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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 4:8 This is why it says: "When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/49_Eph_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:8 - Unity in the Body" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is why it says: When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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he gave gifts to people. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For it says: When He ascended on high, He took prisoners into captivity; He gave gifts to people. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> As the Scriptures say, "When he went up to the highest place, he led away many prisoners and gave gifts to people." <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That's why the Scriptures say: "When he went to the highest place, he took captive those who had captured us and gave gifts to people." <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> As the scripture says, "When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people." <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> That is why God says, "When he went up to the highest place, he led captives into captivity and gave gifts to people." <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This is why it says: ?When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.? <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men." <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to people." <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this reason Scripture says: "He re-ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to people.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for this reason, it says, “Having gone up on high He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.” <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore it says: "Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> wherefore, he saith, 'Having gone up on high he led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men,' -- <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore he says, Having ascended into height, he made captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Because of this, he says: “Ascending on high, he took captivity itself captive; he gave gifts to men.” <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, it says: “He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.” <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Wherefore it is said, He ascended on high, and took possession of heaven and gave good gifts to men. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Therefore it is said, “He ascended to the heights and took captivity prisoner and he has given gifts to the children of men.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For which reason, the scripture says: When he ascended on high, he led captive a multitude of captives, and gave gifts to men. <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore he says, Having ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to the people. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Wherefore the Scripture saith, ?When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.?<RX 19.68.18> <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> wherefore 'tis said, " when he ascended up on high, he made a number of captives, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this reason Scripture says: "He re-ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Wherefore, He saith, "Having ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Wherefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=611" 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/4.htm">Unity in the Body</a> …7Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8<a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">This is why</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">it says:</a> <a href="/greek/305.htm" title="305: Anabas (V-APA-NMS) -- To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.">“When He ascended</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.">on</a> <a href="/greek/5311.htm" title="5311: hypsos (N-ANS) -- Height, heaven; dignity, eminence. From a derivative of huper; elevation, i.e. altitude, the sky, or dignity.">high,</a> <a href="/greek/162.htm" title="162: ēchmalōteusen (V-AIA-3S) -- To take captive, captivate. From aichmalotos; to capture.">He led</a> <a href="/greek/161.htm" title="161: aichmalōsian (N-AFS) -- Captivity; a captive multitude. From aichmalotos; captivity.">captives away,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gave</a> <a href="/greek/1390.htm" title="1390: domata (N-ANP) -- A gift, present. From the base of didomi; a present.">gifts</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpois (N-DMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">to men.”</a> 9What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?…<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="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a> You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a> And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. <a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a> Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a> There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/15-24.htm">1 Corinthians 15:24-28</a> Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. / For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. / The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ... <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14-15</a> Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. <a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a> who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. <a href="/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7</a> But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a> But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! <a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a> No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Revelation 5:12</a> In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.When.<a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.he led.<a href="/judges/5-12.htm">Judges 5:12</a> Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.<a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a> And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.captivity.<a href="/1_samuel/30-26.htm">1 Samuel 30:26</a> And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD;<a href="/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18</a> Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">High</a> <a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Host</a> <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Led</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/galatians/4-30.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/daniel/11-43.htm">Train</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">High</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Host</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Led</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Train</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a> 24. <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a> 29. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>This is why it says: This phrase introduces a quotation from the Old Testament, specifically <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a>. The Apostle Paul often uses Old Testament references to connect the teachings of Christ with the Hebrew Scriptures, showing continuity in God's plan. This method of teaching was common in Jewish tradition, where rabbis would cite scripture to support their teachings.“When He ascended on high: The imagery of ascending on high is often associated with victory and triumph. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king or military leader would ascend to a high place after a victory, symbolizing authority and dominion. This phrase is understood to refer to Christ's ascension into heaven after His resurrection, signifying His victory over sin and death. It echoes the ascension of a victorious king returning from battle.He led captives away: This part of the verse suggests a triumphal procession, where a victorious leader would lead captives as a demonstration of their conquest. In the context of Ephesians, it is interpreted as Christ leading spiritual captives—those who were once bound by sin and death—into freedom. This imagery is consistent with the Roman practice of triumphal processions, where captives were paraded as a sign of victory.and gave gifts to men.” The giving of gifts is a reference to the distribution of spiritual gifts to the church. In ancient times, a victorious king would distribute spoils or gifts to his people. Here, it signifies the spiritual gifts given by Christ to believers, empowering them for service and building up the body of Christ. This concept is further elaborated in the subsequent verses of <a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4</a>, where Paul discusses the various gifts and roles within the church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to encourage unity and maturity in the faith. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The one who ascended on high, leading captives and giving gifts to men, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating His victory over sin and death. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the early church was established. It was known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. 4. <a href="/topical/o/old_testament_reference.htm">Old Testament Reference</a> Paul is quoting <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a>, which speaks of God’s triumph and the giving of gifts, now applied to Christ’s ascension. 5. <a href="/topical/a/ascension.htm">Ascension</a> The event of Jesus Christ ascending to heaven after His resurrection, marking His exaltation and the beginning of His heavenly ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/christ's_victory_and_authority.htm">Christ’s Victory and Authority</a> Jesus’ ascension signifies His victory over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Believers can live in the confidence of His authority and triumph. <a href="/topical/t/the_giving_of_gifts.htm">The Giving of Gifts</a> Christ’s ascension resulted in the distribution of spiritual gifts to His followers. Each believer is equipped for service and building up the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The gifts given by Christ are diverse, yet they are meant to unify the church. Embrace and celebrate the different gifts within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_power_of_the_ascended_christ.htm">Living in the Power of the Ascended Christ</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the power and authority of the ascended Lord, participating in His mission on earth. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_maturity.htm">The Call to Maturity</a> The gifts are given to help believers grow into maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ. Pursue spiritual growth and maturity in your walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'led_captivity_captive'_mean.htm">What does "Led Captivity Captive" mean?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_only_one_shepherd.htm">What does 'Led Captivity Captive' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_spend_money_on_non-essential_items.htm">How are we captives in your triumphant procession?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_harrowing_of_hell.htm">What is the Harrowing of Hell?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Wherefore he saith.--The reference is to Psalms 68--a psalm which (as the quotation from <a href="/numbers/10-35.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate you flee before you.">Numbers 10:35</a>, in the first verse, shows) is a psalm celebrating some moving of the ark, traditionally (and most probably) connected with David's bringing up of the ark (2 Samuel 6) to Mount Zion. The very change from the second person to the third person shows it to be a free quotation; and this is made far more evident by the remarkable variation from the text of the original, which runs, Thou receivedst gifts in man--i.e., probably, "among men;" and adds, "even the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them"--a clause which (from <a href="/context/ephesians/4-29.htm" title="Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.">Ephesians 4:29-31</a>) we may suppose to refer to the homage of the heathen to the Lord Jehovah. Now, it has been noted that the word "received" is used constantly for "receiving," or "fetching," for another (<a href="/genesis/15-9.htm" title="And he said to him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.">Genesis 15:9</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm" title="And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort you your hearts; after that you shall pass on: for therefore are you come to your servant. And they said, So do, as you have said.">Genesis 18:5</a>; <a href="/genesis/27-13.htm" title="And his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.">Genesis 27:13</a>, et al.); and it appears that the Chaldee Targum actually has here, as a gloss: "Thou hast given gifts to the sons of men," interpreting the words, curiously enough, of Moses as a mediator between God and man. The psalm also was recognised as a Messianic psalm, foreshadowing the dwelling of "God with us" in the universal kingdom of the true Mediator. St. Paul accordingly uses it with a bold variation suiting his context. The key to this use is found in the truth enunciated of our Lord in <a href="/acts/2-33.htm" title="Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.">Acts 2:33</a>, that "being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath shed forth this." Our Lord, as the Head of humanity, receives only in order to give. From the means, therefore, the Apostle passes to the end. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high he led captivity captive, and received gifts for men. The speaker is God, the author of Scripture, and the place is the sixty-eighth psalm. That psalm is a psalm of triumph, where the placing of the ark on Zion is celebrated as if it had been a great victory. As this quotation shows, the psalm in its deepest sense is Messianic, celebrating the victory of Christ. The substance rather than the words of the passage are given, for the second person ("thou hast ascended," etc.) is changed into the third; and whereas in the psalm it is said, "gave gifts to men," as modified by the apostle it is said, "received gifts for men." As in a literal triumph, the chiefs of the enemy's army are led captive, so the powers of darkness were led captive by Christ (captivity, αἰχμαλωσία, denotes prisoners); and as on occasion of a triumph the spoils of the enemy are made over to the conqueror, who again gives them away among the soldiers and people, so gifts were given to Christ after his triumph to be given by him to his Church. We must not force the analogy too far: the point is simply this - as a conqueror at a triumph gets gifts to distribute, so Christ, on his resurrection and ascension, got the Holy Spirit to bestow on his Church (comp. <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>This is why διὸ (dio) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. it says: λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “When He ascended Ἀναβὰς (Anabas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_305.htm">Strong's 305: </a> To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up. on 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. high, ὕψος (hypsos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5311.htm">Strong's 5311: </a> Height, heaven; dignity, eminence. From a derivative of huper; elevation, i.e. altitude, the sky, or dignity. He led ᾐχμαλώτευσεν (ēchmalōteusen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_162.htm">Strong's 162: </a> To take captive, captivate. From aichmalotos; to capture. captives away, αἰχμαλωσίαν (aichmalōsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_161.htm">Strong's 161: </a> Captivity; a captive multitude. From aichmalotos; captivity. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. gifts δόματα (domata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1390.htm">Strong's 1390: </a> A gift, present. From the base of didomi; a present. to men.” ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-8.htm">Ephesians 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:8 Therefore he says When he ascended (Ephes. Eph. 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