Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience."
Text: Ephesians 2:1-2
“AND YOU HE MADE ALIVE”
Interestingly, this phrase is written in italics (NKJV). Each time we see something written in italics, we must note that an addition has been made. The phrase was not there in the original Greek text. The next question we need to ask ourselves is whether the addition is accurate.
A LITERAL TRANSLATION
How would the sentence read if we were to translate literally from the original Greek text Let us consider the following possible translation.
“And you being dead in your trespasses and sins,
in which also you walked formerly according to the times (age) of this world,
according to the ruler of the authority of the air,
the spirit who now is working in the sons of disobedience.”
EPHESIANS 2:1-2 (TRANSLATION MINE)
In the literal translation, the text makes no reference at all to the work of God. The text, standing by itself, can be most distressing.
UNDERSTANDING “ADDITIONAL PHRASES”
Why would the translators add phrases to the texts? The following reasons may be suggested.
1. To give a word of encouragement and hope
The text by itself does look very dismal and discouraging. The translators might have felt that adding a phrase in this context is valid.
2. As a word of explanation
The translators note that Paul did speak about how God made sinners come alive (Ephesians 1:5 “Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ”). They might have felt that their adding to the text was valid and helpful since the context allowed for it.
3. Interpreting and applying “additional phrases”
It is important that we take careful note of how we interpret and apply the meaning and significance of “additional phrases.”
a) We may appreciate the intention of the translators.
b) However, we must not build too much on the additional phrases.
c) It is wiser to follow the thrust of the original Biblical author.
In this case, Paul was emphasizing the degree to which “trespasses and sins” have affected all sinners. Though the reading may be distressful, nevertheless the full thrust of the writer must be noted.