Ephesians 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗ
Whereof
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἐγενόμην
I was made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#3
διάκονος
a minister
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
#4
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
δωρεὰν
to the gift
a gratuity
#7
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
χάριτος
of the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
δοθεῖσαν
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#13
μοι
unto me
to me
#14
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#15
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἐνέργειαν
the effectual working
efficiency ("energy")
#17
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
δυνάμεως
power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#19
αὐτοῦ
of 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ephesians.

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

Questions for Reflection

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