King James Version

What Does Ephesians 3:1 Mean?

Ephesians 3:1 in the King James Version says “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,”

Ephesians 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, afore: or, a little before

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 3:1 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 3:1 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 · 13 words
Τούτου1 of 13

“For this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

χάριν2 of 13

“cause”

G5484

through favor of, i.e., on account of

ἐγὼ3 of 13

“I”

G1473

i, me

Παῦλος4 of 13

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὁ5 of 13
G3588

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

δέσμιος6 of 13

“the prisoner”

G1198

a captive (as bound)

τοῦ7 of 13
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ8 of 13

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ9 of 13

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὑπὲρ10 of 13

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν11 of 13

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τῶν12 of 13
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν13 of 13

“Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:242 Timothy 1:8Ephesians 4:1Ephesians 6:20Philippians 1:13-16Philippians 1:7

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