Ephesians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃ

G3739

Which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐν

G1722

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

ἑτέραις

G2087

other

(an-, the) other or different

γενεαῖς

G1074

ages

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

ἐγνωρίσθη

G1107

made known

to make known; subjectively, to know

τοῖς

G3588

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

υἱοῖς

G5207

unto the sons

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τῶν

G3588

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

#10

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#11

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#12

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#13

ἀπεκαλύφθη

G601

it is

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

#14

τοῖς

G3588

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

#15

ἁγίοις

G40

holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#16

ἀποστόλοις

G652

apostles

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

#17

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

προφήταις

G4396

prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

#20

ἐν

G1722

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

#21

πνεύματι

G4151

the Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

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 divine revelation 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

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 salvation 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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation