Ephesians 3:11

Authorized King James Version

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
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)
#2
πρόθεσιν
purpose
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
#3
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
αἰώνων
the eternal
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#5
ἣν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ἐποίησεν
he purposed
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
Χριστῷ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κυρίῳ
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#12
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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