Ephesians 3:1

Authorized King James Version

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τούτου

G5127

For this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

χάριν

G5484

cause

through favor of, i.e., on account of

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὁ

G3588

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

δέσμιος

G1198

the prisoner

a captive (as bound)

τοῦ

G3588

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

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

of Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#10

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#11

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#12

τῶν

G3588

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

#13

ἐθνῶν

G1484

Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Ephesians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation