Bible Strands
Ephesians 2:4
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing to the Ephesian church, pivots from their former state as "children of wrath" (v. 3) to the divine action that follows in v. 5.
The words — πλοὺσιος (plousios) is a financial term for "rich, wealthy," applied here to God's mercy as if it were an overflowing treasury rather than a measured ration.
The thread — The same "richness" language appears in Ephesians 1:7 and 2:7; 1 Peter 1:3 pairs "great mercy" with new birth; Titus 3:4 names God's kindness and love as the ground of salvation.
Why it lands — The verse is a "but" that removes any claim the reader had on their own behalf: the initiative, the substance, and the motive are all God's. It asks the reader to stop accounting for their own worth and receive what is given.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
- Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
- Titus 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
- Psalms 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.
- Romans 5:8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Ephesians 2:7 in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 145:8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.
- Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,
- John 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
- 1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.