Ephesians 6 · Verse 20

Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:20, King James Version

Ephesians 6:20 in other translations

BSBfor which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
WEBfor which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
ASVfor which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
YLTfor which I am an ambassador in a chain, that in it I may speak freely--as it behoveth me to speak.
DARBYfor which I am an ambassador bound with a chain, that I may be bold in it as I ought to speak.
BBEFor which I am a representative in chains, and that I may say without fear the things which it is right for me to say.
WebsterFor which I am an embassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

What does Ephesians 6:20 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
20. For--Greek, as in Ep 6:19, "On behalf of which." an ambassador in bonds--a paradox. Ambassadors were held inviolable by the law of nations, and could not, without outrage to every sacred right, be put in chains. Yet Christ's "ambassador is in a chain!" The Greek is singular. The Romans used to bind a prisoner to a soldier by a single chain, in a kind of free custody. So Ac 28:16, 20, "I am bound with this chain." The term, "bonds" (plural), on the other hand, is used when the prisoner's hands or feet were bound together (Ac 26:29); compare Ac 12:6, where the plural marks the distinction. The singular is only used of the particular kind of custody described above; an undesigned coincidence [Paley].

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 20. For which I am an ambassador in bonds. In chains, (see the margin;) or in confinement. There is something peculiarly touching in this. He was an ambassador sent to proclaim peace to a lost world. But he was now in chains. An ambassador is a sacred character. No greater affront can be given to a nation than to put its ambassadors to death, or even to throw them into prison. But Paul says here that the unusual spectacle was witnessed of an ambassador seized, bound, confined, imprisoned; an ambassador who ought to have the privileges conceded to all such men, and to be permitted to go everywhere publishing the terms of mercy and salvation. See the word ambassador explained 2Cor 5:20.

That therein. Marg., or thereof. Gr., εναυτω- in it; that is, says Rosenmuller, in the gospel. It means, that in speaking the gospel he might be bold.

I may speak boldly. Openly, plainly, without fear. Acts 4:13; Acts 9:27; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3 Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 26:26.

As I ought to speak. Whether in bonds or at large. Paul felt that the gospel ought always to be spoken with plainness, and without the fear of man. It is remarkable that he did not ask them to pray that he might be released. Why he did not we do not know; but perhaps the desire of release did not He so near his heart as the duty of speaking the gospel with boldness. It may be of much more importance that we perform our duty aright when we axe afflicted, or are in trouble, than that we should be released.

(1) "bonds" "a chain" (2) "therein" "thereof" (d) "to speak" Isa 58:1

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 20 An ambassador in bonds - An ambassador being the representative of his king, his person was in all civilized countries held sacred. Contrary to the rights of nations, this ambassador of the King of heaven was put in chains! He had however the opportunity of defending himself, and of vindicating the honor of his Master. See above. As I ought to speak - As becomes the dignity and the importance of the subject.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Ephesians 6:19-24

The gospel was a mystery till made known by Divine revelation; and it is the work of Christ's ministers to declare it. The best and most eminent ministers need the prayers of believers. Those particularly should be prayed for, who are exposed to great hardships and perils in their work. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith. By peace, understand all manner of peace; peace with God, peace of conscience, peace…

Read the full comment on Ephesians 6:19-24 →

Ephesians 6:20 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ὑπὲρhuperforG5228
οὗhouwhichG3739
πρεσβεύωpresbeuōI am an ambassadorG4243
ἐνeninG1722
ἁλύσει,haluseia chain,G254
ἵναinathatG2443
ἐνeninG1722
αὐτῷautōitG846
παρρησιάσωμαιparrēsiasōmaiI may be boldG3955
ὡςhōsasG5613
δεῖdeiit behoovesG1163
μεmemeG3165
λαλῆσαι.¶lalēsaito speak.G2980

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Ephesians 6:20

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

  • Colossians 4:4

    That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

  • 2 Timothy 2:9

    Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:2

    But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

  • 1 John 3:16

    Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

  • Acts 26:29

    And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

  • Philippians 1:7

    Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

  • Acts 5:29

    Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

  • Acts 28:31

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

  • Acts 28:20

    For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

  • Philippians 1:13-14

    So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
I am.
Pr 13:17; Isa 33:7; 2Co 5:20
bonds. or, a chain.
3:1; 4:1; 2Sa 10:2-6; Ac 26:29; 28:20; Php 1:7,13,14; 2Ti 1:16; 2:9
Phm 1:10
therein. or, thereof. boldly.
19; Isa 58:1; Jer 1:7,8,17; Eze 2:4-7; Mt 10:27,28; Ac 5:29; 28:31
Col 4:4; Php 1:20; 1Th 2:2; 1Jo 3:16; Jude 1:3

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Ephesians 6:19

    And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

  • Ephesians 6:20

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Ephesians 6:21

    But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Read all of Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6:20 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Por el cual soy embajador en cadenas; que resueltamente hable de él, como debo hablar.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		pour lequel je suis un ambassadeur lié de chaînes, afin que j’use de hardiesse en lui, comme je dois parler.
German
Elberfelder 1871		, damit ich in demselben freimütig rede, wie ich reden soll.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		pro quo legatione fungor in catena, ita ut in ipso audeam, prout oportet me loqui.