Ephesians 3:4 kjv

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Ephesians 3:4 nkjv

by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),

Ephesians 3:4 niv

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Ephesians 3:4 esv

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Ephesians 3:4 nlt

As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.

Ephesians 3 verses

MeaningEphesians 3:4 means that as readers engage with Paul's written message in this letter, they will comprehend the depth of his divinely imparted spiritual understanding concerning the profound truth of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ—specifically, the previously hidden "mystery" of Jew and Gentile being united as one body in Christ. It assures the reader that Paul's teaching is clear and intelligible, offering access to these crucial spiritual realities.

Cross References

ContextEphesians 3:4 is nestled within a pivotal section of Paul's letter where he elaborates on his apostleship to the Gentiles. In chapter 1, Paul celebrates God's cosmic plan in Christ, and in chapter 2, he vividly describes how Gentiles, once alienated from God's covenants, are now "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph 2:19), brought near through Christ's blood, thus creating one new humanity. Chapter 3 specifically opens with Paul stating that he is "a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles" (Eph 3:1), signaling his immediate focus on their inclusion. He then directly reveals that "the mystery was made known to me by revelation" (Eph 3:3), which forms the direct antecedent to verse 4. This sets the stage for Paul to explain that his preceding (and upcoming) exposition clarifies this very mystery—that the Gentiles are "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Eph 3:6). Therefore, the verse assures the readers that what Paul writes is not obscure, but rather an accessible, divinely-revealed truth critical to understanding the unified body of Christ.

Word analysis

• Therefore (διό, dio): A strong connective particle, signaling a logical consequence or inference from what has just been stated in the preceding verse. Here, it links to the idea of the "mystery made known by revelation" to Paul (Eph 3:3), indicating that because this revelation has been given to him, the reader can now grasp it through his writing. It emphasizes the foundational nature of the revelation for subsequent understanding.

• when you read (ἀναγινώσκοντες, anaginskontes): A present participle, indicating an ongoing or continuous action of reading. This suggests that the comprehension is not automatic, but occurs as one engages with the text of the letter. It points to the function of apostolic letters being read publicly in assemblies, and individually for study. It highlights the importance of the written word as a means of transmitting revealed truth.

• this (τοῦτο, touto): Refers to the written content of Paul's letter itself, specifically the immediate preceding disclosure about "the mystery" (Eph 3:3), but also implicitly the broader exposition that will follow in the rest of Ephesians (particularly about the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ and the nature of the church). It indicates that the explanation of the mystery is embodied within the very text the reader holds.

• you can understand (δύνασθε νοῆσαι, dynasthe noēsai):

  • you can (δύνασθε, dynasthe): From dynamai, meaning "to be able," "to have power or capacity." It indicates the reader possesses the capacity, by engaging with the letter, to grasp the profound truth Paul presents. It's not about human ingenuity but divine enablement through the inspired word.
  • understand (νοῆσαι, noēsai): From noeo, meaning "to perceive with the mind," "to comprehend," "to apprehend by means of the intellect." It goes beyond mere reading to a deep, intellectual, and spiritual grasp of the truth, often implying insight that arises from reflection or spiritual perception.

• my insight (τὴν σύνεσίν μου, tēn synĕsin mou):

  • my (μου, mou): Possessive, emphasizing that this is Paul's personal understanding, though it is a divinely-given understanding. It's his particular apprehension of the mystery due to the unique revelation given to him.
  • insight (σύνεσις, synĕsis): Refers to understanding, intelligence, insight, or sagacity. It denotes the ability to put facts together, to discern connections, and to comprehend the coherence of things. In this context, it's Paul's spiritual comprehension of a truth revealed by God, not derived from human reasoning alone. This is wisdom from God, enabling Paul to articulate God's profound plan.

• into the mystery (ἐν τῷ μυστηρίῳ, en tō mystēriō):

  • into (ἐν, en):: A preposition often meaning "in" or "by." Here, it points to the sphere or content of Paul's understanding—his insight pertains to or is directed towards the mystery.
  • the mystery (μυστήριον, mystērion): In biblical terms, not a baffling enigma, but a sacred secret of God's redemptive purpose that was hidden for ages but has now been supernaturally revealed at an appointed time, primarily through Christ and the apostles. In Ephesians, the primary "mystery" is the shocking (to the Jews) inclusion of the Gentiles as full, equal co-heirs with Israel in the one body of Christ (Eph 3:6). It’s the revelation of a universal, united Church composed of both Jew and Gentile, all built on Christ.

• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ, tou Christou): The genitive clarifies the central figure and content of the mystery. Christ is not just the revealer of the mystery, but He is the very core and substance of it. The mystery revolves entirely around Christ and what God accomplishes through Him, particularly concerning the inclusion of all peoples in His saving work. The identity of the "Christ" signifies God's Anointed One, the Messiah, and the divine plan for humanity through Him.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Therefore, when you read this": Establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: because Paul has received and written this divine revelation, the act of reading his words directly facilitates the reader's understanding. It implies the sufficiency and clarity of inspired scripture for transmitting truth.
  • "you can understand my insight": Highlights that understanding spiritual truths is attainable. It also emphasizes the specific nature of the understanding sought: not merely the "mystery" itself, but Paul's unique divinely-granted insight into the mystery. This elevates the apostolic teaching as an authoritative conduit for God's truth.
  • "into the mystery of Christ": Defines the subject matter as a profound divine truth concerning Christ. The mystery is not arbitrary but part of God's eternal purpose, now unveiled in Christ, unifying His people (Jew and Gentile). This phrase anchors the discussion in the redemptive work of Christ.

CommentaryEphesians 3:4 serves as a bridge, inviting the reader to grasp the profound spiritual truths Paul has just hinted at concerning God's secret plan, revealed in Christ. Paul is effectively saying, "If you've been paying attention to what I've written, particularly concerning my commission, you will understand the deep, divine truth God entrusted to me about His Church." This verse emphasizes the clarity of God's revelation delivered through inspired apostleship, asserting that diligent engagement with the written Word empowers readers to comprehend what was once hidden but is now openly declared: the equal standing and unity of both Jews and Gentiles within the body of Christ. It affirms that the revealed knowledge, centered on Christ, is intelligible and essential for the believing community. This understanding is crucial for believers to live out their corporate identity and mission as the unified Body of Christ, walking in unity and truth.

Bonus sectionThe phrase "mystery of Christ" connects intimately with Paul's specific calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Rom 11:13). This "mystery" was not a new teaching that contradicted Old Testament prophecy but was rather the unveiling of how those prophecies, especially concerning the nations, would be fulfilled: not through proselytism into Judaism, but through direct incorporation into the Body of Christ by faith. This verse, therefore, undergirds the foundational teaching of the church's unity found throughout Ephesians, validating its truthfulness and divine origin through Paul's unique commission and inspired writing. It implicitly underscores the authoritative nature of apostolic scripture for the entire church across all generations.