Ephesians 1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Study Note
Study Note
'Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory' — the Spirit as arrabon ('earnest, guarantee, down-payment') introduces one of Paul's most important pneumatological metaphors: the Spirit is not merely a present comfort but a first installment guaranteeing the full inheritance that awaits. The commercial term arrabon (used in Hellenistic papyri for contractual deposits) places the Spirit's presence within an eschatological economy: present possession partially, full possession at consummation. The verse completes the trinitarian structure of Ephesians 1:3–14 (Father's election, Son's redemption, Spirit's sealing), making the entire sweep of salvation a unified divine act directed toward God's own glorification.
Other Translations
which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.
which is an earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.
Which is the first-fruit of our heritage, till God gets back that which is his, to the praise of his glory.
Cross References
And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.
But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount …
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in …
So Hanameel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the …
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption …
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, …
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build …
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, …