Bible Strands
Ephesians 4:8
This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian believers to explain the distribution of spiritual grace. The declaration follows his statement that each member receives grace according to Christ’s measured gift.
The words — ἀναβὰς (anabas) translates literally as “having ascended,” and ᾐχμαλώτευσεν (ēchmalōteusen) means “he led captive.” These terms anchor the quotation in a past, completed action of exaltation.
The thread — The quotation echoes Psalm 68:18, which records the ascent and the taking of captives. The motif of triumph over hostile powers also appears in Colossians 2:15, while the distribution of spoils parallels David’s practice in 1 Samuel 30:26.
Why it lands — The text states that the ascended Christ now dispenses gifts to humanity rather than retaining captives. A reader must recognize that Christ’s victory functions to supply grace to the church, not to display domination.
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
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Cross-references
- Psalms 68:18 You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
- Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
- 1 Samuel 30:26 When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.”
- Esther 2:18 Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.
- Judges 5:12 ‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’