Add to My Library

Who are the captives in Ephesians 4:8?

Printer-friendly versionSend by email

I looked at Harold Hoehner's (he's a prof. at Dallas Seminary) commentary on Ephesians, which is quite extensive.

Obviously, there is quite a bit of discussion regarding the way Paul used Psalm 68, since he did make some changes (none of which, however, were inconsistent with the thrust of this psalm).  Regarding these "captives" I was pleased to see that we both came to the same conclusion:

"Who, then, are the captives?  From Ps 68 it is clear that they were the enemies of Israel who were defeated when Jerusalem was captured.  In Ephesians some have interpreted the captives:  (1) as the enemies of Christ, namely, Satan, sin, and death; or (2) as the people who have been the captives of Satan, sin and death, and who are now taken captive by Christ in redemption.  The first interpretation seems to be more fitting.  Christ had victory over Satan, sin and death and gives gifts of the Spirit to those who have been identified with him."  Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians:  An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan:  Baker Academic, 2002), pp. 529-530.

This interpretation seems entirely consistent with Colossians 2:13-15.

Bible Icon

The bible.org staff and supporters share the vision to harness the Internet for God and freely provide the NET Bible and trustworthy Bible study material to everyone on earth so they become equipped for global impact, able to complete the Great Commission in one generation.

Would you consider sharing your time, talents, monies, and prayers to achieve meaning to this life and in heaven receive your crowns and hearing Christ say well done….. Matthew 25:23   More...

Report Problem