Ephesians 4 6

Ephesians 4:6 kjv

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:6 nkjv

one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:6 niv

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:6 esv

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:6 nlt

one God and Father of all,
who is over all, in all, and living through all.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 6 Meaning

Ephesians 4:6 proclaims the singularity of God, emphasizing His unique status as the supreme Father. It asserts His universal reign, encompassing all creation and humanity, declaring His transcendent authority over all, His active permeation and sustenance through all things, and His indwelling presence, especially within His people. This verse culminates Paul's "seven 'ones'" (Eph 4:4-6), providing the foundational divine reality for the Church's spiritual unity.

Ephesians 4 6 Context

Ephesians Chapter 4 begins a shift in Paul's letter from doctrinal exposition (Chs. 1-3) to practical exhortation for Christian living (Chs. 4-6). The first section of Chapter 4 (vv. 1-6) serves as a call to unity within the Church, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" (v. 1). Paul highlights the essential basis for this unity by listing "seven 'ones'": one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and culminating in "one God and Father of all." This crescendo emphasizes that the Church's unity is not a human achievement but a divine reality stemming from the very nature of God. The historical context for the Ephesian church was a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers in a city known for its idolatry, particularly the worship of Artemis. Paul's emphatic declaration of "one God and Father of all" stands as a direct polemic against polytheistic beliefs prevalent in Ephesus, asserting the exclusive claim and universal sovereignty of the God of the Bible as the unifying force above all local deities and divisive cultural backgrounds.

Ephesians 4 6 Word analysis

• one (εἷς - heis): Signifies singular identity and ultimate unity. It contrasts directly with polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world, affirming the monotheistic truth that there is only one true God. This unity is the source of all other 'ones' mentioned previously in the chapter, forming the foundation for the Church's cohesion.
• God (θεός - theos): Refers to the supreme, eternal, and infinite Creator. In the Ephesian context, this asserts the exclusivity of Yahweh over all false gods worshipped, establishing Him as the ultimate divine authority.
• and Father (καὶ πατὴρ - kai patēr): God is not just a transcendent deity, but specifically the "Father." This highlights His relational aspect – source, sustainer, and loving head of His family. While God is Father of creation universally (as creator), He is distinctively Father of believers through spiritual adoption, emphasizing intimate relationship and belonging within His household.
• of all (πάντων - pantōn): This inclusive term denotes universal application. God is the Father, Creator, and ultimate authority over all things and all people—whether believers or unbelievers, Jew or Gentile, visible or invisible creation.
• who is over all (ὁ ἐπὶ πάντων - ho epi pantōn): Describes God's transcendent sovereignty and supreme authority. He rules universally, with ultimate control and power over everything. This speaks to His divine plan and cosmic oversight, leaving nothing outside of His ultimate dominion.
• and through all (καὶ διὰ πάντων - kai dia pantōn): Indicates God's active, pervasive presence and His continuous work of upholding, sustaining, and permeating all things. This refers to His providential activity, through which He causes all things to hold together and fulfill His purposes. His energy and influence extend through every part of creation.
• and in all (καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν - kai en pasin): This phrase describes God's indwelling presence. While generally referring to God's omnipresence throughout creation, in the context of Ephesians 4, and the preceding verses emphasizing the unity of the "body" and "saints," "in all" refers most specifically to God's spiritual dwelling within His people, the Church. It signifies His immanent presence among believers, His spiritual indwelling in each member, and His Spirit-empowered unity binding them together from within. This ensures the vitality and inner coherence of the Church.

Ephesians 4 6 Bonus section

The repeated use of "all" (pantōn / pāsin) throughout the verse powerfully underscores the absolute universality and totality of God's being, actions, and relationship, contrasting any notion of limited deities or divided spiritual allegiances common in Paul's day. This verse also carries profound implications for Trinitarian theology. While stating "one God and Father," the preceding "one Lord" (referring to Jesus Christ) and "one Spirit" implicitly frame this one God in Trinitarian terms, showcasing a functional unity in the divine Persons working towards the Church's harmony. This emphasizes that the Church's unity is not a superficial organizational agreement but a deep spiritual reality reflecting the very nature of God.

Ephesians 4 6 Commentary

Ephesians 4:6 serves as the theological climax and divine basis for the call to Christian unity in the previous verses. It posits God as the single, supreme source of all existence and the loving Father of His creation, particularly His adopted children. "Over all" emphasizes His unmatched sovereignty and transcendence, affirming that He rules universally, governing all aspects of existence. "Through all" highlights His immanence and providential action; He actively permeates and sustains creation, working His purposes through every part. Finally, "in all" points to His intimate indwelling presence. While acknowledging His general omnipresence, within the context of the body of Christ, it signifies God’s Spirit-given dwelling within each believer and among all believers, ensuring their spiritual unity and enabling their service. This tripartite description of God's universal reign and intimate presence is meant to ground believers in a common identity and shared divine life, enabling them to pursue unity amidst diversity. For example, understanding God is "over all" leads to humble submission; "through all" inspires trust in His providence even in difficulties; and "in all" calls for active participation in His Spirit's work of unity and love within the Church.