Ephesians 2:10
New International Version
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

New Living Translation
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

English Standard Version
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Berean Standard Bible
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Berean Literal Bible
For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

King James Bible
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

New King James Version
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

New American Standard Bible
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

NASB 1995
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

NASB 1977
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Legacy Standard Bible
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Amplified Bible
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Christian Standard Bible
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

American Standard Version
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

Contemporary English Version
God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

English Revised Version
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

Good News Translation
God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

International Standard Version
For we are God's masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.

Majority Standard Bible
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

NET Bible
For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

New Heart English Bible
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Weymouth New Testament
For we are God's own handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise.

World English Bible
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus on good works, which God prepared before, that we may walk in them.

Berean Literal Bible
For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Young's Literal Translation
for of Him we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God did before prepare, that in them we may walk.

Smith's Literal Translation
For we are his work, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has prepared and in which we should walk.

New American Bible
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.

New Revised Standard Version
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we are his creation, created through Jesus Christ ultimately for good works, which God has before ordained that we should live in them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we are his creatures who are created in Yeshua The Messiah for good works, those things which God had from the first prepared that we should walk in them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we are his workman ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared, that we should walk in them.

Godbey New Testament
for we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God before prepared that we should walk in them.

Haweis New Testament
for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God hath before prepared us, that we should walk therein.

Mace New Testament
for he hath made us a-new, and form'd us by Christ Jesus to do good works, for which God had before prepared us, that we might live in them.

Weymouth New Testament
For we are God's own handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise.

Worrell New Testament
for we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared, that we should walk in them.

Worsley New Testament
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God before prepared us, that we might walk in them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Alive with Christ
9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. 11Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—…

Cross References
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

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.

Colossians 1:10
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

James 2:17-18
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

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.

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.

Jeremiah 18:6
“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

we are.

Deuteronomy 32:6
Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Psalm 100:3
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 138:8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

created.

Ephesians 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

good.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

which.

Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

ordained.

Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Deuteronomy 5:33
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

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Ephesians 2
1. By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,
10. he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ,
19. should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.














For we are His workmanship
The Greek word for "workmanship" is "poiēma," which implies a creation or something that has been made. This term suggests that believers are not just random or accidental beings but are intentionally crafted by God. The idea of being God's workmanship emphasizes the personal and intimate involvement of God in the creation and shaping of each believer. Historically, this reflects the biblical narrative of God as the Creator, who not only formed the universe but also intricately designed each individual with purpose and care.

created in Christ Jesus
The phrase "created in Christ Jesus" underscores the transformative work of salvation. The Greek word "ktizō" for "created" indicates a new creation, a concept that is central to Christian theology. This new creation is not merely a physical or moral improvement but a spiritual rebirth. In the historical context of Ephesians, Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that this new creation transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting all believers in Christ.

to do good works
The purpose of this new creation is "to do good works." The Greek term "ergon" for "works" refers to deeds or actions that are beneficial and morally good. This phrase highlights the active role of believers in living out their faith through tangible actions. In the scriptural context, good works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of it. They are the natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ, reflecting God's character and love to the world.

which God prepared in advance
The concept of God preparing these works "in advance" speaks to His sovereignty and foreknowledge. The Greek word "proetoimazō" suggests a deliberate and purposeful planning by God. This indicates that God has a specific plan and purpose for each believer's life, and He has already laid out the path for them to walk. Historically, this reassures believers of God's control and guidance, encouraging them to trust in His divine plan.

as our way of life
The phrase "as our way of life" translates the Greek "peripateō," which means to walk or conduct oneself. This suggests that good works are not occasional acts but a continuous lifestyle. The historical context of Ephesians, written to a diverse and often morally challenging society, emphasizes the need for believers to consistently live out their faith. This lifestyle of good works is a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and a reflection of God's kingdom on earth.

(10) We are his workmanship.--This verse, on the contrary, is unique and remarkable, characteristic of the idea with which this Epistle starts--the election and predestination of God, making us what we are--and applying it very strikingly, not only to the first regeneration, but even to the good works which follow it. The word rendered "workmanship" is only used elsewhere in Romans 1:20, where it is applied to the "works" of God in creation. Probably here also it does not exclude our first creation. We are His wholly and absolutely. But the next clause shows that St. Paul refers especially to the "new creation" in Christ Jesus.

Created in Christ Jesus.--This creation, when spoken of distinctively, is the "new creation" (2Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15); as, indeed, is the case below (Ephesians 2:15), "to create in Himself . . . one new man." In this passage, however, St. Paul dwells, not on distinction from the old creation, but rather on analogy to it; in both we are simply God's creatures.

Unto good works.--Properly, on the basis (or, condition) of good works (as in Galatians 5:13; 1Thessalonians 4:17; 2Timothy 2:14). The good works, in themselves future, being (as the next clause shows) contemplated as already existent in God's foreknowledge, and as an inseparable characteristic of the regenerate life. . . .

Verse 10. - For we are his workmanship. Another illustration and evidence of grace. We have to be fashioned anew by God before we can do anything aright (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Anything right in us is not the cause of grace, but its fruit. There seems to be no special reason for the change from the second to the first person. Created in Christ Jesus for good works. So little inward capacity had we for such works, that we required to be created in Christ Jesus in order that we might do them. The inward new birth of the soul is indicated. When good works were required, this gracious change had to be wrought to secure them. The purpose of the new creation is to produce them. Christ "gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works." It is not good works first, and grace after; but grace first, and good works after (see Titus 2:11, 14). Which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. A further proof of the true origin of good works. They are the subjects of a Divine decree. Before the foundation of the world it was ordained that whoever should be saved by grace should walk in good works. The term "walk," here denotes the habitual tenor of the life; it is to be spent in an atmosphere of good works. Here we have one of the Divine safeguards against the abuse of the doctrine of salvation by grace. When men hear of salvation irrespective of works, they are apt to fancy that works are of little use, and do not need to be carefully attended to. On the contrary, they are part of the Divine decree, and if we are not living a life of good works, we have no reason to believe that we have been saved by grace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we are
ἐσμεν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[God’s]
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.

workmanship,
ποίημα (poiēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4161: A thing made, a work, workmanship. From poieo; a product, i.e. Fabric.

created
κτισθέντες (ktisthentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2936: To create, form, shape, make, always of God. Probably akin to ktaomai; to fabricate, i.e. Found.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

to do
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

good
ἀγαθοῖς (agathois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

works,
ἔργοις (ergois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

which
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

prepared in advance
προητοίμασεν (proētoimasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4282: To prepare or appoint beforehand, predestine. From pro and hetoimazo; to fit up in advance.

as
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

our way of life.
περιπατήσωμεν (peripatēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship created (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 2:9
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