Ephesians 4:8 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁸ Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], “When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel’s enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] people.”

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁸ Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men. [Ps. 68:18.]

American Standard Version (1901)

⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.

Common English Bible

⁸ That’s why scripture says, “When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people”.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁸ Because of this, he says: "Ascending on high, he took captivity itself captive; he gave gifts to men."

Ephesians 4:8 Cross References

Ephesians 4:11

And He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,

Colossians 2:15

[In doing this] Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities [i.e., evil forces] and made a public display of them, triumphing over them through the cross. [Note: This could possibly be rendered “God triumphed over them through Christ”].