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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 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/49_Eph_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 2:9 - Alive with Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="not by works, so that no one can boast." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/2-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm" title="Ephesians 2:8">◄</a> Ephesians 2:9 <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm" title="Ephesians 2:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />not a result of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Not of works, lest any man should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />not of works, lest anyone should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />not a result of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />not as a result of works, that no one should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />not of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast <i>or</i> take credit in any way [for his salvation].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />not from works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />not from works, so that no one can boast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />not of works, that no man should glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />not of works, that no man should glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and not the result of actions, to put a stop to all boasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />it is not from works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />not of works, that no one would boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Not by works, lest any man should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so that it may be impossible for any one to boast.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />not of works, that no one would boast. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />not of works, that no one may boast;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> not of works, that no one may boast;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Not of works, lest any one should boast.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Not of works, that no man may glory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this is not of works, so that no one may glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />it is not from works, so no one may boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />not the result of works, so that no one may boast.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Not of works, lest any man should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Not of works, lest anyone should boast.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />not by works, lest any one should boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />not of works, in order that no one may boast:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />not by works, lest any man should boast;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />it is the gift of God) but not by works, so that no man can boast:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so that it may be impossible for any one to boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />not of works, lest any one should boast;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />for we are his workmanship,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/2-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=273" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">Alive with Christ</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works,</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.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">one</a> <a href="/greek/2744.htm" title="2744: kauchēsētai (V-ASM-3S) -- To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.">can boast.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Romans 3:27-28</a></span><br />Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. / For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4-5</a></span><br />Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. / However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Romans 11:6</a></span><br />And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a></span><br />and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-11</a></span><br />All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28-29</a></span><br />Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” / Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11-12</a></span><br />Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">1 Corinthians 1:29-31</a></span><br />so that no one may boast in His presence. / It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. / Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4</a></span><br />You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Not of works, lest any man should boast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20,27,28</a></b></br> Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2</a></b></br> For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath <i>whereof</i> to glory; but not before God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11,16</a></b></br> (For <i>the children</i> being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-21.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/galatians/4-23.htm">Result</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Result</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>not by works</b><br>This phrase emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through human efforts or deeds. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting that adherence to the Law or any human effort cannot earn salvation. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching found in <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28</a>, where Paul states that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law. The cultural context of the time included a strong emphasis on following the Mosaic Law among Jewish communities, and Paul is making it clear that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human merit. This teaching counters the prevalent belief systems of the time, which often involved earning favor with deities through rituals and sacrifices.<p><b>so that no one can boast</b><br>This phrase underscores the purpose of salvation being a gift: to eliminate any grounds for human pride or boasting. In the Greco-Roman world, boasting about one's achievements was common, and Paul is countering this cultural norm by emphasizing humility before God. This connects with <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">1 Corinthians 1:29-31</a>, where Paul explains that God chose the lowly and despised things of the world so that no one may boast before Him. Theologically, this reflects the idea that all glory belongs to God, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a>, where the Lord declares that the only legitimate boasting is in understanding and knowing Him. This teaching also points to the nature of Jesus Christ, who, though being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage, but humbled Himself (<a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The church in Ephesus was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges related to understanding the nature of salvation and the role of works.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/salvation_by_grace_alone.htm">Salvation by Grace Alone</a></b><br>Salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by human effort. This underscores the grace of God and the futility of human boasting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_faith.htm">Humility in Faith</a></b><br>Understanding that salvation is not by works should lead to humility. Believers are called to recognize their dependence on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_good_works.htm">The Role of Good Works</a></b><br>While works do not save, they are the evidence of a living faith. Believers are encouraged to live out their faith through good works as a response to God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_legalism.htm">Guarding Against Legalism</a></b><br>Christians should be wary of falling into legalism, where they might believe that their actions can earn God's favor. True faith rests in Christ's finished work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a></b><br>Since salvation is not by works, there is no room for boasting or division based on personal achievements. This truth should foster unity among believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'there_but_for_god's_grace'.htm">What does "There but for the grace of God go I" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_cor_9_align_with_faith_alone.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Corinthians 9 with other biblical passages that seem to prioritize faith alone over works or charitable acts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_study_of_salvation_called.htm">What is the study of salvation called?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_pauline_theology.htm">What defines Pauline Theology in Christian doctrine?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Not of works, lest any man should boast.</span>--In this verse we have the echo of the past Judaising controversy; it sums up briefly the whole argument of <a href="/romans/3-27.htm" title="Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith.">Romans 3:27</a> to <a href="/romans/4-25.htm" title="Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.">Romans 4:25</a>. There is a similar reminiscence, but more distinct and detached, in <a href="/context/philippians/3-2.htm" title="Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.">Philippians 3:2-9</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Not of works, lest any man should boast.</span> Exegetical of the last clause, "Not of yourselves; certainly not of your works." The suppression of boasting was a purpose of God in his scheme of salvation; not the chief or final purpose, any more than the manifestation of his grace in coming ages was his chief or final purpose in showing mercy to the Ephesians, but inseparable from the nature of his plan. The spirit of glorying is essentially unsuited to the relations between the creature and the Creator, between the Redeemer and the redeemed. It is the very opposite of the spirit, "Not unto us, O Lord" (<a href="/psalms/115-1.htm">Psalm 115:1</a>) - the spirit that casts its crown before the throne, and that breathes in the songs of heaven, "Unto him that loved us ... be glory and dominion forever and ever" (<a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5, 6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξ</span> <span class="translit">(ex)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">works,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔργων</span> <span class="translit">(ergōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">μή</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can boast.</span><br /><span class="grk">καυχήσηται</span> <span class="translit">(kauchēsētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2744.htm">Strong's 2744: </a> </span><span class="str2">To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/2-9.htm">Ephesians 2:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/2-9.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works that no one would (Ephes. Eph. 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