Ephesians 3:9 kjv

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 3:9 nkjv

and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 3:9 niv

and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Ephesians 3:9 esv

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

Ephesians 3:9 nlt

I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

Ephesians 3 verses

Ephesians 3 9 Meaning

Ephesians 3:9 reveals Paul's God-given commission to unveil the divine "administration of the mystery." This mystery, which had been hidden for all previous ages in God, concerns His eternal plan to include all people, both Jews and Gentiles, as fellow heirs and partakers in Christ. Paul's role is to illuminate this universal truth, showing how God, the Creator of all, orchestrated this salvation plan from eternity. It underscores the profound wisdom and purpose of God now made manifest through the gospel.

Ephesians 3 9 Context

Ephesians Chapter 3 begins with Paul, a "prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles" (v. 1), explaining his apostleship and how the "mystery" of Christ was revealed to him by revelation (vv. 2-5). This mystery, previously unknown, is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (v. 6). Paul views himself as a servant appointed to preach this unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles (v. 8). Verse 9 flows directly from this, specifying the purpose of his ministry: "and to make all people see what is the administration of the mystery." It emphasizes the public disclosure of this long-hidden divine plan concerning salvation for all, orchestrated by the same God who created everything. This sets the stage for Paul's ensuing prayer for the Ephesians to comprehend the breadth of Christ's love (vv. 14-21). Historically, this revelation countered Jewish exclusivity and prevailing Gentile ignorance, establishing a radically inclusive Christian identity.

Ephesians 3 9 Word analysis

• and to make all people see (καὶ φωτίσαι πάντας):
  • καὶ (kai): "And," connecting to the preceding purpose of Paul's ministry (v. 8), showing continuity.
  • φωτίσαι (photisai): From photizō, meaning "to enlighten," "to shed light upon," "to make visible," "to bring to light." This is a crucial term, indicating not just understanding but clear visibility, bringing into full view something previously obscured. It highlights Paul's role as a divine illuminator, revealing God's truth.
  • πάντας (pantas): "All" or "all people/everyone." This is universal in scope, emphasizing that the mystery is not for a select few, but for humanity without distinction of ethnicity or background. It contrasts with previously restricted knowledge.
• what is (τίς ἐστιν): "What is," inquiring into the nature and essence. It points to the content and reality of the "administration of the mystery."
• the administration (ἡ οἰκονομία):
  • οἰκονομία (oikonomia): This term signifies "stewardship," "management," "arrangement," "plan," or "household administration." In this context, it refers to God's wise and purposeful ordering or dispensation of His salvation plan through the ages. It's a divine master plan. While a variant manuscript has koinonia (fellowship), oikonomia is overwhelmingly supported and makes theological sense regarding God's structured revelation.
• of the mystery (τοῦ μυστηρίου):
  • μυστηρίου (mystēriou): "Mystery." In the New Testament, it refers not to something unknowable, but to a truth previously hidden but now revealed by God. Here, it is specifically the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel in the Church, forming one new humanity in Christ (Eph 2:14-16, 3:6).
• which (τοῦ ἀποκεκρυμμένου): "That which," refers back to the mystery.
• for ages (ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων):
  • αἰώνων (aiōnōn): "Ages," implying an immense period of time, even eternity past. This highlights the long concealment of God's plan. It emphasizes the newness and freshness of the revelation now.
• has been hidden (ἀποκεκρυμμένου):
  • ἀποκεκρυμμένου (apokekrummenou): "Having been hidden away," "kept secret." Perfect participle, indicating a state of being hidden that continues until now revealed. This concealment was purposeful, part of God's timing.
• in God (ἐν τῷ θεῷ): The ultimate source and sustainer of the mystery. The plan originated and resided exclusively with God, underscoring His sovereignty and wisdom.
• who created all things (τὰ πάντα κτίσαντι):
  • κτίσαντι (ktisanti): "The one who created," present participle emphasizing God's continuous attribute as Creator.
  • τὰ πάντα (ta panta): "All things." This emphasizes God's absolute power and universal sovereignty. Connecting creation to the mystery emphasizes that the God who ordered the universe also ordered this spiritual reality; the plan for redemption is as fundamental as the act of creation.

Ephesians 3 9 Bonus section

The linkage of "mystery" to "God who created all things" serves a profound theological purpose. It elevates the plan of salvation for Gentiles to the same foundational level as the very act of creation. It implies that from the outset, God, as the grand Architect, intended a universal reach for His grace and an inclusive family in Christ. This refutes any narrow, ethno-centric view of God's redemptive work. The mystery is not an afterthought but woven into the fabric of God's eternal purposes. Furthermore, the role of Paul here is not just an announcer, but an illuminator—a dispenser of light, suggesting a deep spiritual authority granted by Christ for this particular revelation.

Ephesians 3 9 Commentary

Ephesians 3:9 defines the critical objective of Paul's apostolic commission: to bring clarity to God's cosmic plan. The phrase "make all people see" (Greek photisai pantas) implies an act of divine enlightenment through Paul's ministry, making fully visible a reality previously obscure. This reality is the "administration of the mystery," which points to God's ordered scheme, His precise plan, to unify all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, into one body through Christ. It's a truth not recently conceived, but one "hidden for ages in God." The intentional, prolonged concealment highlights God's sovereign timing and the profound significance of its revelation in Christ. The explicit mention of "God, who created all things," firmly grounds this mystery within the framework of God's omnipotence and universal authority. The same God who intelligently designed the cosmos is also the architect of this grand spiritual inclusion, ensuring the divine origin and authoritative nature of this gospel message. It dismantles any notion of salvation being exclusive to one group, revealing God's all-encompassing redemptive purpose.

Practical usage: This verse encourages believers to understand and participate in revealing God's inclusive plan. We are to actively share the gospel, bringing the light of truth to all people, recognizing that God's desire for reconciliation extends universally.