King James Version

What Does Ephesians 3:9 Mean?

Ephesians 3:9 in the King James Version says “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in Go...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”

Ephesians 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

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.

8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Read Ephesians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 3:9 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 3:9 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 · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

φωτίσαι2 of 23

“men see”

G5461

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

πάντα3 of 23

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τίς4 of 23

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὰ5 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

κοινωνία6 of 23

“is the fellowship”

G2842

partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction

τὰ7 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

μυστηρίου8 of 23

“of the mystery”

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

τὰ9 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἀποκεκρυμμένου10 of 23

“hath been hid”

G613

to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret

ἀπὸ11 of 23

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τὰ12 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

αἰώνων13 of 23

“the beginning of the world”

G165

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

ἐν14 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

τὰ15 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

θεῷ16 of 23

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὰ17 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

τὰ18 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

πάντα19 of 23

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κτίσαντι20 of 23

“created”

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

διὰ21 of 23

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰησοῦ22 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ,23 of 23

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:26Matthew 13:352 Timothy 1:9Colossians 3:3Hebrews 3:3-4Matthew 28:19

Test Your Knowledge

Ephesians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEphesians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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