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
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth …
So Hanameel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the …
Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in …
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption …
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build …
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, …
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount …
Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest …