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Ephesians 4:9

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ephesians 4:9

Verse 9 of 32

Scripture focus

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Ephesians 4:9 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 4:9

Theological / Devotional

Hesaith. Or, “it saith.” The quotation is from Ps. 68:18. For the meaning of the original quotation see on Ps. 68:18; see Introduction to Ps. 68.

Ascended. Paul applies the words of the psalmist to the ascension of Christ. He points out that it is the ascension of Christ that is the guarantee of His ability to give the gifts of the Spirit to men (cf. on 1 Cor. 15:12-22).

Led captivity captive. Here doubtless meaning, “led captive a host of captives.” In Psalms the reference is probably to the captive foes of Israel’s king. Here it may be understood as referring to those held captive by death who were raised with Christ at His resurrection (Matt. 27:51-53; cf. EW 184, 189, 190; DA 786). The chain of death had been broken; the captives of Satan had been captured by the power of Christ.

Gave. The Hebrew and the LXX of Ps. 68:18 read “received.” As an inspired writer Paul is adapting the psalmist’s statement to the work of Christ in distributing spiritual gifts following His triumphal entry into heaven.

By SdaBc