Bible Strands
Ephesians 2:9
not by works, so that no one can boast.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian believers, concluding his immediate explanation of how salvation is received.
The words — The Greek phrase ἐξ ἔργων (ex ergōn) literally means "from works," while ἵνα μὴ καυχησηται (hina mē kauchēsētai) translates to "so that no one may boast."
The thread — This exclusion of human merit appears in 2 Timothy 1:9 and Romans 11:6, where grace and works are treated as mutually exclusive foundations for salvation.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that salvation originates entirely from God's gift, leaving no objective basis for personal pride.
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
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Romans 11:6 And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.
- Titus 3:3 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.
- Romans 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
- 1 Corinthians 1:29 so that no one may boast in His presence.
- 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.
- Romans 4:2 If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.
- 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,
- Romans 3:27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.