19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God, [2:20] having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being of him, Christ Jesus, [2:21] in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in the Lord — [2:22] in whom you also are being built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit.
EPH 2:19-22
Christ Our Cornerstone
In the world it was spoken into
In the Roman Empire, citizenship was a highly prized status, granting legal rights, protection, and access to civic privileges. Non-citizens, such as (foreigners) and (resident aliens), lived on the margins, often excluded from full participation in society. Jewish communities also maintained strict boundaries between insiders (the covenant people) and outsiders (Gentiles). This passage redefines identity in terms of belonging: Gentiles are no longer strangers or aliens but (fellow citizens) and (members of the household) of God. The imagery of a building with Christ as the cornerstone draws on Jewish temple symbolism, where the cornerstone was essential for structural integrity. In the Greco-Roman world, temples were sacred spaces where the divine dwelled. Here, the community itself becomes a holy temple, a dwelling place for God’s Spirit, transcending ethnic and social divisions.
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How other translations render this
EPH 2:19
- KJV
- Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
- BSB
- Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of Godʼs household,
- Koinōnos
- So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God,
EPH 2:20
- KJV
- And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
- BSB
- built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
- Koinōnos
- having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being of him, Christ Jesus,
EPH 2:21
- KJV
- In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
- BSB
- In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
- Koinōnos
- in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in the Lord —
EPH 2:22
- KJV
- In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
- BSB
- And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
- Koinōnos
- in whom you also are being built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
EPH 2:19
- strangers:The word translated 'strangers' here refers to someone completely unknown, a foreigner without any established ties or rights in a community.
- aliens,:The term used here for 'aliens' described a resident foreigner, someone living in a place but without the full rights or privileges of a citizen.
- fellow citizens:The word translated 'fellow citizens' emphasizes shared civic identity and legal rights within a community, highlighting inclusion and belonging.
- of the household:The phrase 'of the household' conveys a deep sense of belonging and intimacy, like being a member of one's immediate family, not just an acquaintance.