Devine Scripture

Ephesians 3:10

What does Ephesians 3:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 3:10 means

God’s intent in unveiling the mystery is that, through the church, His manifold wisdom would now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. The redeemed, united people of God become a living display of divine wisdom’s many facets—justice and mercy, truth and grace, unity and diversity. Even spiritual authorities observe God’s plan unfolding. The church, therefore, is not only a community on earth but a testimony in the spiritual realm. Its existence and unity preach a sermon to heaven itself: God’s wisdom triumphs. This assigns profound dignity to the church’s life and underscores that redemption has cosmic significance beyond human sight.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavens might be made clear through the church the wide-shining wisdom of God,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly <FI>places<Fi> , through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom ofGod,

Context

Verses 8–9 described Paul’s preaching task and the hidden plan. Verse 10 reveals the surprising audience: not only people but heavenly powers. This heightens the reader’s sense of the church’s importance in God’s design. Verse 11 will trace this back to God’s eternal purpose in Christ, and verse 12 will bring the implications down to believers’ confident access to God. The flow moves from proclamation to cosmic display to eternal purpose, then to personal experience.

v.9and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things;

v.10This passage

v.11according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Cross references

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

  • Romans 11:33

    O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!

  • Ephesians 1:3

    Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ:

  • Psalms 103:20

    Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24

    but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

  • Romans 8:38

    For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

  • Ezekiel 3:12

    Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of Jehovah from his place.

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