Ephesians 4:8

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might 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

    Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

    Read in context
  • Colossians 2:15

    And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

    Read in context