Ephesians 2:9
Ephesians 2:9 in Multiple Translations
not by works, so that no one can boast.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
not of works, that no man should glory.
Not by works, so that no man may take glory to himself.
This has nothing to do with human effort, so don't be proud of yourselves.
Not of workes, least any man should boast himselfe.
not of works, that no one may boast;
not of works, that no one would boast.
Not by works, lest any man should boast.
Not of works, that no man may glory.
He did not save any of you because of anything you yourselves did. Because you have done nothing to save yourselves, you cannot be proud of your efforts to save yourselves.
You can’t do things to save yourself. Even if you do a lot of good things, you can’t save yourself. No way. It is God that saves you. Nobody can say, “I’m really good, that is the reason why God saved me.” Nobody can talk like that. No way.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 2:9
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Ephesians 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 2:9
Study Notes — Ephesians 2:9
- Context
- Cross References
- Ephesians 2:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 2:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 2:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 2:9
- Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 2:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
- Sermons on Ephesians 2:9
Context — Alive with Christ
9not by works, so that no one can boast.
10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. 11Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 1:9 | 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. |
| 2 | Romans 11:6 | And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. |
| 3 | Titus 3:3–5 | For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 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. |
| 4 | Romans 9:16 | So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 1:29–31 | 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.” |
| 6 | Romans 3:20 | Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 7 | Romans 4:2 | If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. |
| 8 | Romans 9:11 | Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, |
| 9 | Romans 3:27–28 | 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. |
Ephesians 2:9 Summary
This verse, Ephesians 2:9, tells us that we are not saved by the good things we do, so we can't brag about getting to heaven on our own. It's a gift from God, as stated in Ephesians 2:8, and we receive it through faith. This means our good works are a result of our love for God, not the reason He loves us, similar to what Jesus taught in John 14:15, if you love me, keep my commandments. It's like someone giving you a present you didn't pay for - you can't take credit for it, and that's why no one can boast, as also explained in 1 Corinthians 1:31, let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that salvation is not by works?
This means that our good deeds and efforts cannot earn us a right standing with God, as stated in Ephesians 2:9, and is further clarified in Romans 3:28, which says we are justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Does this verse mean that works are unimportant?
No, as seen in Ephesians 2:10, we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, but these works are a result of our salvation, not the cause of it, as also taught in James 2:26, where faith without works is dead.
Why can't anyone boast according to this verse?
According to Ephesians 2:9, no one can boast because salvation is a gift from God, not something we achieve through our own efforts, which aligns with what is said in 1 Corinthians 4:7, that we have nothing that we did not receive.
How does this relate to our everyday lives as Christians?
Understanding that our salvation is not by works helps us to humbly depend on God's grace, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9, and to live out our faith with gratitude, serving others in love, as commanded in Galatians 5:13, to serve one another in love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have tried to earn God's favor through your actions, and how does this verse challenge those efforts?
- How does the truth that salvation is not by works affect your sense of self-worth and identity in Christ?
- In what ways can you express gratitude for the gift of salvation, recognizing it is not something you deserve or have earned?
- How might this verse shape your interactions with others, especially those who may believe their good works save them?
Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 2:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 2:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 2:9
Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 2:9
Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 2:9
Sermons on Ephesians 2:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Unpredestined by S.I. Emery | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the condemnation that comes when people choose darkness over light. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just giving advice. |
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Faith, Works & the Holy Spirit by Dave Hunt | Dave Hunt addresses the spiritual climate in various countries, highlighting the challenges faced by Christians in Eastern Europe with the temptation of materialism and the rise of |
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What Man Thinks - God Says by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the contrast between human perceptions and divine truths, illustrating that our self-assessments often fall short of God's standards. He points out that while |
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Holiness: How to Get It by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that holiness is the state of being like Jesus in moral and spiritual nature, achieved through complete deliverance from sin and the perfection of s |
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Created in Him by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound concept of creation in the Bible, particularly focusing on spiritual creation through Christ. He explains that believers are made new creatures a |
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Subject to Bad Days by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus remains faithful and caring through our difficult seasons, reminding us that we carry the treasure of His presence within our frail, earthly b |
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How to Find Your Place by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding and fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for each individual. He contrasts two different approaches take |







