Ephesians 3:4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
G4314
πρὸς
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
1 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὃ
Whereby
G3739
ὃ
Whereby
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀναγινώσκοντες
when ye read
G314
ἀναγινώσκοντες
when ye read
Strong's:
G314
Word #:
4 of 13
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
νοῆσαι
understand
G3539
νοῆσαι
understand
Strong's:
G3539
Word #:
5 of 13
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σύνεσίν
knowledge
G4907
σύνεσίν
knowledge
Strong's:
G4907
Word #:
7 of 13
a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστηρίῳ
the mystery
G3466
μυστηρίῳ
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
11 of 13
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
Cross References
Colossians 4:3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:1 Corinthians 4:1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2 Corinthians 11:6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.1 Timothy 3:16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;Ephesians 5:32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.Ephesians 1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:Ephesians 6:19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,Luke 8:10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.1 Corinthians 13:2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Historical Context
Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 3 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth of Ephesians 3:4 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
- What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
- How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?
Analysis & Commentary
[Verse 3:4 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.
The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.