What does it mean that Jesus descended into the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:9)?

Paul mentions Jesus’ descent into the “lower parts of the earth” in Ephesians 4. The passage reads, “Now this, ‘He ascended’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things” (Ephesians 4:9–10, NKJV). The meaning of “the lower parts of the earth” is open to various interpretations.

The focus of Ephesians 4 is unity in the body of Christ. To maintain unity and peace within the church, believers must “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1–2, ESV). After all, there is only “one body and one Spirit . . . one hope . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (verses 4–6, ESV).

The members of the church have received gifts from God: “To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). The spiritual gifts came following Christ’s ascension into heaven: “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men” (verse 8, ESV). And the reason for the gifts is identified: “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (verse 12, ESV).

The implication of Jesus’ ascension into heaven is “that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth” (Ephesians 4:9, NKJV). Where exactly did Christ descend?

The ESV translation of Ephesians 4:9 identifies “the lower regions” as “the earth.” The NLT arrives at the same conclusion, saying that Jesus “descended to our lowly world.” The NIV follows suit, saying that Jesus came to “the lower, earthly regions.” So, the incarnation of Christ is His “descent”—He came down from heaven to dwell among us (see John 1:1, 14). But some other interpreters suggest that, after Christ was crucified, He descended into Sheol, Hades, or hell. Those who hold this view often cite 1 Peter 3:18–19 as a supporting passage.

Based on the context of Ephesians 4:9, the descent of Christ likely refers to His incarnation. Christ left heaven and descended to the “lower regions” (i.e., to the earth). Why did Christ descend? He descended “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, ESV). His descent was complete and utterly humble: the King of kings was laid in a manger, and He spent His life with “no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

After His earthly work was done, Jesus ascended back into heaven, and He distributed spiritual gifts to His church. Paul says that Christ “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12, ESV). Now Jesus is “at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 8:1). Having humbled Himself in descending to the lower parts of the earth, God has exalted Him to the highest place forever (Philippians 2:9).