King James Version

What Does Ephesians 3:21 Mean?

Ephesians 3:21 in the King James Version says “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:21 · KJV


Context

19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 3:21 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 3:21 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 · 18 words
αὐτῷ1 of 18

Unto 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

2 of 18
G3588

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

δόξα3 of 18

be glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἐν4 of 18

by

G1722

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

τῇ5 of 18
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ6 of 18

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἐν7 of 18

by

G1722

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

Χριστῷ8 of 18

Christ

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ9 of 18

Jesus

G2424

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

εἰς10 of 18

throughout

G1519

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

πάσας11 of 18

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰς12 of 18
G3588

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

γενεὰς13 of 18

ages

G1074

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

τοῦ14 of 18
G3588

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

αἰώνων15 of 18

without end

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν16 of 18
G3588

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

αἰώνων17 of 18

without end

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀμήν18 of 18

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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