Ephesians 1:10
What does Ephesians 1:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 1:10 means
God’s revealed plan aims at “a dispensation of the fulness of the times”—the appointed administration when his purpose reaches its climax. In that consummation, God will “sum up all things in Christ,” harmonizing the fractured cosmos under his headship, “the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth.” Sin scattered and estranged creation; God gathers and reconciles it in Christ. This points to the present beginning and future completion of Christ’s reign. Believers live with hope because history is moving toward a Christ-centered unity where he is acknowledged as Lord over every realm.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say,
KJV
King James Version · 1611That 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The ordering of the times when they are complete, so that all things might come to a head in Christ, the things in heaven and the things on the earth; in him, I say,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in regard to the dispensation of the fulness of the times, to bring into one the whole in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth--in him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In the dispensation of the fulness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for [the] administration of the fulness of times; to head up all things in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth; in him,
Context
Verse 10 is the apex of the revealed mystery introduced in verse 9. It shows the cosmic scope of God’s purpose, not only personal salvation but universal restoration under Christ. The next verses (11–12) draw out believers’ place within this plan—our inheritance and predestination—so that our lives aim at the praise of God’s glory. Then verses 13–14 include the Gentile believers, sealed by the Spirit as a guarantee of the promised inheritance. The structure moves from Christ’s supremacy to the church’s assured share in his victory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:20
who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,
- Mark 1:15
and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.
- Revelation 19:4
And the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God that sitteth on the throne, saying, Amen; Hallelujah.
- Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.
- Ephesians 1:22
and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,
- Ephesians 3:15
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
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