Ephesians 2:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
American King James Version (AKJV)
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
American Standard Version (ASV)
but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But God, being full of mercy, through the great love which he had for us,
Webster's Revision
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
World English Bible
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
English Revised Version (ERV)
but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Definitions for Ephesians 2:4
Clarke's Ephesians 2:4 Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy - As they were corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice, they could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God; and it required much mercy to remove so much misery, and to pardon such transgressions.
His great love - God's infinite love is the groundwork of our salvation; in reference to us that love assumes the form of mercy, and that mercy provides the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore the apostle adds, Ephesians 2:5 : By grace ye are saved - it is by God's free mercy in Christ that ye are brought into this state of salvation. See on Ephesians 2:8 (note).
Barnes's Ephesians 2:4 Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy - On the use of the word "rich" by Paul, see the notes at Ephesians 1:7. It is a beautiful expression. "God is 'rich' in mercy;" overflowing, abundant. Mercy is the riches or the wealth of God. People are often rich in gold, and silver, and diamonds, and they pride themselves in these possessions; but God is "rich in mercy." In that he abounds and he is so rich in it that he is wilting to impart it to others; so rich that he can make all blessed.
For his great love - That is, his great love was the reason why he had compassion upon us. It is not that we had any claim or deserved his favor; but it is, that God had for man original and eternal love, and that love led to the gift of a Saviour, and to the bestowment of salvation.
Wesley's Ephesians 2:4 Bible Commentary
2:4 Mercy removes misery: love confers salvation.