Ephesians 3:10

Authorized King James Version

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἵνα
To the intent that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#2
γνωρισθῇ
places might be known
to make known; subjectively, to know
#3
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#4
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀρχαῖς
unto the principalities
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐξουσίαις
powers
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἐπουρανίοις
heavenly
above the sky
#12
διὰ
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#13
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐκκλησίας
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
πολυποίκιλος
the manifold
much variegated, i.e., multifarious
#17
σοφία
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#18
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 wisdom 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 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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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