Ephesians 1:11

Authorized King James Version

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἐκληρώθημεν
we have obtained an inheritance
to allot, i.e., (figuratively) to assign (a privilege)
#5
προορισθέντες
being predestinated
to limit in advance, i.e., (figuratively) predetermine
#6
κατὰ
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
πρόθεσιν
the purpose
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#11
ἐνεργοῦντος
of him who worketh
to be active, efficient
#12
κατὰ
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#13
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
βουλὴν
the counsel
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θελήματος
will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#17
αὐτοῦ
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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