What does Ephesians 1:7 mean?

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”

Ephesians 1:7 → BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Quick answer

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

What it means

Redemption is the buying back of slaves; forgiveness is the wiping of debt. Both are spoken in one breath.

"Through his blood" anchors this in the cross. The cost was Christ's life; the recipients are us.

"According to the riches of his grace" — not from our small assets, but from his great wealth. Forgiveness is never grudging from God.

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Key words in this verse

Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.

Keep exploring

Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.