Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:20

What does Ephesians 1:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:20 means

God’s power “wrought in Christ” when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand “in the heavenly places.” Resurrection and exaltation are the supreme demonstrations of divine might and favor. Christ’s enthronement signifies authority, acceptance, and the completion of his atoning work. The same power that overcame death now secures believers’ future and energizes their present. By pointing to the risen, ascended Christ, Paul directs faith to an unshakable anchor. The Father’s act exalts the Son, and in union with him, the church shares the benefits of his life and reign.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

By which he made Christ come back from the dead, and gave him a place at his right hand in heaven,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

which He wrought in the Christ, having raised him out of the dead, and did set <FI>him<Fi> at His right hand in the heavenly <FI>places<Fi> ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[in] which he wrought in the Christ [in] raising him from among [the] dead, and he set him down at his right hand in the heavenlies,

Context

Verse 20 provides the historical proof of the power mentioned in verse 19: the resurrection and enthronement of Christ. The next verse will expand on the scope of Christ’s supremacy—far above every authority and name, in this age and the next. Verses 22–23 will then apply this supremacy to the church: all things under Christ’s feet, and Christ given as head over all things to the church. The flow moves from demonstration to dominion to the church’s benefit.

v.19and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might

v.20This passage

v.21far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 4:8

    Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.

  • Acts 2:24

    whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

  • Acts 7:55

    But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

  • John 10:30

    I and the Father are one.

  • Acts 10:40

    Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest,

  • Romans 1:4

    who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,

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