Devine Scripture

Ephesians 3:4

What does Ephesians 3:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 3:4 means

Paul assures the Ephesians that, by reading his words, they can grasp his insight into the mystery of Christ. He is not hiding privileged knowledge for a spiritual elite; he is communicating truth for the church’s understanding. The mystery concerns Christ—His person and work—and how God’s plan centers in Him. Reading apostolic teaching is the appointed means by which believers gain clarity. Paul’s confidence underscores the sufficiency and clarity of what God has revealed through him. The church need not guess at God’s design; it is written for their comprehension, so that faith rests on what God has made known, not on rumors, speculations, or private interpretations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

By the reading of which you will be clear about my knowledge of the secret of Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in regard to which ye are able, reading <FI>it<Fi> , to understand my knowledge in the secret of the Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

by which, in reading it, ye can understand my intelligence in the mystery of the Christ,)

Context

Coming after the claim of revelation in verse 3, this verse invites the readers to recognize and receive apostolic understanding. Paul prepares them to hear a formal definition of the mystery. Verse 5 will show that the present clarity is a fresh work of the Spirit to the apostles and prophets. Verse 6 will then state the mystery’s content. In the flow, verse 4 transitions from the fact of revelation to the church’s reception of it through reading, highlighting Scripture’s role in understanding God’s plan.

v.3how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,

v.4This passage

v.5which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1

    Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:6

    But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.

  • Luke 8:10

    And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

  • Colossians 2:2

    that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ,

  • 1 Timothy 3:16

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

  • Ephesians 1:9

    making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ephesians 3:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary