Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:11

What does Ephesians 1:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:11 means

“In him” believers were “made a heritage,” either receiving an inheritance in Christ or being God’s treasured possession in him—both truths aligned with Scripture’s themes. This status flows from predestination “according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.” God is not improvising; he sovereignly orders events to fulfill his wise plan. Our security rests not in chance or our constancy, but in God’s counsel. To belong to Christ is to be written into God’s will, guaranteed an inheritance that reflects his steadfast purpose and ensures our ultimate good and his glory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In whom we have a heritage, being marked out from the first in his purpose who does all things in agreement with his designs;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in whom also we did obtain an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him who the all things is working according to the counsel of His will,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in whom we have also obtained an inheritance, being marked out beforehand according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his own will,

Context

Building on the cosmic headship of Christ (verse 10), verse 11 narrows to the believer’s portion within that plan—heritage by predestination. It reassures readers that their place is deliberate and secure. Verse 12 will clarify the purpose: that those who first hoped in Christ would be to the praise of God’s glory. Then verse 13 will widen the circle to “ye also,” likely Gentile believers, showing that the same inheritance and sealing extend to them. The sequence emphasizes unity in Christ across redemptive history.

v.10unto 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,

v.11This passage

v.12to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 28:29

    This also cometh forth from Jehovah of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.

  • Isaiah 40:13

    Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?

  • 1 Peter 1:4

    unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • Acts 20:27

    For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.

  • Isaiah 46:10

    declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;

  • Ephesians 1:14

    which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ephesians 1:11.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary