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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 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/49_Eph_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 2:13 - One in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/2-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div 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/2-13.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 13</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="/ad13.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/2-12.htm" title="Ephesians 2:12">◄</a> Ephesians 2:13 <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm" title="Ephesians 2:14">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/ephesians/2.htm">New International Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. <a href="/esv/ephesians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you, the ones once being far off, have become near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/amp/ephesians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/csb/ephesians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. <a href="/asv/ephesians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. <a href="/cev/ephesians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. <a href="/erv/ephesians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But now through Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/isv/ephesians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> But now, in union with the Messiah Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. <a href="/msb/ephesians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. <a href="/net/ephesians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But now, in Christ Jesus, ye, who formerly were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were so far away have been brought near through the death of Christ. <a href="/web/ephesians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but now, in Christ Jesus, you being once far off became near in the blood of the Christ, <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you, the ones once being far off, have become near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, in Christ Jesus, ye being once afar off became nigh in the blood of the Christ, <a href="/slt/ephesians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now in Christ Jesus ye who then being far off have become near in the blood of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus, you, who some time were afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were in times past far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But now, through Jesus Christ, you who sometimes were far off are brought near by the blood of Christ. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But now you are in Yeshua The Messiah, when from the first you were distant, and you have come near by the blood of The Messiah.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were formerly far off, have become near, by the blood of the Christ. <a href="/godbey/ephesians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But now you are in Christ Jesus, who being at one time far off have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/mace/ephesians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were so far away have been brought near through the death of Christ. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who were once afar off were made nigh in the blood of Christ. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> ye, who were formerly afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/2-13.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=313" 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> …12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3570.htm" title="3570: nyni (Adv) -- A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now.">now</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/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4218.htm" title="4218: pote (Prtcl) -- At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever.">once</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">were</a> <a href="/greek/3112.htm" title="3112: makran (Adj-AFS) -- At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance.">far away</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egenēthēte (V-AIP-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">have been brought</a> <a href="/greek/1451.htm" title="1451: engys (Adv) -- Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.">near</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.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- 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/129.htm" title="129: haimati (N-DNS) -- Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.">blood</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ.</a> 14For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of 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/1-20.htm">Colossians 1:20-22</a> and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. / Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. / But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— <a href="/romans/5-10.htm">Romans 5:10</a> For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. <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="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a> Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, / and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ... <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Romans 3:24-25</a> and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. / God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a> All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. <a href="/acts/2-39.htm">Acts 2:39</a> This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Romans 8:38-39</a> For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, / neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a> bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.” <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="/zechariah/9-11.htm">Zechariah 9:11</a> As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33-34</a> “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. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/ezekiel/37-26.htm">Ezekiel 37:26-28</a> And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. / My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. / Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.in.<a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1</a> There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a> But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:<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.were.<a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Ephesians 2:12,17,19-22</a> That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: … <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5-8</a> Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; … <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7</a> All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,are.<a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Ephesians 2:16</a> And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:<a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Ephesians 1:7</a> In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23-30</a> For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-6.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/romans/10-8.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Once</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/2-17.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-17.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-17.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Once</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Time</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'; </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/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>But now in Christ Jesus This phrase marks a pivotal transition from the previous state of alienation to a new reality. "But now" indicates a change brought about by divine intervention. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing the believer's union with Christ. This union is not merely positional but transformative, affecting one's identity and relationship with God. The concept of being "in Christ" is foundational, appearing frequently in Paul's letters, signifying the believer's incorporation into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.you who once were far away This refers to the Gentiles who were previously excluded from the covenantal promises given to Israel. In the historical context, Gentiles were considered outsiders, both spiritually and socially, lacking the privileges of the Jewish people. The phrase echoes <a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a>, where God promises peace to those "far and near." The distance is not just geographical but spiritual, highlighting the separation from God due to sin and the lack of access to the covenant community.have been brought near This indicates a reversal of the previous alienation. The language of being "brought near" is reminiscent of temple worship, where proximity to God was a privilege of the Jewish people. In the Old Testament, nearness to God was associated with the temple and the sacrificial system. Now, through Christ, Gentiles are granted access to God, symbolizing reconciliation and the breaking down of barriers. This nearness is not just a physical or social change but a profound spiritual reality.through the blood of Christ The means by which this nearness is achieved is through the sacrificial death of Jesus. The "blood of Christ" is a reference to His atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. This phrase underscores the cost of reconciliation and the seriousness of sin. The blood signifies the new covenant, as Jesus Himself stated during the Last Supper (<a href="/luke/22-20.htm">Luke 22:20</a>). It fulfills the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> and the Passover lamb in <a href="/exodus/12.htm">Exodus 12</a>, typifying Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.<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 was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the church to whom this letter was addressed was located. It was a center of commerce and pagan worship, making it a challenging environment for early Christians. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> Central to this verse, Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, whose sacrificial death and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people who were considered "far away" from the promises of God before the coming of Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_blood_of_christ.htm">The Blood of Christ</a> Refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, which is the means by which believers are reconciled to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_through_christ.htm">Reconciliation through Christ</a> The verse emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which reconciles us to God. This reconciliation is not based on our works but on the grace extended through Jesus' blood. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13</a> speaks to the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating one unified body in Christ. This unity should be reflected in the church today, transcending cultural and social divisions. <a href="/topical/t/the_nearness_of_god.htm">The Nearness of God</a> Being "brought near" signifies a restored relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to live in the reality of this nearness, cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_blood.htm">The Power of the Blood</a> The blood of Christ is central to our faith, symbolizing cleansing, redemption, and the new covenant. Believers should regularly reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and its implications for daily living.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_economic_trinity.htm">What is the Economic Trinity in Christian theology?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_cross_symbolize.htm">What does the cross symbolize?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_fellowship_with_god.htm">What defines fellowship with God?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_new_israel's_identity.htm">What defines the identity of the new Israel?</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>(13) This verse speaks of the restoration of the heathen as taking place, first, "in Christ Jesus"--in virtue, that is, of union with Him through all the acts of His mediation; and next, "by the blood of Christ"--that is, through that especial act of mediation, which is emphatically an atonement for sin--such sin as St. Paul had been declaring above to be the cause of spiritual deadness. They had power now "to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (<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>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - But now; antithesis to ποτὲ in ver. 11, and τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ in ver. 12. Another of the very powerful "buts" of this Epistle, completely reversing the picture going before (see ver. 4). In Christ Jesus. This expression is the pivot of the Epistle, denoting, not only that Christ Jesus is the Source of blessing, but also that we get the blessing, i.e. by vital union and fellowship with, him. The "without Christ" of ver. 12 contrasts powerfully with "in Christ Jesus" of this verse; and the addition of "Jesus" to the name is significant, denoting his saving power, denoting One who is not merely an official Savior, but to whom we get linked by all manner of endearing qualities and personal attractions, whose human name is Jesus, because he saves his people from their sins. Ye that once were far off are become near. The apostle has slidden into a new figure; formerly the contrast was between death and life, now it is between distance and nearness. Not merely geographical distance, or remoteness in respect of outward position, but moral distance too: ye were far off from God, i.e. from his favor, his fellowship, his gracious pardoning and renewing grace. In this sense too ye are now brought near. God is become your God and Father. Your orbit is changed to a near and blessed position, where the light of God's countenance falls upon you. In the blood of Christ. This is the particular instrument of the change; not merely Christ manifesting the Father's readiness to receive you, but shedding his blood to make atonement for you (see <a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Ephesians 1:7</a>). The preposition ἐν (not merely διὰ) is again significant, denoting more than the instrumentality, viz. personal connection with the blood, as if sprinkled on us, so that we are symbolically in it. Cleansing us from all sin, it brings us nigh. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. now νυνὶ (nyni) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3570.htm">Strong's 3570: </a> A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now. 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. Christ Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. who οἵ (hoi) Article - Nominative 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. once ποτε (pote) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_4218.htm">Strong's 4218: </a> At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever. were ὄντες (ontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. far away μακρὰν (makran) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3112.htm">Strong's 3112: </a> At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance. have been brought ἐγενήθητε (egenēthēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. near ἐγγὺς (engys) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1451.htm">Strong's 1451: </a> Near. From a primary verb agcho; near. through 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. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter 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. blood αἵματι (haimati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_129.htm">Strong's 129: </a> Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred. of Christ. Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who (Ephes. Eph. 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