Ephesians 4:9-10
(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul emphasizes that Christ's ascension presupposes a descent, not just to the earth but into its deepest regions. This wasn't merely a theological point but a way to highlight the immense scope of Christ's mission: from the uttermost depths of human experience all the way to the highest heavens.
Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18, which speaks of God ascending and receiving gifts. Paul applies this to Christ's ascension and explains that such an ascent presupposes a prior descent. This means Christ first came down from heaven to earth—or even to its lowest depths—before His glorious ascension.
The Bible quotes Psalm 68, saying Christ 'ascended.' But Paul immediately pivots, asking, 'What does that mean?' He’s not just stating a fact; he’s unpacking a profound implication.
Paul uses the Old Testament passage about God's ascension (Psalm 68:18) and applies it to Jesus. He argues that for Christ to 'ascend,' it logically implies He must have first 'descended.' This isn't about arguing whether the Psalm only refers to Christ, but about how the event of Christ's ascension reveals His prior, incredible descent. It’s a theological inference that highlights the complete scope of Jesus' work – from the highest heights to the deepest depths and back again.
Paul doesn't just say Jesus descended; he specifies 'into the lower parts of the earth.' What exactly does this evocative phrase mean, and why is it so significant?
This phrase is rich with meaning. While 'the earth' itself is lower than heaven, many scholars believe Paul means something even deeper – the grave, the realm of the dead (Hades). This interpretation fits the cosmic scope of Ephesians 4, where Christ's work is described as filling 'all in all' (4:10) and being 'far above all heavens' (4:10). His descent into the deepest possible place, even death, serves as the ultimate contrast to His unparalleled exaltation. It underscores that Jesus experienced the full spectrum of human existence, including its lowest points, to conquer them all.
Understand the original words
katabainō · Greek Verb
Refers to the incarnation and humiliation of the Son of God, who left the glory of heaven to enter into the fallen realm of humanity and death to accomplish salvation.
ouranos · Greek Noun
The dwelling place of God and the ultimate realm of divine authority, representing the expanse beyond the earthly creation where Christ now reigns.
plēroō · Greek Verb
To make full, complete, or permeate with His presence; it describes Christ’s sovereign control and sustaining power over all aspects of the universe and His church.
Paul's reflection on Christ's ascension in Ephesians 4:9 connects it to His descent, drawing from Psalm 68. This psalm, originally celebrating God's powerful deliverance of Israel, is reinterpreted by Paul to highlight Christ's unique journey from heavenly glory, through His earthly life and death, and finally to His exalted ascension, underscoring the depth of His humility and the height of His exaltation.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unifies Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and a center for worship. This period sees the development of Temple music and liturgy, including Psalms that David would compose.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, serving as the focal point of Israel's religious life and a symbol of God's presence among His people.
c. 700 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Judah
Prophets like Isaiah and Micah speak God's word to Judah, often calling for repentance amidst political instability and societal corruption, sometimes referencing God's past mighty acts.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of many Judeans. This catastrophic event deeply impacts Jewish identity and theology.
This passage directly parallels the reasoning in Ephesians 4:9, stating that no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, highlighting the necessary connection between Christ's descent and ascension.
Philippians 2:6-8This passage describes Jesus' incredible humility, 'descending' from His divine status to become human, experiencing death, which powerfully illustrates the depth of Christ's descent mentioned in Ephesians 4:9.
Psalm 68:18Ephesians 4:9 is directly quoting and interpreting this Psalm, which speaks of God ascending and receiving gifts. Paul uniquely applies this to Christ, emphasizing that His ascension was preceded by a profound descent.
Matthew 12:40Jesus uses the imagery of being 'three days and three nights in the heart of the earth,' which aligns with the concept of Christ's descent into the 'lower parts of the earth' before His resurrection and ascension.
1 Peter 3:18-19This passage speaks of Christ being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, and that in the spirit He went and preached to those in prison, supporting the idea of a descent to the realm of the dead.
vincentEphesians 4:9: "(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"
Now that He ascendedEphesians 4:9 and Ephesians 4:10 are parenthetical, showing what the ascension of Christ presupposes. By descending into the depths and ascending above all, He entered upon His function of filling the whole universe, in virtue of which function He distributes gifts to men. See Ephesians 1:23. Rev., properly, inserts this, thus giving the force of the article…
barnesEphesians 4:9: "(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"
Now that he ascended - That is, it is affirmed in the Psalm that he "ascended" - "Thou hast ascended on high." This implies that there must have been a previous "descent;" or, as applicable to the Messiah, "it is a truth that he previously descended." It is by no means certain that Paul meant to say that the "word" "ascended" demonstrated that there must have been a previous de…
Paul emphasizes that Christ's ascension presupposes a descent, not just to the earth but into its deepest regions. This wasn't merely a theological point but a way to highlight the immense scope of Christ's mission: from the uttermost depths of human experience all the way to the highest heavens.
Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18, which speaks of God ascending and receiving gifts. Paul applies this to Christ's ascension and explains that such an ascent presupposes a prior descent. This means Christ first came down from heaven to earth—or even to its lowest depths—before His glorious ascension.
Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18, which speaks of God ascending and receiving gifts. Paul applies this to Christ's ascension and explains that such an ascent presupposes a prior descent. This means Christ first came down from heaven to earth—or even to its lowest depths—before His glorious ascension.
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c. 500 BC
Psalms Compiled
The collection of Psalms, including Psalm 68 which Paul quotes, is compiled. These songs express a wide range of human experience and theological reflection, often looking forward to God's future redemptive acts.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, a pivotal event that believers understand as the ultimate demonstration of God's power over sin and death.
c. AD 33— this verse
Jesus' Ascension to Heaven
After His resurrection appearances, Jesus ascends to heaven, fulfilling prophecies and inaugurating His reign as King over all creation.
"(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)" — Paul emphasizes that Christ's ascension presupposes a descent, not just to the earth but into its deepest regions. This wasn't merely a theological point but a way to highlight the immense scope of…
