Devine Scripture

Ephesians 3:12

What does Ephesians 3:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 3:12 means

In Christ Jesus, believers have boldness and confident access to God through faith. The barrier of fear is removed; the way is open, not because of our merit but because we are in Him. Faith unites us to Christ, and in Him we come freely to the Father. Assurance and nearness are marks of the new covenant people. This access is the experiential counterpart to the grand truths just declared: the same Lord who fulfills God’s eternal purpose invites us into His presence. Therefore, prayer is not presumption but privilege secured by Christ, exercised in trust, and enjoyed with confidence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

By whom we come near to God without fear through faith in him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in whom we have the freedom and the access in confidence through the faith of him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in whom we have boldness and access in confidence by the faith of him.

Context

Having shown the eternal scope of God’s purpose (verse 11), Paul turns to the believer’s present experience: access to God. This anticipates the prayer that begins in verse 14 and supports the exhortation in verse 13 not to lose heart. The flow moves from cosmic design to personal privilege, highlighting how doctrine fuels courage and communion with God. Verse 12 thus becomes a hinge between theology and pastoral encouragement.

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

v.12This passage

v.13Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 10:19

    Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 4:14

    Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

  • Ephesians 2:18

    for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.

  • John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:4

    And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward:

  • Romans 5:2

    through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

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