Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
What Ephesians 1:7 means
Redemption was a word from the marketplace and the slave market — a price paid to secure someone’s release. Paul names the price plainly: through his blood. Forgiveness here is not an overlooking of debt but a settled one.
The measure at the end is the striking part. Not *out of* the riches of his grace, as though drawing down a large supply, but *according to* them — in proportion to a wealth that spending does not diminish.
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Questions about Ephesians 1:7
What does Ephesians 1:7 mean?
It means that in Christ we are set free and forgiven through his blood, and that this is given in keeping with the immense riches of God’s grace.
What does ‘redemption’ mean here?
Release secured by payment. The imagery comes from buying freedom for a captive or a slave, with Christ’s blood named as the price.