Ephesians 1:14
New International Version
who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

New Living Translation
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

English Standard Version
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Berean Standard Bible
who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

Berean Literal Bible
who is the guarantee of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

King James Bible
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

New King James Version
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

New American Standard Bible
who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

NASB 1995
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

NASB 1977
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Legacy Standard Bible
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Amplified Bible
The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.

Christian Standard Bible
The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

American Standard Version
which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Contemporary English Version
The Spirit also makes us sure we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honored and praised.

English Revised Version
which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. We have this guarantee until we are set free to belong to him. God receives praise and glory for this.

Good News Translation
The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!

International Standard Version
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory.

Majority Standard Bible
who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God?s possession, to the praise of His glory.

NET Bible
who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of his glory.

New Heart English Bible
who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of his glory.

Webster's Bible Translation
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

Weymouth New Testament
that Spirit being a pledge and foretaste of our inheritance, in anticipation of its full redemption--the inheritance which He has purchased to be specially His for the extolling of His glory.

World English Bible
who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
which is a deposit of our inheritance, to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

Berean Literal Bible
who is the guarantee of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

Young's Literal Translation
which is an earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

Smith's Literal Translation
Which is the pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the acquisition, to the praise of his glory.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the acquisition of redemption, to the praise of his glory.

New American Bible
which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.

New Revised Standard Version
this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Which is the pledge of our inheritance, for the salvation of those who are saved, and for the glory of his honour.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Who is the pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of those who are living and for the glory of his honor.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
which is the earnest of our inheritance, given for the redemption of his possession to the praise of his glory.

Godbey New Testament
who is the earnest of our salvation, unto the redemption of the possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Haweis New Testament
which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the final redemption, acquired by him, come, to the praise of his glory.

Mace New Testament
and this is the pledge of our inheritance, being given for the deliverance of his peculiar people, to the display of his glory.

Weymouth New Testament
that Spirit being a pledge and foretaste of our inheritance, in anticipation of its full redemption--the inheritance which He has purchased to be specially His for the extolling of His glory.

Worrell New Testament
which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Worsley New Testament
who is the pledge of our inheritance, till the redemption of his purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Blessings
13And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory. 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:22
placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

Romans 8:23
Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

2 Corinthians 5:5
And it is God who has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

Colossians 1:12-14
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, / in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Peter 1:3-5
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, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, / who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Hebrews 9:15
Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. / And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Revelation 5:9-10
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. / You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.


Treasury of Scripture

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

the earnest.

Romans 8:15-17,23
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…

2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:5
Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

the redemption.

Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Leviticus 25:24
And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.

Psalm 74:2
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

into.

Ephesians 1:6,12
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved…

Jump to Previous
Acquire Acquired Anticipation Deposit Earnest Extolling First-Fruit Foretaste Full Glory God's Guarantee Heritage Inheritance Pledge Possession Praise Purchased Redemption Specially Spirit View
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Acquire Acquired Anticipation Deposit Earnest Extolling First-Fruit Foretaste Full Glory God's Guarantee Heritage Inheritance Pledge Possession Praise Purchased Redemption Specially Spirit View
Ephesians 1
1. After Paul's salutation,
3. and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,
4. he treats of our election,
6. and adoption by grace;
11. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.
13. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,
16. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.














who is the pledge
The word "pledge" in Greek is "arrabōn," which refers to a deposit or down payment that guarantees the full amount will be paid. In ancient times, this term was used in commercial transactions to signify a binding commitment. In the context of Ephesians 1:14, the Holy Spirit is described as this pledge, indicating that God has given believers a foretaste of the eternal inheritance promised to them. This assurance is not just a future hope but a present reality, providing believers with confidence in God's faithfulness.

of our inheritance
The term "inheritance" in this context refers to the spiritual blessings and eternal life promised to believers. In the Jewish tradition, inheritance was a significant concept, often associated with the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. For Christians, this inheritance is not a physical territory but a spiritual reality, encompassing the fullness of life with God. The Holy Spirit as the pledge assures believers that they are heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and kingdom.

until the redemption
"Redemption" here is derived from the Greek word "apolutrōsis," which means a release or liberation, often through the payment of a ransom. In the biblical narrative, redemption is a central theme, symbolizing God's deliverance of His people from bondage. For believers, this redemption is both a present experience and a future hope, culminating in the complete restoration and freedom from sin and death. The Holy Spirit's presence is a guarantee of this ultimate redemption.

of those who are God’s possession
The phrase "God’s possession" emphasizes the believers' identity as belonging to God. In the Old Testament, Israel was often referred to as God's treasured possession, a people set apart for His purposes. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include all who are in Christ, signifying a special relationship with God. This belonging is not based on human merit but on God's gracious choice and covenant love.

to the praise of His glory
This phrase underscores the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive work: His glory. Throughout Scripture, God's actions are consistently aimed at revealing His character and majesty. The salvation and inheritance of believers are designed to elicit praise and worship, reflecting God's greatness and grace. The Holy Spirit's role as a pledge ensures that believers live in a way that honors God, pointing others to His glory and inviting them into the same redemptive relationship.

(14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance.--On the word "earnest" (arrhabon), a precious gift, as surety for a fuller gift hereafter, see 2Corinthians 1:22. The word "inheritance" has a correspondent meaning. It is a present possession (as in Acts 7:5), which shall be developed into a more precious future. "We are very members, incorporate in the mystical body of Christ, and also heirs through hope of His everlasting kingdom."

Until the redemption of the purchased possession.--The "redemption" here is the complete and final salvation from sin and death (as in Romans 8:23). The original word here rendered "purchased possession" properly means "the act of purchase or acquisition," and is so used in 1Thessalonians 5:9; 2Thessalonians 2:14; Hebrews 10:39. But it seems clear that it is here used (in the sense of our version) with that confusion of idea, common in English, though rare in Greek, under which the result of an action is understood instead of the action itself, so that the word "purchases" is used for "things purchased," "acquisitions" for "things acquired" and the like. The transition is marked in relation to this same word in Malachi 3:17; 1Peter 2:9, where the Israelites are spoken of as "a people for acquisition," that is, as a people acquired or purchased. . . .

Verse 14. - Who is the earnest of our inheritance. The gift of the Spirit is not only a seal, but an earnest, firstfruit, or installment, a pledge that the rest shall follow. The seal of the Spirit not only assures us of the full inheritance to come, but gives us a right conception of its nature. It shows us the kind of provision God makes for those whom he takes as his heritage, his peculiar people. It is an inward heaven the Spirit brings them. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." The full inheritance will consist in a heart in full sympathy with God, and in those occupations and joys, intellectual and moral, which are most congenial to such a heart. Unto the redemption of the purchased possession. The until of the A.V. is not textual, and does not give the force of εἰς, which implies that the earnest of the Spirit is a contribution toward the result described; it tends to realize it. "Redemption" here is not quite equivalent to "redemption" in ver. 7; for there it is a thing accomplished, here it is a thing to come. It is obvious that here the meaning is the completed redemption - the full and final deliverance of the Lord's heritage from all sin and sorrow, from all the evils and disorders of this life. The term περιποιήσις, translated" purchased possession," is an unusual one. But its resemblance to περιούσιος, the Septuagint rendering for "a special people;" its use by Peter, λαὸς περιποίησεως, "a peculiar people;" the use of the verb ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ η}ν περιεποιήσατο διὰ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτου, "the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood;" - show that it must be regarded in this place as denoting the special, own, purchased possession of God, whose final glory is so often presented to our thoughts in this Epistle. To the praise of his glory. For the third time in this paragraph, these or similar words are introduced. In this place the precise meaning is that the consummation of redemption will be the highest tribute to God's glory - his infinite excellence will be wonderfully manifested thereby. Neither men nor angels are qualified to apprehend the glorious excellence of God in an abstract way; it needs to be revealed, exhibited in acts and operations. The teaching of this verse is that it will be manifested with triumphant brightness in the final redemption of the Church, when the groans of nature shall come to an end, and the creation shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into "the glorious liberty of the sons of God" (Romans 8:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
who
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the] pledge
ἀρραβὼν (arrabōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 728: Of Hebrew origin; a pledge, i.e. Part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest.

of our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

inheritance
κληρονομίας (klēronomias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2817: From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. a patrimony or a possession.

until
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] redemption
ἀπολύτρωσιν (apolytrōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 629: From a compound of apo and lutron; ransom in full, i.e. riddance, or Christian salvation.

of those [who are]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[God’s] possession,
περιποιήσεως (peripoiēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4047: Acquiring, obtaining, possessing, possession, ownership. From peripoieomai; acquisition; by extension, preservation.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] praise
ἔπαινον (epainon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1868: Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

glory.
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 1:14 Who is a pledge of our inheritance (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
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