Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:12

What does Ephesians 1:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:12 means

The purpose of God’s predestining work is worship: “that we should be unto the praise of his glory.” Paul likely speaks of Jewish believers as “we who had before hoped in Christ,” those who anticipated the Messiah from the promises of old and first trusted in him. Their salvation, like that of all, magnifies God’s glory. The point is not ethnic superiority but redemptive sequence—first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles—so that all boast only in God’s grace. The fruit of hope fulfilled is praise, a life orientated to exalting the God who keeps his word in Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that his glory might have praise through us who first had hope in Christ:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for our being to the praise of His glory, <FI>even<Fi> those who did first hope in the Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That we may be unto the praise of his glory: we who before hoped in Christ:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that we should be to [the] praise of his glory who have pre-trusted in the Christ:

Context

Verse 12 concludes the thought begun in verse 11, tying inheritance and predestination to their doxological end. It sets up a contrast and continuity with verse 13, where Paul addresses “ye also,” broadening the scope from those who first hoped to later believers who heard and believed the gospel. This transition highlights unity-in-diversity in the church: different histories, one Savior, one purpose—praise of God’s glory. Verse 14 will then seal this unity by pointing to the one Spirit given as pledge to all believers.

v.11in 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;

v.12This passage

v.13in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 42:1

    Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

  • Ephesians 1:13

    in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

  • Isaiah 32:1

    Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in justice.

  • John 14:1

    Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.

  • Matthew 12:18

    Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

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