2:8a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For here introduces a repetition and expansion of what Paul has already said and specifically concerning what he said in 5b and 7b concerning God’s grace.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

As I said before
-or-
My point again is that
-or-
I mean that (New Century Version)

it is by grace you have been saved: This clause means that God saves us because of his grace/kindness. The phrase by grace is emphasized in Greek. The Berean Standard Bible shows this emphasis by adding it is to by grace. This clause is almost identical to 2:5b.

grace: Here, grace means “showing kindness or generosity to someone. See how you translated grace in 2:5b Also, see grace, Meaning 2 in the Glossary for more information.

saved: To be saved means to be rescued from danger. See how you translated saved in 2:5b. Also, see save, Word 1 in the Glossary for more information.

through faith: The word faith refers here to the action of trusting and believing in someone. God saves us because we believe in Christ.

See how you translated faith in 1:15b. Also see faith, Meaning 1 in the Glossary for more information.

Here are some ways of translating this phrase:

by means of believing ⌊in Jesus Christ⌋
-or-
Because you trust in Jesus Christ

2:8b

and this not from yourselves: The word this refers to the clause “you have been saved” in 2:8a. The clause and this not from yourselves means that God does not save you because of anything good that you have done.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

and this is not your own doing (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
And you can’t take credit for this (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
and not anything you have done on your own (Contemporary English Version)

General Comment on 2:8b -c

Some English versions, like the New International Version, have a “—” at the beginning of 2:8b and another at the end of 2:8c. This is to show the reader that 2:8b–c is a comment inserted here by Paul. Other English versions, like the Berean Standard Bible, do not do this, so it is recommended that you do not place a “—” at the beginning of 2:8b and another at the end of 2:8c.

2:8c

it is the gift of God: The word it refers to being saved by God. Salvation is God’s gift to everyone. The God’s Word makes this explicit:

Being saved is a gift from God (God’s Word)

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