2:13a–b
you who once were far away have been brought near: There is implied information here. In many languages it will be clearer to translate “far away from God ” and “near to God.”
Paul used far and near as a figure of speech here. This means that previously, they had no relationship with God (they were far away from God), but when they believed, they did have a relationship with God (they were near to God). If this figure of speech is not clear in your language, you may want to use different words, such as:
In the past you had no relationship with God, but now you have a good/close relationship with him…
-or-
In the past you were spiritually separated from God, but now you are joined/united with him…
2:13a
But now: The phrase But now marks a strong contrast, as in 2:4. The contrast is between how the Ephesians were before they knew God and how they were as believers in Christ Jesus. Show this contrast in a way that is natural in your language.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
In contrast, now
-or-
However, at this time
in Christ Jesus: See how you translated in Christ Jesus in 1:1d and 2:6b and in Christ in 1:3b, 1:9b, and 1:12a.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
you have been united with Christ Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
in union with Christ Jesus (GNB)
-or-
through Christ Jesus (God’s Word)
2:13b
brought near: The phrase brought near is a passive. It means that God has brought the Ephesians near to himself. In some languages, it may be necessary to make some of this explicit. For example:
⌊God⌋ has brought you near
-or-
Christ…brought you near God (Contemporary English Version)
blood of Christ: The phrase blood of Christ refers to the death of Jesus. For example:
But Christ offered his life’s blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. (Contemporary English Version)
You may need to add more information to complete the idea of Jesus’ blood referring to his death.
Here are some ways to translate this phrase:
…you have been brought near ⌊to God⌋ through the blood ⌊which⌋ Christ ⌊shed/poured out⌋ ⌊when he died⌋.
-or-
…you have been brought near ⌊to God⌋ by ⌊trusting in what⌋ Christ ⌊accomplished for us⌋ ⌊when he shed⌋ his blood ⌊when he died⌋.
-or-
…God has brought you near ⌊to himself⌋ through the blood ⌊which⌋ Christ ⌊bled⌋ ⌊when he died⌋.
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