Ephesians 1:21 kjv

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Ephesians 1:21 nkjv

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Ephesians 1:21 niv

far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:21 esv

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:21 nlt

Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else ? not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 21 Meaning

Ephesians 1:21 declares the absolute and supreme exaltation of Jesus Christ. It states that God has seated Christ "far above" every conceivable spiritual and earthly power, authority, strength, and dominion. This supremacy extends not only over all beings recognized in the current world but also over all entities that will exist or be acknowledged in the future age. It asserts Christ's unmatched position as the head over all creation, universally acknowledged in all realms and throughout all time.

Ephesians 1 21 Context

Ephesians chapter 1 primarily focuses on God's eternal plan of salvation and the believers' spiritual blessings in Christ. Following a rich doctrinal exposition of election, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit (vv. 3-14), Paul offers a powerful prayer for the Ephesians (vv. 15-23). This prayer aims for believers to comprehend "the hope to which He has called you," "the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints," and "the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe" (vv. 18-19). Verse 21 flows directly from the display of God's "great might" worked in Christ: His resurrection, His seating "at His right hand in the heavenly realms" (v. 20), and then His supreme exaltation "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" (v. 21). The immediate historical and cultural context might involve Gnostic-like philosophies emerging, which emphasized a complex hierarchy of angelic beings or divine emanations, often diminishing the unique status of Christ. Paul's emphatic declaration serves as a direct polemic, establishing Christ's unrivaled supremacy over any such hierarchy or perceived power, spiritual or otherwise.

Ephesians 1 21 Word analysis

• far above (ὑπεράνω - hyperano): This compound Greek word emphasizes an ultimate, supreme transcendence. It denotes not just being higher than, but vastly, incomparably, and absolutely beyond. Christ's position is one of unparalleled preeminence, a cosmic headship. This refutes any notion of rival or even equally potent spiritual forces.
• all rule (πάσης ἀρχῆς - pasēs archēs):
  • `Pasēs` (πάσης) means "all" or "every kind of," emphasizing comprehensiveness.
  • `Archēs` (ἀρχῆς) refers to a "ruler," "chief," "origin," or "first place." In New Testament usage, it often denotes principalities or high-ranking authorities, both human and spiritual, and can refer to hostile angelic powers (e.g., Eph 6:12). Christ's authority extends to the very "originators" or "chiefs" of any domain.
• and authority (καὶ ἐξουσίας - kai exousias):
  • `Exousias` (ἐξουσίας) signifies inherent "right" or "power," delegated or possessed, to act or govern. While `archē` refers to the position, `exousia` denotes the ability or permission associated with it. This encompasses every legitimate or self-proclaimed jurisdiction.
• and power (καὶ δυνάμεως - kai dynameōs):
  • `Dynameōs` (δυνάμεως) means "strength," "ability," "force," or "might." It speaks of dynamic power or effectiveness, often associated with miracles or active might. This highlights Christ's superiority over any active force or miraculous capability.
• and dominion (καὶ κυριότητος - kai kyriotētos):
  • `Kyriotētos` (κυριότητος) derives from `kyrios` (lord) and signifies "lordship," "sovereignty," or "mastery." It often implies the highest class of ruling spiritual beings, similar to "thrones" in Colossians 1:16. This adds another layer to the comprehensiveness, showing Christ's mastery over all that holds sway.
• and every name that is named (καὶ παντὸς ὀνόματος ὀνομαζομένου - kai pantos onomatos onomazomenou): This is a powerful Semitic idiom for "every single thing/being that exists" or "anyone/anything that has any renown, dignity, or existence." It moves beyond specific categories of power to encompass literally everything that can be designated or recognized. It ensures absolutely no entity, known or unknown, is excluded from Christ's supreme position. His name outranks every other name.
• not only in this age (οὐ μόνον ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ - ou monon en tō aiōni toutō):
  • `Aiōni` (αἰῶνι) means "age," referring to a particular epoch, realm, or duration. "This age" typically refers to the current corrupted human era or the present world order dominated by sin and spiritual forces of evil. Christ's rule is already supreme here and now.
• but also in the one to come (ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι - alla kai en tō mellonti):
  • `Mellonti` (μέλλοντι) indicates the "future" or "coming" age, often referring to the eschatological, messianic era of God's perfect rule, which will fully manifest at Christ's return. This extends Christ's dominion into eternity, ensuring his eternal, unchanging reign and authority.

Ephesians 1 21 Bonus section

This verse can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to place Christ on the highest throne, echoing Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's universal and eternal reign (e.g., Dan 7:14; Psa 8:6). The deliberate accumulation of different terms for "power" (rule, authority, power, dominion) highlights a rhetorical emphasis, a polemical gesture against any contemporary beliefs—whether Gnostic, pagan, or even some strands of Jewish angelology—that might elevate other spiritual entities or human systems to a place of significant influence independent of or above Christ. Paul leaves no room for such alternatives, asserting Christ's singularity and absolute Lordship over the entire cosmos and all time. It reassures believers in Ephesus, potentially living in a context influenced by syncretistic beliefs or fear of malevolent spiritual forces, that the One they follow is universally supreme and His power infinitely transcends any threat.

Ephesians 1 21 Commentary

Ephesians 1:21 vividly portrays the unparalleled exaltation of Jesus Christ, stemming from God's immense power demonstrated in His resurrection. Paul meticulously lists four distinct categories of "powers" (archē, exousia, dynamis, kyriotēs), using them exhaustively to cover every possible form of spiritual and earthly dominion or authority that could ever exist. Whether these refer to different ranks of angelic beings (both good and fallen), human institutions, or any other cosmic force, the crucial point is that Christ is positioned "far above" them all. This "far above" signifies absolute, transcendent superiority—a chasm of supremacy that cannot be bridged. Furthermore, the declaration "every name that is named" serves as an all-encompassing statement, ensuring no entity, visible or invisible, present or future, holds a higher or even comparable rank to Christ. The distinction between "this age" and "the one to come" solidifies Christ's dominion as timeless and eternal, encompassing all past, present, and future realities. This divine placement ensures His headship over the Church, which, as His body, shares in this victory and has no need to fear any power. Practically, this verse assures believers that no force, no matter how great or formidable, can ultimately thwart God's purposes for them or usurp Christ's throne.