Ephesians 4:8

6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”

9 What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
KJV
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
WEB
Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to people.”
ASV
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.
DARBY
Wherefore he says, Having ascended up on high, he has led captivity captive, and has given gifts to men.
BLB
Therefore it says: “Having ascended on high, He led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men.”
ÅB
Derfor sier Skriften: Han fór opp i det høye og bortførte fanger, han gav menneskene gaver.
OTB
Derfor sier det:
"Da han steg opp i det høye,
førte han fanger i sitt tog
og ga gaver til menneskene."
B1930
Derfor sier Skriften: Han fór op i det høie og bortførte fanger, han gav menneskene gaver.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Psalms 68:18

    You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.

    Read in context
  • Colossians 2:15

    And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

    Read in context