Ephesians 3:15 kjv
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:15 nkjv
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:15 niv
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians 3:15 esv
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Ephesians 3:15 nlt
the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
Ephesians 3 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 8:15 | For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons... | God as Father through adoption |
| Gal 4:6 | And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" | Assurance of God as Father |
| Heb 12:9-10 | Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us... How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits... | God as Father of all spirits |
| 1 Pet 1:17 | If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds... | God's fatherhood and judgment |
| Eph 1:21-23 | ...far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named... and gave him as head over all things to the church... | Christ's supremacy over all names/authorities |
| Phil 2:9-11 | Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth... | Christ's universal Lordship |
| Col 1:16 | For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. | All creation (heaven & earth) through God |
| 1 Cor 8:6 | ...for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist... | God the Father, source of all things |
| Ps 24:1 | The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. | God's ownership of all creation |
| Is 43:7 | everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. | Being named by God signifies creation/purpose |
| 2 Chr 7:14 | if my people who are called by my name humble themselves... | God's people identified by His name |
| Jer 14:9 | You are in our midst, O Lord, and we are called by your name; forsake us not. | Plea based on being identified by God's name |
| Jas 2:7 | Are not they the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? | Being called by Christ's name |
| Rev 3:12 | and I will write upon him my new name. | Believers named by Christ |
| Eph 2:19 | So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, | Believers as household/family of God |
| Rom 12:5 | so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. | Unity of believers as one body |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Gentile... for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Universal unity in Christ |
| Lk 20:37-38 | ...he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him. | All live to God, includes those in heaven |
| Mt 6:9 | Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." | God as the heavenly Father |
| Col 3:1-4 | If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above... | Heaven as believers' destiny/dwelling |
| 1 Thess 4:16-17 | For the Lord himself will descend from heaven... the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive... will be caught up together with them... | Gathering of believers (living and departed) |
| Is 63:16 | For you are our Father... our Redeemer from of old is your name. | God as Redeemer Father of all nations |
Ephesians 3 verses
Ephesians 3 15 Meaning
This verse reveals that every "family" or "collective" in all creation, both in heaven and on earth, derives its name, existence, and very identity from God the Father. It emphasizes God's ultimate paternity over all spiritual and physical realities.
Ephesians 3 15 Context
Ephesians 3:15 is part of Paul's profound prayer for the Ephesians, following his exposition of the "mystery" of Christ—the unprecedented unity of believing Jews and Gentiles in one body. This prayer begins in v.1 and is paused by a parenthetical section (v.2-13) where Paul explains his unique apostleship to the Gentiles and the breadth of this revealed mystery. Verse 15 marks the return to his prayer, specifically grounding the family he prays for in the ultimate source of all existence. Historically and culturally, the Gentile world often acknowledged multiple gods, spirits, and localized deities, creating fragmented spiritual allegiances. Paul’s declaration of "one Father" over "every family in heaven and on earth" directly counters these fragmented pagan worldviews, asserting the singular, supreme authority and paternity of the God of Israel as the source of all being and every coherent group or entity.
Ephesians 3 15 Word analysis
- Of whom (Greek:
ex hou): Translates to "out of whom" or "from whom." This directly links back to the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned in verse 14. It highlights that the origin, source, and ultimate derivation of everything that follows are found in God the Father. - The whole (Greek:
pasa): Means "all," "every," or "the entire." This word emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of what follows, implying that no single part or aspect is excluded from the Father's ultimate authority and naming. - Family (Greek:
patria): This is a significant wordplay (pun) with "Father" (pater) in verse 14.Patriadenotes a "family," "lineage," "clan," or "fatherland"—a group defined by a common ancestor or origin. Paul uses it here to convey that every distinct group or collective, every "paternity," in all realms, takes its very nature and designation from the one supreme Father. It's not just about human families, but about any grouping of beings deriving identity. - In heaven: Refers to spiritual beings, angels, and the redeemed who have departed from earth and are in God's presence. This emphasizes the inclusion of celestial realms under God's dominion, suggesting unity in purpose and origin among all beings faithful to God.
- And earth: Refers to humanity, particularly believers on earth, who constitute God's family. It underscores the scope of God's paternity to include all creation, physical and spiritual, demonstrating that His authority is not confined to one sphere.
- Is named (Greek:
onomazetai): Literally means "is called by name" or "receives its name." Being named by God signifies creation, ownership, authority, and ultimate identity. It's not just about a label, but about a deep, fundamental connection to the one who gives the name, implying purpose, destiny, and the source of all identity. All existence and collective identity originate in Him and bear His mark.
Words-group analysis:
- "Of whom the whole family...is named": This phrase encapsulates the idea of divine source and universal derivation. Every single "family" or "entity"—whether spiritual, celestial, or terrestrial—owes its very name, nature, and existence to God the Father. It speaks to God's ultimate creative and providential authority.
- "The whole family in heaven and earth": This grouping emphasizes the unity and scope of God's family. It spans all of creation, linking visible and invisible realms under the single, loving Paternity of God. It brings together beings (angels, departed saints, and living believers) who share a common Father. This breaks down barriers, emphasizing a universal kinship rooted in God.
Ephesians 3 15 Bonus section
- The use of "every family" (singular in Greek,
pasa patria) rather than "all families" further emphasizes that each and every type of family or grouping, without exception, traces its origin and identity to the one Father. It's a statement about the nature of derived being from the Ultimate Being. - This verse contributes to Paul's overarching theme in Ephesians of the unity of all things in Christ (Eph 1:10), rooted in the Father's ultimate plan and purpose. It underpins the spiritual reality of Jew and Gentile being united, as it points to an even grander unity of all creation under God.
- The verse subtly communicates God's sovereignty over spiritual warfare, implying that even those rebellious "authorities" (Eph 6:12) ultimately derive their very "name" (their being and category) from Him, even if they pervert His intention.
- It reinforces the significance of "name" in ancient thought – more than a label, it conveys essence, power, and identity. For God to name something means He defines its reality and purpose.
Ephesians 3 15 Commentary
Ephesians 3:15 asserts the majestic and comprehensive paternity of God the Father over all of existence. The deliberate wordplay between "Father" (pater) in verse 14 and "family" (patria) in verse 15 underscores that every conceivable collective, grouping, or "family" (both in heavenly realms and on earth) finds its source, identity, and meaning solely in Him. This truth stands against any notion of fragmented spiritual loyalties or independent powers, declaring that God is the singular, supreme Originator of all order, kinship, and being. It is a powerful statement of unity, highlighting that angels, departed saints, and living believers are all interconnected as part of this one universal family under God, united through Christ Jesus.