Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:22

What does Ephesians 1:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:22 means

God has “put all things in subjection under his feet,” echoing royal imagery of complete conquest. Beyond universal dominion, God “gave him to be head over all things to the church.” Christ’s headship is for the church’s good; the one who rules the universe is given to his people as their leader and source. This means the church’s welfare does not hinge on worldly power but on her union with the exalted Lord. His authority governs history and guards his body. The Father’s gift of the Son’s headship ensures the church has everything necessary for life and mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he has put all things under his feet, and has made him to be head over all things to the church,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and all things He did put under his feet, and did give him--head over all things to the assembly,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he hath subjected all things under his feet and hath made him head over all the church,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and has put all things under his feet, and gave him [to be] head over all things to the assembly,

Context

Verse 22 applies Christ’s cosmic supremacy (verse 21) to the church’s benefit. It sets up verse 23, which identifies the church as Christ’s body and the fullness of him. Together, these verses conclude Paul’s prayer by linking Christ’s exaltation to the church’s identity and security. This ending loops back to the chapter’s opening theme: every spiritual blessing is ours in Christ (verse 3). The head who rules all is given for the church, guaranteeing the outworking of God’s saving plan in and through his people.

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:

v.22This passage

v.23which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 16:18

    And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

  • Ephesians 3:21

    unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:3

    But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

  • Colossians 2:19

    and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increaseth with the increase of God.

  • Colossians 2:10

    and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power:

  • Ephesians 5:23

    For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.

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