King James Version

What Does Ephesians 1:10 Mean?

Ephesians 1:10 in the King James Version says “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: heaven: Gr. the heavens”

Ephesians 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: heaven: Gr. the heavens

11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. trusted: or, hoped

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 1:10 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 1 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 1 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 1:10 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
εἰς1 of 24

“That in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἰκονομίαν2 of 24

“the dispensation”

G3622

administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) "economy"

τῆς3 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

πληρώματος4 of 24

“of the fulness”

G4138

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

τῆς5 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

καιρῶν6 of 24

“of times”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι7 of 24

“he might gather together in one”

G346

to sum up

τῆς8 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

πάντα9 of 24

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐν10 of 24

“are in”

G1722

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

τῆς11 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

Χριστῷ12 of 24

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τῆς13 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

τε14 of 24

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἐν15 of 24

“are in”

G1722

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

τῆς16 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς17 of 24

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ18 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς19 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

ἐπὶ20 of 24

“are on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς21 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

γῆς22 of 24

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἐν23 of 24

“are in”

G1722

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

αὐτῷ24 of 24

“him”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:20Philippians 2:9-10Galatians 4:4Daniel 2:44Mark 1:15Hebrews 1:2

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