Ephesians 3:13 kjv

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:13 nkjv

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:13 niv

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Ephesians 3:13 esv

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:13 nlt

So please don't lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Ephesians 3 verses

Ephesians 3 13 Meaning

Ephesians 3:13 expresses Paul's earnest plea to the believers in Ephesus not to be discouraged or lose heart because of his imprisonment and sufferings. He clarifies that his afflictions are not a sign of weakness or divine disfavor, but rather they are "for you" (on their behalf, serving their interests) and ultimately serve as "your glory," validating their secure standing and exalted position in Christ as Gentiles integrated into God's plan.

Ephesians 3 13 Context

Ephesians Chapter 3 unfolds Paul's profound revelation regarding "the mystery of Christ," specifically God's long-hidden plan to include Gentiles as equal co-heirs with Jewish believers in the body of Christ (v. 4-6). Paul highlights his unique role as an apostle divinely commissioned to reveal this mystery to the Gentiles (v. 7-8) and even to spiritual powers (v. 9-10), emphasizing the multi-faceted wisdom of God displayed through the church. This mystery brings boldness and confident access to God (v. 12) for all believers.

The verse 13 immediately follows Paul's profound theological discourse on Gentile inclusion and their bold access to God. Paul, writing from imprisonment (Eph 3:1), understands that his physical chains could be misinterpreted by the Ephesians. In the Roman context, imprisonment often signified failure, shame, or punishment by higher authorities. Early Christians faced societal pressure and persecution; a suffering apostle might have led some to question the truth or power of his message, or even their own identity as newly included Gentiles. Paul's direct plea serves as a pastoral intervention, pre-empting discouragement and reaffirming that his afflictions are neither a setback for God's plan nor a reason for them to doubt their glorious position in Christ. His suffering, far from undermining the message, actually underscores its truth and the immense value of their newfound spiritual identity.

Ephesians 3 13 Word analysis

• Therefore (διό - dio): Connects to the preceding grand declaration of the "mystery of Christ" and the boldness believers have in Him (v. 1-12). It introduces a pastoral application of that truth. Given such a glorious reality, their discouragement over his suffering would be illogical.
• I ask (αἰτοῦμαι - aitoumai): A gentle yet firm request, an appeal. It reveals Paul's tender pastoral care, desiring their spiritual steadfastness rather than merely commanding it. It's a prayerful request, not a mere instruction.
• you (ὑμᾶς - hymas): Directly addressing the Gentile believers in Ephesus. This shows personal concern for their faith and spiritual morale.
• not to lose heart (μὴ ἐγκακεῖν - mē enkakein): Literally "not to grow weak," "not to faint," "not to be discouraged or grow weary." It denotes a cessation of moral vigor or firmness of purpose. This phrase counters spiritual weariness, despair, or despondency, often linked to endurance in trials (cf. Gal 6:9, 2 Cor 4:1). It's a polemic against the idea that God's plan or apostles could be truly defeated.
• over what I am suffering (ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσίν μου - en tais thlipsesin mou): Refers to external pressures, afflictions, or tribulations (from thlipsis, meaning "pressure" or "distress"). This encompasses Paul's imprisonments, physical hardships, and opposition for the Gospel's sake. It explicitly states the cause of potential discouragement.
• for you (ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν - hyper hymōn): Signifies "on your behalf," "for your sake," or "in your interest." Paul's sufferings are vicarious in nature; they are not pointless or merely personal. They are deeply connected to the advance of the Gospel and the spiritual welfare of the Gentile church. This reveals a central purpose behind apostolic suffering.
• which is (ἥτις ἐστὶν - hētis estin): Connects his suffering directly to their glory. It presents a strong causal or consequential link: his suffering is their glory, not merely a cause of it or related to it.
• your glory (δόξα ὑμῶν - doxa hymōn): Doxa means glory, honor, splendor, renown, good reputation. Paul radically reinterprets his suffering: it validates their inclusion in Christ, their identity as God's chosen, and the truth of the Gospel preached to them. His endurance confirms their spiritual standing and demonstrates the immense privilege of the mystery revealed to them, elevating their status and securing their divine approval. His suffering makes their new identity in Christ undeniably real and valuable, bringing them honor.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Therefore I ask you not to lose heart": This opening reveals Paul's profound pastoral burden. He actively intervenes to guard their spiritual resilience and prevent misinterpretation of his trials.
• "over what I am suffering for you": This crucial phrase connects Paul's personal tribulation to the corporate body of believers, particularly the Gentiles. It emphasizes that his trials are not for naught but serve a purposeful, beneficial function for them.
• "which is your glory": This declaration transforms the conventional understanding of suffering. Paul asserts that his afflictions, rather than bringing shame, actually reflect and establish the honor and standing of the Ephesians. It is an affirmation of the immense spiritual blessings and divine approval they have received.

Ephesians 3 13 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a core theological pattern found throughout the New Testament: suffering is not antithetical to glory but often a prerequisite for it. As Christ's suffering led to His glory, so too does the suffering of His devoted followers contribute to the advancement of His kingdom and the glorification of His people. Paul consistently presents his own tribulations not as personal tragedies but as redemptive tools in God's hands. His steadfastness in chains served as a visible testament to the unshakeable power of the Gospel and the divine reality of the mystery he proclaimed, bolstering the faith of others. The "glory" for the Ephesians includes the profound honor of being partakers of God's grace and being witness to the faithfulness of His apostle in extreme adversity, confirming the ultimate victory and trustworthiness of their shared faith in Christ.

Ephesians 3 13 Commentary

Ephesians 3:13 acts as a powerful pivot in Paul's letter, moving from grand theological revelation to a deeply personal and pastoral concern. Having meticulously unfolded the mystery of Gentile inclusion and their bold access to God, Paul anticipates that his own challenging circumstances—his imprisonment—could paradoxically undermine the very truth he preaches. For Gentile converts, who were still establishing their identity in a often hostile cultural and religious landscape, seeing their key apostle imprisoned might have led to fear, discouragement, or questioning the legitimacy of his message.

Paul confronts this potential disillusionment head-on. By stating, "I ask you not to lose heart," he demonstrates his keen pastoral sensitivity, appealing directly to their spirit of endurance. The critical element lies in his declaration that his suffering is not a mark of shame or failure, but intrinsically linked to "your glory." This means that his very tribulations serve to validate the authenticity and immense worth of the gospel they have received and the glorious spiritual standing they now possess as equal co-heirs with Christ. His suffering proves the preciousness of the truth he endures for, confirming their esteemed place in God's eternal plan. It exemplifies the New Testament principle that suffering endured for Christ's sake, far from diminishing one's honor, ultimately magnifies God's power and solidifies the believer's identity in Him. Paul's endurance assures them that their calling is genuine and divinely sanctioned, even amidst earthly hardship.