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Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary
Harold Hoehner has taught biblical exegesis to thousands of students over the years. He now brings that experience to bear on this important work.He begins with a helpful introduction to the letter of Ephesians in which he addresses issues of authorship, structure and genre, historical setting, purpose, and theology. At the end of the introduction, the author includes a detailed bibliography for further reading. Hoehner then delves into the text of Ephesians verse by verse, offering the Greek text, English translation, and detailed commentary. He interacts extensively with the latest scholarship and provides a fair and thorough discussion of every disputed point in the book.Pastors, students, and scholars looking for a comprehensive treatment on Ephesians will be interested in this commentary. Hoehner's interaction with the latest scholarship combined with his detailed exegesis will make this new commentary the only resource they will need to consult.
1668 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2025
A book that guarantees its place in one dimension as a reference work that should never under any circumstances be read start to finish—why do I expect more of commentaries anyway? But even as a commentary, it promises so much good, yet over the course of a read through it Obi Wan’s you with the deterrence “this isn’t the commentary you’re looking for”… there has to be a better Ephesians representative, somewhere! Thoroughly exhaustive (a plus), thoroughly exhausting (minus minus), as much as people complain about the infamous WBC formatting, for those authors who provide endless streams of chain references in their exposition, it at least keeps things separate and clean; this volume (not a part of any series, so non-WBC) just piles it all together, making the pearl of great price search a real burden—though pearls can be found! Reformed, dispensationalist, evangelical—and he lets those stripes blaze prominently. I can’t tell you how many times he told me, in so many words, “now most commentators say this means this… but now let me tell you the real hidden mystery that leaves my stripes unfaded.” The petty me wants to drop two stars on it for the constant assaults on my intelligence (every Christian stripe has their homers, in my circle they’re annoying too), but ultimately, the exhaustion wins out… it’s still good for something. Three…
December 12, 2012
Very detailed. Very good. I don't like his view of Ephesians 2:11-14.
Read the entire commentary.
Read the entire commentary.
April 9, 2021
Utterly comprehensive and stunning technical and exegetical commentary. This is the best of the best. Over 80% of commentary work was completed when I used this first. The author shares the various ways to interpret Greek phrases and gives his own reasonings and conclusions. Excellent Greek work. Enthusiastic recommendation!
May 30, 2023
Fabulous. It is the most thorough commentary I’ve ever worked through. Hoehner asks and answers the kind of grammatical and syntactical questions that I want a commentary to ask. He does an excellent job of presenting and evaluating alternate views and then coming to a reasoned conclusion. He includes numerous word studies within the body of the commentary, as well as theological excurses along the way.
The level of exhaustive detail can be exhausting and the prose lacks the quotability of Bruce, Lincoln, or O’Brien. Have coffee on hand for this one.
Top notch commentary.
The level of exhaustive detail can be exhausting and the prose lacks the quotability of Bruce, Lincoln, or O’Brien. Have coffee on hand for this one.
Top notch commentary.
March 3, 2020
Exhaustive. Great for word studies
December 8, 2021
This commentary isn't missing one piece. I'm not saying I agree with every word. I didn't. But there is literally not one stone left unturned in this book. If you want Greek questions answered, he did it. If you want hard questions addressed, they're in here. Hoehner could not be more thorough than he is. I cannot recommend this more for the pastor preaching through the book.
January 21, 2021
The gold standard for commentaries on Ephesians. Hoehner turns over the smallest pebble and explores its exegetical significance. This commentary excels in word studies, Greek syntax, and problem/solutions for interpretive issues on Ephesians. This was my second read through (first time in seminary, this time preaching through Ephesians) and it was well worth the time. An absolute must have for preaching through Ephesians, or even a serious Bible study through that epistle.
March 22, 2018
I consider this the best-of-the-best of Ephesians exegetical commentaries. Same as an exegetical digest.
March 27, 2020
Detailed and thorough. This exegetical tome may be intimidating to the layman, but it's an essential for the Bible teacher. Recommended.
December 23, 2023
Whilst teaching through the entire book verse by verse, I had at my disposal sixteen commentaries on the book of Ephesians and in my humble opinion the work here by Harold W. Hoehner was the most complete commentary I have every worked with. Whilst his extremely lengthy introductory pages were what at times felt like overkill, you learn a lot from it. His outline of the book of Ephesians is far superior to anyone else’s and what you come to expect as you go through it with all the others is that you keep referring back to it as your number one go to. Each time another author is mentioned Hoehner goes into great detail as to why he believes their interpretation is either worth backing or worth refuting. Hoehner also covers in great detail each verse with meticulous care and in my opinion sometimes it was like reading one of the puritans like Thomas Boston where you asked yourself if there was really a need to go into so much detail and then later you find yourself using that detail. If you are a real student of the Word of God I would recommend before you purchase numerous commentaries on Ephesians to make this your first purchase and then add the others.
July 9, 2023
I admit I have only read parts of it here and there, looking up verses I wanted to understand better; but this commentary was real disappointment 😞.
Being hailed as the Ephesians commentary above all else, it does not do a good job of interpretation. Rather it works more as a compendium of word studies. Here and there it recalls how other ancient writers have dealt with a theme. But as to analyzing and discussing why a verse should be interpreted in a certain way, it's really weak.
This becomes evident when I turn to Best, Lincoln and Muddiman. They actually work with the text, connecting it to the overarching themes of Ephesians, cultural and literary context etc.
Being hailed as the Ephesians commentary above all else, it does not do a good job of interpretation. Rather it works more as a compendium of word studies. Here and there it recalls how other ancient writers have dealt with a theme. But as to analyzing and discussing why a verse should be interpreted in a certain way, it's really weak.
This becomes evident when I turn to Best, Lincoln and Muddiman. They actually work with the text, connecting it to the overarching themes of Ephesians, cultural and literary context etc.
October 11, 2017
Really good. I'm glad I picked this one up. I almost didn't sue to his heavy DTS influence but it was well worth it. The Dispensational doctrines were easily overlooked and other than the disagreements in that area I found much to agree with.
February 5, 2018
An academic volume written by an academic, but writing in an non-academic manner. He was my professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. A good and godly man. And a serious student of the New Testament. A wonderful volume.
November 8, 2024
This commentary I did not consult weekly, because it wasn't in my Bible software, but I read every bit of the intro and appreciated his stance and clarity. I consulted it for trouble passages, but did not complete every word of this book.
May 31, 2015
Hoehner's work on the letter to the Ephesians is impressive in scope. It is also worth the price for the the lengthy list of recommended reading that accompanies the book's introduction.
The question of scope lends itself to the question of depth. Hoehner applies a sort of old school approach (for lack of a better description) to this commentary, even has he speaks to the issues we find in modern scholarship. It is a slow, prodding approach verse by verse that is littered with side trips (in small print) where he feels it is warranted.
Having just finished a commentary on the letter of James (different author), a part of my own personal journey was recognizing some of the overlap from James to Paul. Similar to James, Hoehner makes a compelling argument for an earlier composition (based on the growing recognition of a strong Semitic background). The themes are also compelling, finding overlap in the discussion of "riches" and "justification" and "power". In the grander picture I had always pictured James as a sort of rough around the edges introduction in to Paul's own thought process. In Ephesians we get a picture of these shared themes really taking root.
There is no question that Paul is concerned with unity of the early Church. Through the first three chapters we see his passionate insistence on growing our view of the world, our view of God's work in the world. We see his commitment to pulling together Jew and Gentile under the unifying work and person of Jesus. In fact, we find this movement towards a unifying body the very essence of the "mystery" that follows Paul's letters. This mystery is the truth of God's grace that says we can (across ethnic, cultural and social systems) belong as adopted sons and daughters in to the family of God not by our own merit, but through the person and work of Jesus. For Paul we are given the power and strength and knowledge that we need to understand this mystery, the mystery that the love of Christ knows no boundaries.
I was fascinated by the theme of family in the book of Ephesians, something Hoehner helps to bring to light. From 1:5 (which speaks of our adoption in to the family of God), the theme of unity pushes forward in to a grand picture of being "built together" in to one body of brothers and sisters. Understanding the intentional use of the word for "Father" in the NT (by Paul), we see this sentiment as one that is near and dear to his own heart. There is a powerful moment in chapter 3:14 when Paul speaks of God actively "naming" every family in Heaven and on earth. This was particularly meaningful for me, and the first time that I had really read this verse, as the father of an adopted child. Paul sees the "family" in a variety of forms, all of which find their meaning in being "rooted and grounded in love (the work and person of Christ)".
It is interesting that the latter chapters, which deal with the household structure as the picture of HOW to live as a family simply serve this theme of family, providing perhaps a new lens through which to read the chapters on submission and slavery. Here Hoehner gives some good feedback (although I would have pushed some of his thoughts a bit further, particularly regarding the extent to which Paul is borrowing the household structure from the Greco-Roman context), and allows us to see how these verses in context to Paul's bigger picture of the mystery of God. In the end, this focus on the relationships within the family provide a picture of God's unifying work across boundaries and across roles, structures and culture. This is a mystery that is made known through humility, not power, servanthood and grace and not judgment and exclusion.
Lastly, I found myself intrigued by the final chapter on the armour of God. This is the first of the recommended reading that I plan to pick up (along with his material on adoption and the household structure in the ancient world). Paul has a distinct connection with the mystics. He speaks of the spiritual powers, and the unseen world quite often, and it is easy to arrive at the final chapter and paint him as more practical than romantic. He has a close connection to the spiritual elements that undergird Christian theology, and I am intrigued to discover more about these elements of his teaching.
Hoehner gives us close to 900 pages, which would appear to be overkill given the size of the letter itself. And in truth, some of what he does offer here does feel a bit over the top. And as with most commentaries, there is always a bit of theological baggage that the author carries with them in to the conversation. With Hoehner you begin to figure out his rhythm and patter early on (he typically pairs views in groups of three or more, with the one he gives his strongest support to being the last one to be referenced). He does present a somewhat biased Calvinist slant. But for the most part he gives us a good overview of the general issues in play over the particular passage. The only thing I might feel was lacking were some chances to catch our breathe and to become re-aquainted with the larger picture of the book itself.
The question of scope lends itself to the question of depth. Hoehner applies a sort of old school approach (for lack of a better description) to this commentary, even has he speaks to the issues we find in modern scholarship. It is a slow, prodding approach verse by verse that is littered with side trips (in small print) where he feels it is warranted.
Having just finished a commentary on the letter of James (different author), a part of my own personal journey was recognizing some of the overlap from James to Paul. Similar to James, Hoehner makes a compelling argument for an earlier composition (based on the growing recognition of a strong Semitic background). The themes are also compelling, finding overlap in the discussion of "riches" and "justification" and "power". In the grander picture I had always pictured James as a sort of rough around the edges introduction in to Paul's own thought process. In Ephesians we get a picture of these shared themes really taking root.
There is no question that Paul is concerned with unity of the early Church. Through the first three chapters we see his passionate insistence on growing our view of the world, our view of God's work in the world. We see his commitment to pulling together Jew and Gentile under the unifying work and person of Jesus. In fact, we find this movement towards a unifying body the very essence of the "mystery" that follows Paul's letters. This mystery is the truth of God's grace that says we can (across ethnic, cultural and social systems) belong as adopted sons and daughters in to the family of God not by our own merit, but through the person and work of Jesus. For Paul we are given the power and strength and knowledge that we need to understand this mystery, the mystery that the love of Christ knows no boundaries.
I was fascinated by the theme of family in the book of Ephesians, something Hoehner helps to bring to light. From 1:5 (which speaks of our adoption in to the family of God), the theme of unity pushes forward in to a grand picture of being "built together" in to one body of brothers and sisters. Understanding the intentional use of the word for "Father" in the NT (by Paul), we see this sentiment as one that is near and dear to his own heart. There is a powerful moment in chapter 3:14 when Paul speaks of God actively "naming" every family in Heaven and on earth. This was particularly meaningful for me, and the first time that I had really read this verse, as the father of an adopted child. Paul sees the "family" in a variety of forms, all of which find their meaning in being "rooted and grounded in love (the work and person of Christ)".
It is interesting that the latter chapters, which deal with the household structure as the picture of HOW to live as a family simply serve this theme of family, providing perhaps a new lens through which to read the chapters on submission and slavery. Here Hoehner gives some good feedback (although I would have pushed some of his thoughts a bit further, particularly regarding the extent to which Paul is borrowing the household structure from the Greco-Roman context), and allows us to see how these verses in context to Paul's bigger picture of the mystery of God. In the end, this focus on the relationships within the family provide a picture of God's unifying work across boundaries and across roles, structures and culture. This is a mystery that is made known through humility, not power, servanthood and grace and not judgment and exclusion.
Lastly, I found myself intrigued by the final chapter on the armour of God. This is the first of the recommended reading that I plan to pick up (along with his material on adoption and the household structure in the ancient world). Paul has a distinct connection with the mystics. He speaks of the spiritual powers, and the unseen world quite often, and it is easy to arrive at the final chapter and paint him as more practical than romantic. He has a close connection to the spiritual elements that undergird Christian theology, and I am intrigued to discover more about these elements of his teaching.
Hoehner gives us close to 900 pages, which would appear to be overkill given the size of the letter itself. And in truth, some of what he does offer here does feel a bit over the top. And as with most commentaries, there is always a bit of theological baggage that the author carries with them in to the conversation. With Hoehner you begin to figure out his rhythm and patter early on (he typically pairs views in groups of three or more, with the one he gives his strongest support to being the last one to be referenced). He does present a somewhat biased Calvinist slant. But for the most part he gives us a good overview of the general issues in play over the particular passage. The only thing I might feel was lacking were some chances to catch our breathe and to become re-aquainted with the larger picture of the book itself.
December 21, 2017
The best of the technical commentaries on Ephesians. This is an absolute tour de force.
May 10, 2019
The best commentary on Ephesians out there. Covers everything and anything.
June 24, 2024
I found this commentary very helpful and very detailed. Hoehner was very good in showing as well different views/perspectives other theologians in the passages.
January 13, 2025
A monumental evangelical commentary on Ephesians, I bought my copy at the Dallas Theological Seminary bookstore just as it was being released. Excellent introduction and line by line analysis of the letter.
November 12, 2010
This is the most massive commentary--perhaps in existence?! When you consider the brevity of Ephesians and realize this thing pushes 900 pages--it's almost ridiculous. But it's good.
This commentary is for those who are comfortable in the Greek text and familiar with Greek grammar. The commentary goes phrase by phrase as Hoehner identifies breaks in the flow. He uses his almost insane precision and logic on every page. There are no grey help sections, shortcuts, summaries. This is solid old-school exegesis.
He follows the format of listing the Greek text, translating the text into English, and then commenting/reasoning through the passage and its meaning. Although massive, this commentary is much more readable than many other commentaries in its class, e.g. Thiselton on I Corinthians. Hoehner does not go out of his way to use technical and obtuse language.
If you are going to preach Ephesians you need to clear some space on your shelf.
On 3:6 he writes, "The mystery is not that Gentiles would be saved because the OT gives evidence for their salvation, but rather that that believing Jews and Gentiles are together in Christ. This concept was revolutionary for Jews and Gentiles alike. The only way that this information can be obtained is through the gospel, the good news concerning the effect of Christ's death on all human beings."
No, I have not read this whole thing!
The only reason that I give it 4 stars is that a more perfect commentary would not be so long!
This commentary is for those who are comfortable in the Greek text and familiar with Greek grammar. The commentary goes phrase by phrase as Hoehner identifies breaks in the flow. He uses his almost insane precision and logic on every page. There are no grey help sections, shortcuts, summaries. This is solid old-school exegesis.
He follows the format of listing the Greek text, translating the text into English, and then commenting/reasoning through the passage and its meaning. Although massive, this commentary is much more readable than many other commentaries in its class, e.g. Thiselton on I Corinthians. Hoehner does not go out of his way to use technical and obtuse language.
If you are going to preach Ephesians you need to clear some space on your shelf.
On 3:6 he writes, "The mystery is not that Gentiles would be saved because the OT gives evidence for their salvation, but rather that that believing Jews and Gentiles are together in Christ. This concept was revolutionary for Jews and Gentiles alike. The only way that this information can be obtained is through the gospel, the good news concerning the effect of Christ's death on all human beings."
No, I have not read this whole thing!
The only reason that I give it 4 stars is that a more perfect commentary would not be so long!
December 3, 2008
Extremely thorough and appropriately technical, Hoehner gives a broad canvasing of Ephesians commentaries. While I personally am not well enough versed in Biblical scholarship to form novel opinions on his interpretations from a grammatical standpoint, there were a few instances where he, Lincoln and O'Brien (my other commentaries) different when I came down against Hoehner's view. All told, however, he is a trustworthy source. He defended Pauline authorship admirably and presented an orthodox reading while giving proper consideration to the contemporary context.
Four stars instead of five because whenever I tried to quote him, I ended up with a run on sentence or something missing commas.
Four stars instead of five because whenever I tried to quote him, I ended up with a run on sentence or something missing commas.
April 16, 2014
It is hard to overstate the enormity and weight of this incredible work. This volume is an exegesis of the Greek text that is nothing less than the author's magnum opus. I have not yet preached through this Pauline epistle, but when I do this book will certainly prove to be an invaluable resource.
July 22, 2011
Excellent commentary on Ephesians...if you're serious about studying Ephesians then this is the one commentary you want. It's a beast, but well worth the time and effort!!
April 23, 2011
Incredibly thorough commentary on Ephesians.
July 12, 2016
Read 75-80% while preaching through Ephesians. Solid, exegetical commentary, second only to O'Brien.
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August 21, 20120377
November 21, 2012
Very detailed. This detailed exegesis can be tedious if you are a) of my temperament, or b) you are looking for concise overview (something like Derek Kidner).
July 7, 2015
Mooi uitgebreid commentaar. Handig om de betekenis van woorden in de context te begrijpen. Erg behulpzaam voor de preekvoorbereiding. Zeker als je tijd hebt en diepgang wil.
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