Ephesians 4:9 – “What does ‘he ascended’ mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is explaining the meaning of Jesus’ ascension by referring to His descent first. Since Jesus ascended to heaven, it means that He must have first come down. Paul is emphasizing that Christ’s victory and authority were not automatic—He had to descend before He could ascend.

There are two primary ways to understand what Paul means by “he descended to the lower, earthly regions”:

1. Jesus’ Incarnation – This view suggests that Paul is referring to Jesus coming down from heaven to earth when He was born as a man. This aligns with passages like John 1:14 (“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”). Jesus humbled Himself by taking on human form and living among sinful people.
2. Jesus’ Descent into Death and the Grave – Some believe Paul is referring to Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead after His crucifixion. This idea is connected to 1 Peter 3:18–19, which suggests that Jesus proclaimed victory to the spirits in prison (possibly fallen angels or those who rejected God).

Both interpretations point to the same truth: Before Jesus ascended to reign in heaven, He had to humble Himself first. His victory came through suffering, death, and resurrection.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome around A.D. 60–62. The early church was growing, but many believers were still trying to understand the full meaning of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

For Jewish believers, the idea of a Messiah who suffered and died was difficult to grasp. They expected the Messiah to come as a conquering king, not a suffering servant. Paul wanted them to understand that Jesus’ victory was possible because He first humbled Himself.

For Gentile believers, who were familiar with stories of gods and rulers who demanded power, Paul’s teaching showed that Jesus’ path to glory was through humility and sacrifice. He did not take power for Himself—He earned it by defeating sin and death.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches the pattern of Christ’s victory: humility before exaltation. This is a central theme in the Bible—God lifts up the humble but brings down the proud (Luke 14:11).

It also reinforces the reality of Jesus’ humanity. By descending, Jesus fully entered into the human experience, including suffering and death. He was not distant from our struggles—He lived them.

Furthermore, this verse supports the teaching that Jesus is Lord over all realms—heaven, earth, and even the grave. Whether Paul is referring to Christ’s incarnation or His descent into death, the point remains the same: Jesus reigns over everything because He has conquered everything.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Paul’s explanation of Psalm 68:18, which he quotes in Ephesians 4:8. In verse 8, Paul describes Jesus’ ascension, and now, in verse 9, he explains that this ascension must have been preceded by a descent.

The contrast between “ascended” and “descended” is key. Paul is emphasizing movement—Jesus did not simply remain in heaven; He came down to accomplish His mission and then returned in victory.

Paul also uses the phrase “lower, earthly regions,” which could be translated as “the lower parts of the earth.” This phrase appears elsewhere in Scripture (Psalm 139:15, Isaiah 44:23) and can refer to:

• The earth itself (compared to heaven)
• The grave (Sheol/Hades), the realm of the dead

No matter which interpretation is preferred, the central message is the same: Jesus humbled Himself before being exalted.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 2:6–9 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant… Therefore God exalted him to the highest place.”
• John 3:13 – “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.”
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
• 1 Peter 3:18–19 – “He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits.”
• Romans 10:6–7 – “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down) or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that true victory comes through humility and obedience. Just as Jesus descended before ascending, Christians must often walk through hardship before experiencing God’s full blessing.

It also reassures believers that Jesus understands their struggles. He is not a distant ruler who is unaware of human pain—He lived it. When Christians go through suffering, they can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has already walked that path and overcome it.

Additionally, this verse calls Christians to follow Jesus’ example. Instead of seeking power or status, believers are called to humility and service. Jesus did not take a shortcut to glory—He laid down His life first.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in His willingness to come down to us. Instead of leaving humanity in sin, He sent His Son to descend into the brokenness of the world.

This verse shows that God is not distant but deeply involved in His creation. His love is not passive—it is active, sacrificial, and personal.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility leading to glory:

1. He descended – By becoming human (John 1:14) and by dying on the cross (Philippians 2:8).
2. He ascended – By rising from the dead and returning to heaven (Acts 1:9).
3. He now reigns – Because of His victory, He is exalted above all (Philippians 2:9–11).

Jesus’ descent and ascent remind believers that suffering is not the end of the story. Just as He was lifted up after humbling Himself, those who trust in Him will also share in His victory.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus had to descend before ascending?
2. How does knowing that Jesus experienced suffering help you in difficult times?
3. What does this verse teach about the importance of humility in the Christian life?
4. How does this verse challenge common ideas of success and power in the world today?
5. How can you follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience in your own life?