Ephesians 4:9 web — Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

World English Bible

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

— Ephesians 4:9, World English Bible

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Ephesians 4:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ephesians 4 — Context

6

one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

7

But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8

Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

9

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

10

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

11

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;

12

for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Ephesians 4:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ephesians 4:9 say?
Ephesians 4:9 in the World English Bible reads: “Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?”
Where is Ephesians 4:9 in the Bible?
Ephesians 4:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 9.
Who wrote Ephesians?
Ephesians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle (from Roman imprisonment). It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Ephesians about?
Ephesians is the church's great song of God's plan — Father, Son, and Spirit working from before the foundation of the world to gather one new people in Christ. Chapters 1–3 lay the doctrine, chapters 4–6 work out the life that flows from it, ending in the armor of God.
What are the major themes of Ephesians?
Ephesians explores themes including Grace, Unity in Christ, New Humanity, Spirit-Filled Life, Spiritual Warfare. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ephesians 4:9.
What translation should I read Ephesians 4:9 in?
Ephesians 4:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ephesians 4:9?
Ephesians 4:9 reads (WEB): “Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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