Ephesians 1:21

Authorized King James Version

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑπεράνω

G5231

Far above

above upward, i.e., greatly higher (in place or rank)

παντὸς

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

ἀρχῆς

G746

principality

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξουσίας

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δυνάμεως

G1411

might

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κυριότητος

G2963

dominion

mastery, i.e., (concretely and collectively) rulers

#10

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

παντὸς

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

ὀνόματος

G3686

name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#13

ὀνομαζομένου

G3687

that is named

to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

#14

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#15

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#16

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#17

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

αἰῶνι

G165

world

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#19

τούτῳ

G5129

this

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#20

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#21

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#23

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

μέλλοντι·

G3195

that which is to come

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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Topics

Salvation