Ephesians 5:20
What does Ephesians 5:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 5:20 means
Another mark of the Spirit’s fullness is pervasive gratitude: “giving thanks always for all things” to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gratitude is not naïve denial of hardship; it is trust that the Father works through every circumstance for good, and that Christ’s name opens our access to His throne. Thanksgiving purifies desires, combats covetousness (v. 3), and reorients life around grace received rather than rights demanded. It is constant (“always”) and comprehensive (“for all things”), because God’s providence is wise and His salvation complete. Praying in Jesus’ name acknowledges dependence on His mediation and aligns our requests and praises with His purposes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Giving praise at all times for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the God and Father;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the Father:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890giving thanks at all times for all things to him [who is]God and [the] Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Context
After singing and mutual edification (v. 19), Paul highlights continual thanksgiving as another fruit of being filled with the Spirit. The Trinitarian pattern is explicit: to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the Spirit’s filling. Next, verse 21 will complete the portrait with mutual submission in the fear of Christ, transitioning into specific household relationships beginning with wives and husbands (vv. 22–33). The sequence shows gratitude as a daily posture that shapes all interactions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
- Psalms 34:1
I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
- 1 Peter 4:11
if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- John 16:23
And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name.
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