Devine Scripture

Ephesians 3:5

What does Ephesians 3:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 3:5 means

Paul explains that the mystery was not made known in earlier generations as it has now been revealed to Christ’s holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This stresses both continuity and newness. The Old Testament anticipated Gentile blessing, but the exact shape and equality now revealed was not previously disclosed in this fullness. The Spirit is the active revealer, ensuring that what the apostles and prophets proclaim carries divine authority. God’s timing matters: He chose this moment in redemptive history to bring hidden things into the light. The church, therefore, receives a privilege unknown to prior ages—clear sight of God’s plan centered on Christ and openly announced by His appointed messengers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

which 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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

which 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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Which in other generations was not given to the sons of men, but the revelation of it has now been made to his holy Apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

which in other generations has not been made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in [the power of the] Spirit,

Context

This verse sets the historical-grammatical frame: there is real progression in revelation. Having told the Ephesians that they can perceive his understanding (verse 4), Paul now identifies the circle of revelation—inspired apostles and prophets—and the agent—the Spirit. This paves the way for verse 6 to give the mystery’s precise content. Verses 7–9 will then discuss Paul’s role in spreading that revealed truth. Recognizing verse 5’s emphasis helps the reader appreciate the significance of what comes next.

v.4whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

v.5This passage

v.6to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Cross references

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

  • John 14:26

    But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.

  • Luke 2:26

    And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

  • Acts 10:19

    And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

  • Hebrews 11:39

    And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

  • Acts 10:28

    and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and yet unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean:

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