians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. <a href="/erv/ephesians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the twain one new man, so making peace; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He brought an end to the commandments and demands found in Moses' Teachings so that he could take Jewish and non-Jewish people and create one new humanity in himself. So he made peace. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. <a href="/isv/ephesians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> He rendered the Law inoperative, along with its commandments and regulations, thus creating in himself one new humanity from the two, thereby making peace, <a href="/msb/ephesians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace <a href="/net/ephesians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances: to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace; <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> by setting aside the Law with its commandments, expressed, as they were, in definite decrees. His design was to unite the two sections of humanity in Himself so as to form one new man, <a href="/web/ephesians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the enmity in His flesh, having done away [with] the Law of the commands in ordinances, that He might create the two into one new man in Himself, making peace, <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having annulled in His flesh the law of commandments in ordinances, so that He might create in Himself the two into one new man, making peace, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the enmity in his flesh, the law of the commands in ordinances having done away, that the two he might create in himself into one new man, making peace, <a href="/slt/ephesians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The enmity in his flesh, the law of commands in enactments, having left unemployed; that he might create in himself one new man, making peace;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Making void the law of commandments contained in decrees; that he might make the two in himself into one new man, making peace; <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> emptying the law of commandments by decree, so that he might join these two, in himself, into one new man, making peace <a href="/nabre/ephesians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he has abolished by his precious body, the enmity between them, and he has abolished by his commandments, the ordinances of the law, that he may create, in his person, from the two, a new man, thus making peace; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he has canceled the hatred by his flesh and the law of commands in his commandments, that for the two, he would create in his Person one new man, and he has made peace.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> having abolished, in his flesh, the cause of enmity, the law of commandments in ordinances, that he might, by himself, form the two into one new man, thus making peace; <a href="/godbey/ephesians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> having destroyed the law of commandments in ordinances, through his flesh, the enmity, in order that He might create the two in himself into one new man, making peace; <a href="/haweis/ephesians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, <a href="/mace/ephesians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> by setting aside the Law with its commandments, expressed, as they were, in definite decrees. His design was to unite the two sections of humanity in Himself so as to form one new man, <a href="/worrell/ephesians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments expressed in decrees, that He might make the two one new man in Himself, making peace, <a href="/worsley/ephesians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might form the two into one new man, in Himself, so making peace; <a href="/parallel/ephesians/2-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=330" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">One in Christ</a> …14For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility 15<a href="/greek/2673.htm" title="2673: katargēsas (V-APA-NMS) -- From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively.">by abolishing</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolōn (N-GFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">of commandments</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/1378.htm" title="1378: dogmasin (N-DNP) -- A decree, edict, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law.">decrees.</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">He did this to</a> <a href="/greek/2936.htm" title="2936: ktisē (V-ASA-3S) -- To create, form, shape, make, always of God. Probably akin to ktaomai; to fabricate, i.e. Found.">create</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/848.htm" title="848: hautō (PPro-DM3S) -- Her own, his own, their own, themselves, they. Contracted for heautou; self.">Himself</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hena (Adj-AMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/2537.htm" title="2537: kainon (Adj-AMS) -- Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new">new</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpon (N-AMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-AMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two,</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">thus making</a> <a href="/greek/1515.htm" title="1515: eirēnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.">peace</a> 16and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Colossians 2:14</a> having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a> For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a> For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Romans 6:6</a> We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. <a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm">Hebrews 8:13</a> By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a> Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. <a href="/romans/7-4.htm">Romans 7:4</a> Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a> But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-33</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a> “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace;in his.<a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a> In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a> Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, … the law.<a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10</a> For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.<a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Colossians 2:14,20</a> Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; … <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Hebrews 7:16</a> Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.one.<a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16</a> From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.<a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Abolished</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Contained</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Create</a> <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/acts/25-26.htm">Definite</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Design</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">Division</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/acts/18-23.htm">Establishing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-14.htm">Expressed</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/galatians/6-13.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-16.htm">Making</a> <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-2.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Regulations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Unite</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/1-10.htm">Abolished</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Contained</a> <a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">Create</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/exodus/9-5.htm">Definite</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Design</a> <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Division</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Establishing</a> <a href="/numbers/1-17.htm">Expressed</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Making</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-23.htm">New</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Regulations</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Unite</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 2</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,</a> 10. <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, </a> 19. <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Greek word for "abolishing" is "katargeō," which means to render inactive or ineffective. In the context of Christ's flesh, it signifies the profound act of Jesus' incarnation and crucifixion, where He took on human form to fulfill and thus nullify the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. This act was not a mere spiritual or symbolic gesture but a tangible, historical event that underscores the reality of the Incarnation and the physical suffering of Christ. It emphasizes the depth of God's love and the lengths to which He went to reconcile humanity to Himself.the law of commandments and decrees The "law of commandments and decrees" refers to the Mosaic Law, which included not only the Ten Commandments but also numerous ceremonial and civil laws given to Israel. The Greek term "dogma" is used here for "decrees," indicating established ordinances or authoritative decisions. Historically, these laws served to set Israel apart and guide them in holiness. However, they also highlighted humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through works. Christ's fulfillment and subsequent abolishment of these laws in His flesh signify the transition from the Old Covenant, based on adherence to the law, to the New Covenant, based on grace through faith in Jesus Christ.He did this to create in Himself The phrase "to create in Himself" speaks to the divine initiative and purpose behind Christ's work. The Greek word "ktizō" for "create" implies a new act of creation, akin to God's original creation of the world. This new creation is not merely a reformation but a transformation, indicating the profound change brought about by Christ's redemptive work. In Himself, Christ becomes the locus of this new creation, emphasizing that it is only through union with Him that this new reality is possible. This reflects the theological truth that salvation and unity are found solely in Christ.one new man out of the two This phrase encapsulates the unifying purpose of Christ's work. The "two" refers to Jews and Gentiles, who were historically divided by the law and cultural enmity. The Greek word "kainos" for "new" suggests something unprecedented and qualitatively different. In Christ, these two groups are reconciled and formed into "one new man," symbolizing the church as the unified body of believers. This new entity transcends ethnic, cultural, and social barriers, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.thus making peace The culmination of Christ's work is "making peace." The Greek word "eirēnē" for "peace" denotes not just the absence of conflict but the presence of harmony and wholeness. This peace is both vertical, between humanity and God, and horizontal, among human beings. Historically, the division between Jew and Gentile was profound, but Christ's sacrificial act dismantled the barriers, creating a new community characterized by peace. This peace is a foretaste of the ultimate reconciliation and unity that will be fully realized in God's eternal kingdom. It serves as an inspiration for believers to live out this peace in their relationships and communities, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) The connection in the original is doubtful. The words the "enmity in His flesh" may be in apposition to the "wall of partition" in the previous verse; or, as in our version, to "the law of commandments." The general sense, however, is but little affected in either case.Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances.--In this difficult passage it will be well first to examine the particular expressions. (1) The word rendered "to abolish" is the word often used by St. Paul for "to supersede by something better than itself"--translated "to make void," in <a href="/romans/3-31.htm" title="Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law.">Romans 3:31</a>; to "bring to nought," in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm" title="And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are:">1Corinthians 1:28</a>, and (in the passive) "to fail," "to vanish away," "to be done away," in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/13-8.htm" title="Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.">1Corinthians 13:8-10</a>. Now, of the relation of Christ to the Law, St. Paul says, in <a href="/romans/3-31.htm" title="Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law.">Romans 3:31</a>, "Do we make void the Law? God forbid! Yea, we establish the Law." The Law, therefore, is abolished as a law "in ordinances"--that is, "in the letter"--and is established in the spirit. (2) "The law of commandments in ordinances." The word here rendered "ordinance" (dogma) properly means "a decree." It is used only in this sense in the New Testament (see <a href="/luke/2-1.htm" title="And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.">Luke 2:1</a>; <a href="/acts/16-4.htm" title="And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.">Acts 16:4</a>; <a href="/acts/17-7.htm" title="Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.">Acts 17:7</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm" title="By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.">Hebrews 11:23</a>); and it signifies expressly a law imposed and accepted, not for its intrinsic righteousness, but on authority; or, as Butler expresses it (Anal., Part ii., Ephesians 1), not a "moral," but "a positive law." In <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm" title=" Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;">Colossians 2:14</a> (the parallel passage) the word is connected with a "handwriting" that is a legal "bond"; and the Colossians are reproved for subjecting themselves to "ordinances, which are but a shadow of things to come"; while "the body," the true substance, "is Christ." (See <a href="/context/ephesians/2-16.htm" title="And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:">Ephesians 2:16-17</a>; <a href="/context/ephesians/2-20.htm" title="And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;">Ephesians 2:20-21</a>.) (3) Hence the whole expression describes explicitly what St. Paul always implies in his proper and distinctive use of the word "law." It signifies the will of God, as expressed in formal commandments, and enforced by penalties on disobedience. The general idea, therefore, of the passage is simply that which is so often brought out in the earlier Epistles (see <a href="/context/romans/3-21.htm" title="But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;">Romans 3:21-31</a>; <a href="/context/romans/7-1.htm" title="Know you not, brothers, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?">Romans 7:1-4</a>; <a href="/context/romans/8-1.htm" title="There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.">Romans 8:1-4</a>; <a href="/context/galatians/2-15.htm" title="We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,">Galatians 2:15-21</a>, et al.), but which (as the Colossian Epistle more plainly shows) now needed to be enforced under a somewhat different form--viz., that Christ, "the end of the law," has superseded it by the free covenant of the Spirit; and that He has done this for us "in His flesh," especially by His death and resurrection. (4) But in what sense is this Law called "the enmity," which (see <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm" title="And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:">Ephesians 2:16</a>) was "slain" on the Cross? Probably in the double sense, which runs through the passage: first, as "an enmity," a cause of separation and hostility, between the Gentiles and those Jews whom they called "the enemies of the human race"; next, as "an enmity" a cause of alienation and condemnation, between man and God--"the commandment which was ordained to life, being found to be unto death" through the rebellion and sin of man. The former sense seems to be the leading sense here, where the idea is of "making both one"; the latter in the next verse, which speaks of "reconciling both to God," all the partitions are broken down, that all alike may have "access to the Father." Comp. <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm" title=" And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled">Colossians 1:21</a>, "You, who were enemies in your mind, He hath reconciled;" and <a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm" title="Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,">Hebrews 10:19</a>, "Having confidence to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated to us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - (To wit, the enmity.) It is a moot point whether τὴν ἔχθραν is to be taken as governed by λύσας in ver. 14, or by καταργήσας in the end of this verse. Both A.V. and R.V. adopt the latter; but the former is more textual and natural. Another question is - What enmity? Some say between Jews and Gentiles; others, between both and God. The latter seems right; where "the enmity" is so emphatically referred to, it must be the great or fundamental enmity, and the whole tenor of the passage is to the effect that in the removal of the enmity of the sinner to God, the abolition of the enmity between Jew and Gentile was provided for. In his flesh. These words are not to be connected with the enmity, for then they would require τὴν before them, but with λύσας (ver. 14) or καταργήσας (ver. 15). In his flesh, crucified, broken, for our sins, Christ virtually broke down the enmity (comp. <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a>). Having abolished the law of commandments in ordinances. Some think that "in ordinances" (ἐν δόγμασι, doctrines) denotes the means by which the Law was abolished - by means of doctrines, i.e. the doctrines of Christianity. But New Testament δόγμα is not equal to "doctrine." "In ordinances" limits the law of commandments. The law abolished or superseded by Christ was the law of positive requirements embodied in things decreed, evidently the ceremonial law of the Jews; certainly not the moral law (see <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Romans 3:31</a>). By removing this, Jesus removed that which had become the occasion of bitter feelings between Jew and Gentile; the Jew looking down proudly on the Gentile, and the Gentile despising what he deemed the fantastic rites of the Jews. That he might create the two in himself into one new man. The idea of a corporate body comes here into view. Christ's object was not merely to restore individuals, but to rear a Church, composed of many units incorporated into one body. This idea is prominent in the rest of the Epistle. Hence the strong word κτισῃ, create; not only is every believer a new creation, but the corporate organization into which they are built is also a creation. The two are made "one new man;" the Gentile is not turned into a Jew, nor the Jew into a Gentile, but both into one new man, thus removing all grounds of jealousy. This transformation is "in himself;" in vital union to Christ they are formed into one body. No Church connection of man with man is the true connection, unless it is founded on a mutual connection with Christ. So making peace; that is, between Jew and Gentile. The peacemaking with God, as we have seen, is referred to in the first words of the verse; this at the end is the subordinate peacemaking, the result of the other. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/2-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>by abolishing καταργήσας (katargēsas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2673.htm">Strong's 2673: </a> From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. flesh σαρκὶ (sarki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. law νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. of commandments ἐντολῶν (entolōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription. [and] ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. decrees. δόγμασιν (dogmasin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1378.htm">Strong's 1378: </a> A decree, edict, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law. [ He did this ] to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. create κτίσῃ (ktisē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2936.htm">Strong's 2936: </a> To create, form, shape, make, always of God. Probably akin to ktaomai; to fabricate, i.e. Found. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Himself αὑτῷ (hautō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_848.htm">Strong's 848: </a> Her own, his own, their own, themselves, they. Contracted for heautou; self. one ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. new καινὸν (kainon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2537.htm">Strong's 2537: </a> Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new man ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. [out of] εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. two, δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. [thus] making ποιῶν (poiōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. peace εἰρήνην (eirēnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1515.htm">Strong's 1515: </a> Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in the flesh the hostility (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 2:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 2:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 2:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 2:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>