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Ephesians 1:4

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— according as he has chosen us in him before [the] world's foundation, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love;
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— According as he made choice of us, in him, before the founding of a world, that we might be holy and blameless in his presence; in love,
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— according as He did choose us in him before the foundation of the world, for our being holy and unblemished before Him, in love,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— As hee hath chosen vs in him, before the foundation of the worlde, that we should be holy, ? without blame before him in loue:
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— According as he hath chosen vs in him, before the foundation of the world, that wee should bee holy, and without blame before him in loue:
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— Just as from the beginning he has chosen us through him before the foundation of the world, that we may become holy and without blemish before him.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— as he before elected us in him, from before the foundations of the world, that we should be saints, and without blemish before him, and in love predesignated us unto himself,
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— according as he had previously chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we might be holy and without blame before him; and, in love, predestinated us for himself;

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
According as 2531
{2531} Prime
καθώς
kathos
{kath-oce'}
From G2596 and G5613; just (or inasmuch) as, that.
he hath chosen 1586
{1586} Prime
ἐκλέγομαι
eklegomai
{ek-leg'-om-ahee}
Middle voice from G1537 and G3004 (in its primary sense); to select.
z5668
<5668> Grammar
Tense - Aorist (See G5777)
Voice - Middle (See G5785)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 88
us 2248
{2248} Prime
ἡμᾶς
hemas
{hay-mas'}
Accusative plural of G1473; us.
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
him 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
before 4253
{4253} Prime
πρό
pro
{pro}
A primary preposition; 'fore', that is, in front of, prior (figuratively superior) to. In compounds it retains the same significations.
the foundation 2602
{2602} Prime
καταβολή
katabole
{kat-ab-ol-ay'}
From G2598; a deposition, that is, founding; figuratively conception.
of the world, 2889
{2889} Prime
κόσμος
kosmos
{kos'-mos}
Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]).
that we 2248
{2248} Prime
ἡμᾶς
hemas
{hay-mas'}
Accusative plural of G1473; us.
should be 1511
{1511} Prime
εἶναι
einai
{i'-nahee}
Present infinitive from G1510; to exist.
z5750
<5750> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799)
Mood - Infinitive (See G5795)
Count - 135
holy 40
{0040} Prime
ἅγιος
hagios
{hag'-ee-os}
From ἅγος [[hagos]] (an awful thing) compare G0053, [H2282]; sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated).
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
without blame 299
{0299} Prime
ἄμωμος
amomos
{am'-o-mos}
From G0001 (as a negative particle) and G3470; unblemished (literally or figuratively).
before 2714
{2714} Prime
κατενώπιον
katenopion
{kat-en-o'-pee-on}
From G2596 and G1799; directly in front of.
him 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
love: 26
{0026} Prime
ἀγάπη
agape
{ag-ah'-pay}
From G0025; love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Ephesians 1:4

_ _ hath chosen usGreek,chose us out for Himself” (namely, out of the world, Galatians 1:4): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past.

_ _ in him — The repetition of the idea, “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Ephesians 3:11).

_ _ before the foundation of the world — This assumes the eternity of the Son of God (John 17:5, John 17:24), as of the election of believers in Him (2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

_ _ that we should be holy — positively (Deuteronomy 14:2).

_ _ without blame — negatively (Ephesians 5:27; 1 Thessalonians 3:13).

_ _ before him — It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment (Colossians 1:22; compare Revelation 7:15).

_ _ in love — joined by Bengel and others with Ephesians 1:5, “in love having predestinated us,” etc. But English Version is better. The words qualify the whole clause, “that we should be holy ... before Him.” Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root and fruit and sum of all holiness (Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:13).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

See commentary on Ephesians 1:3-14.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Ephesians 1:4

As he hath chosen us — Both Jews and gentiles, whom he foreknew as believing in Christ, 1 Peter 1:2.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Ephesians 1:4

(6) According as he hath chosen us in (d) him before the foundation of the world, (7) that we (e) should (f) be holy and without blame (g) before him in love:

(6) He declares the efficient cause, or by what means God the Father saves us in his Son: because, he says, he chose us from everlasting in his Son.

(d) To be adopted in him. (7) He expounds the next final cause which is twofold, that is, sanctification and justification, of which he will speak later. And by this also two things are to be noted, that is, that holiness of life cannot be separated from the grace of election: and again, whatever pureness is in us, is the gift of God who has freely of his mercy chosen us.

(e) God then, did not choose us because we were, or otherwise would have been holy, but to the end we should be holy.

(f) Being clothed with Christ's righteousness.

(g) Truly and sincerely.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
as:

Deuteronomy 7:6-7 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. ... The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people:
Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Isaiah 41:8-9 But thou, Israel, [art] my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. ... [Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 65:8-10 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all. ... And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
Matthew 11:25-26 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. ... Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
Romans 9:23-24 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, ... Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ... And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: ... Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Titus 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; ... In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

before:

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

that:

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Luke 1:74-75 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, ... In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, ... Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
2 Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; ... Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

without:

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

love:

Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: ... From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Dt 7:6. Ps 135:4. Is 41:8; 42:1; 65:8. Mt 11:25; 24:22, 24, 31; 25:34. Lk 1:74. Jn 10:16; 15:16; 17:24. Ac 13:48; 15:18; 18:10. Ro 8:28, 30, 33; 9:23; 11:5. 1Co 1:8. Ga 5:6, 13, 22. Ep 2:10; 3:17; 4:2, 15; 5:2, 27. Php 2:15. Col 1:22; 2:2; 3:12. 1Th 3:12; 4:7. 2Th 2:13. 2Ti 1:9; 2:10, 19. Tit 1:1; 2:11. Jm 2:5. 1P 1:2, 20; 2:9. 2P 1:5; 3:14. 1Jn 4:16. Rv 13:8; 17:8.

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