Ephesians 1:20 kjv

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:20 nkjv

which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:20 niv

he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

Ephesians 1:20 esv

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:20 nlt

that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 20 Meaning

Ephesians 1:20 reveals the magnitude of God's power as it was powerfully demonstrated in Christ. This divine power effectively worked in raising Christ from the dead, overcoming the ultimate enemy of humanity—death itself. Furthermore, it seated Him at the Father's right hand in the heavenly realms, a position signifying supreme authority, honor, and co-regency over all creation, visible and invisible. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's supreme exaltation and dominion, powered entirely by God.

Ephesians 1 20 Context

Ephesians 1:20 is central to Paul's opening prayer for the Ephesian believers (Eph 1:15-23). After declaring the spiritual blessings received in Christ (Eph 1:3-14), Paul expresses his earnest desire for the believers to gain deeper spiritual wisdom and revelation, specifically concerning "the hope of His calling," "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints," and "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Eph 1:18-19). Verse 20 then elaborates directly on this "exceeding greatness of His power," illustrating it through the two greatest demonstrations of God's power in human history: Christ's resurrection from the dead and His subsequent exaltation to the highest position of authority in the universe. This provides the theological foundation for understanding Christ's supremacy, which further sets the stage for Paul's later discussion on the Church as Christ's body and the union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ (Eph 2-3). Historically, the city of Ephesus was known for its goddess cults (Artemis), magic, and diverse spiritual beliefs. Paul's emphatic declaration of Christ's supreme power "in the heavenly places" would directly counter any notions of lesser deities or spiritual forces holding ultimate sway, proclaiming Christ's unrivaled authority over all.

Ephesians 1 20 Word analysis

• which: This pronoun directly links to and explains "the exceeding greatness of His power" (v. 19), clarifying how that immense power was shown. It points to Christ's resurrection and enthronement as the supreme evidence of God's dynamic working.
• he wrought: (Greek: energeō, ἐνεργέω) - Meaning "to work effectively," "to operate," "to accomplish." This word emphasizes divine energy and powerful action. It signifies an active, forceful demonstration of power, not just a static attribute. God was the active agent in Christ's triumph.
• in Christ: This specifies the focal point and recipient of God's operative power. Christ is not merely the subject but also the sphere within whom this mighty power was uniquely demonstrated and perfected. It signifies the union of God's will and power with Christ's obedience.
• when he raised him: (Greek: egeirō, ἐγείρω) - "to raise up," specifically from the dead. This highlights God's sovereign act. It points to the miracle that transcends human capability and marks victory over sin and death, which were the ultimate consequences of rebellion against God.
• from the dead: This phrase underscores the finality and totality of Christ's death, making His resurrection an undeniable triumph over mortality itself. It emphasizes the ultimate defeat of death and the grave as enemies.
• and set him: (Greek: kathizō, καθίζω) - "to cause to sit," "to seat," "to enthrone." This word conveys the deliberate act of establishing someone in a position of authority and permanence. It speaks of a decisive and deliberate enthronement by God.
• at his own right hand: This is an idiomatic expression across ancient cultures, denoting the place of highest honor, supreme authority, power, and privilege. It signifies a position of co-regency and shared dominion with God the Father. It is not merely a symbolic place, but a position of active rule.
• in the heavenly places: (Greek: en tois epouraniois, ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις) - This unique phrase appears five times in Ephesians (1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12). It denotes the spiritual realm where God dwells, where spiritual realities operate, and where heavenly authority resides. It contrasts with earthly realms, indicating Christ's transcendent rule over all creation, visible and invisible. It is also the realm from which spiritual blessings flow (1:3) and where believers are spiritually seated (2:6).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "which he wrought in Christ": This entire phrase encapsulates the dynamic outworking of God's limitless power uniquely concentrated and fulfilled through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It’s God's energia focused en Christō.
• "when he raised him from the dead": This describes the first and paramount display of God's power, signifying His triumph over sin, death, and Satan's ultimate claim. It is the definitive proof of Christ's identity and victory.
• "and set him at his own right hand": This describes the second equally significant demonstration of God's power, signifying Christ's subsequent exaltation and investiture with universal, sovereign authority and honor. It implies His eternal reign.
• "at his own right hand in the heavenly places": This phrase combines the position of ultimate authority with the spiritual realm where that authority is exercised. It emphasizes Christ's present, active, and unrivaled dominion over all spiritual and cosmic forces. It asserts a reality far superior to any earthly power or competing spiritual influence.

Ephesians 1 20 Bonus section

The understanding of Christ's position "in the heavenly places" as outlined in Ephesians 1:20 is critical because believers are also declared to be "seated with Him in the heavenly places" (Eph 2:6). This union signifies that the immense power that raised Christ and enthroned Him is the same power at work for believers, enabling them to live in victory, despite earthly challenges. While Christ's enthronement means He exercises universal dominion, the believer's shared seating is a spiritual reality and position, offering access to divine authority and protection, enabling participation in Christ's ongoing work, and serving as the source of every spiritual blessing. This concept transforms the believer's perspective, enabling them to operate from a position of authority granted through Christ rather than from one of earthly weakness.

Ephesians 1 20 Commentary

Ephesians 1:20 unveils God's "exceeding greatness of His power" through the twin triumphs of Christ's resurrection and enthronement. This power, dynamic and operative (energeō), demonstrates God's victory over the grave and establishes Christ as supreme. Being "raised from the dead" signifies complete conquest of mortality and sin's penalty, fulfilling divine prophecies. His being "set... at his own right hand" confirms His unparalleled honor and absolute authority. This position "in the heavenly places" clarifies that Christ's dominion extends not merely over the visible world but over all spiritual realms, thereby securing His cosmic sovereignty. This truth serves not only as an anchor for Christian hope but also as a powerful polemic against any competing spiritual authorities, affirming Christ's preeminence as Lord over all things seen and unseen, and the foundation for the believer's own hope and position in Christ.