The purpose of this study work is to give you the original Greek language words and definitions for all the key words in this selected Bible text. This work does not make any effort to interpret the text in question, though some interpretation may occur naturally as a result of the study. The English translation used is the King James (Authorized) Version, not because it is the best translation available, but because I just plain prefer it for study!

All Scripture text will be presented in normal cased lettering, and all notes within the text will be in TRUE TYPE FONT, as shown. This (I hope) will allow you to avoid confusion between God's Word and my notes. As I update this website, I will continue to embellish the text so that anyone using NETSCAPE or MSIE 3.0 or higher will be able to read the document easier. Greek tenses are abbreviated as follows:

• GREEK TENSES:
• PR= Present Tense: Shows action in present time. When used with Active Voice, and Indicative Mood, often shows linear or continuing action.
• AO= Aorist Tense : Simple, undefined action. The time of the action is undefined, except in the indicative mood.
• FUT= Future Tense : Shows action of the verb as defined in the future.
• PER= Perfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, but has lasting and continuing results into the future.
• IMP= Imperfect Tense: Used only in the indicative mood, and refers to continuous or linear action in past time. As in "I was having".
• PLPF= Pluperfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, with continuing results in the past.
• GREEK CASES:
• GEN= Genitive Case: Usually indicates possession, though it can denote source of the action.
• INST = Instrumental Case: Usually denotes action on the object of the verb.
• DAT= Dative Case
• NOM= Nominative Case
• ACC= Accusative
• PL= Plural
• SG= Singular
• GREEK VOICES:
• AC= Active Voice: Action was completed by the subject of the verb.
• PAS= Passive Voice: The subject receives the action of the verb.
• MID= Middle Voice: The subject acts in some way upon itself or to itself.
• GREEK MOODS:
• IND= Indicative Mood : Makes an assertion of fact, and is used with all Greek tenses. Example: they will go, she saw.
• OPT= Optative Mood: Rarely used, it usually expresses a wish or desire.
• IMP= Imperative Mood: A command to do something.
• SUBJ= Subjective Mood: Makes an assertion about which there is some doubt, uncertainty, or indefiniteness.
• OTHER ABBREVIATIONS:
• PART= Participle : A verbal adjective, such as "having gone, receiving the gift".
• ABL= Ablative of source: When something is out of something. Example, The Spirit out of God.
• INF= Infinitive: A verbal noun, examples = to see, to go, to throw.

* Note: Verses with no additional notes are shown in diminished text. Those who are interested in helping in the Greek exegesis of this text, please contact me at bibleteacher.org.

Ephesians 3:1

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner (Paul was prisoner of the Roman emperor Nero)

of Jesus Christ for (HUPER = on behalf of)

you Gentiles,

Ephesians 3:2

If (First Class Condition EAN = If, and you did)

ye have heard (AKOUO, Aor Ac = to hear and understand)

of the dispensation (OIKONOMAS = dispensation, period of human time)

of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: (EIS = for you)

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known (GNORIZO = to reveal)

unto me the mystery; (MUSTERION, a fraternal secret known only to those in the club. A reference to the Church, which was a mystery up until Pentecost. See Col 1.25-26; 2.2; Ro 16.25-26; Eph 1.9; 5.32; 1 Cor 15.51; 1 Tim 3.16; Rev 1.20)

(as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:4

Whereby, when ye read, (ANAGINOSKO, exegete, gather knowledge)

ye may understand my knowledge (SUNESIS = applied doctrinal knowledge) in the mystery of Christ)

Ephesians 3:5

Which in other ages (AION = a dispensational period of time)

was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:7
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:8
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see (PHOTIZO, Aor Ac Infin = to shed light on, make clear)

what [is] the fellowship (OIKONOMAS = stewardship or dispensation)

of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that (HINA = with the result that)

now unto the principalities (ARCHE, Dative Plural = highest authorities, in this case a reference to demon leaders. See Eph 6.12)

and powers (EXOUSIA, Dative Plural = demon commanders, sub leaders)

in heavenly [places] might be known (GNORIZO, to learn systematically)

by (DIA + Genitive case = by means of {the Church})

the church the manifold (POLUPOIKILOS = various facets of)

wisdom (SOPHIA = divine wisdom)

of God,

Ephesians 3:11

According to (KATA = according to the norm or standard of)

the eternal purpose (PROTHESIS = predetermined plan)

which he purposed (POIEO, Aor Ac Ind = committed, did)

in Christ Jesus our Lord:
 
 

Lesson Four

Ephesians 3:12

In whom we have boldness (ECHO, Pres Ac = keep on having and holding {boldness})

and access (PROSAGOGE = admission into the presence of someone, into the presence of God)

with confidence (PARRESIA = confidence, assurance)

by the faith of him.
 
 

Paul uses three words, ECHO, PROSAGOGE, and PARRESIA to describe the spiritual condition of the believer who truly understands the MUSTERION, the Vision of God which is the Church. In ancient times those who wanted to approach the King for favors did so with downcast eyes. They did NOT approach him as an equal, but came in stooped forward, submissive, subservient. On the other hand, though he did not recognize himself as equal to the King, the KNIGHT entered the throne room with head held high, confidently, without the subservient demeanor of all the rest. This was not arrogance, but the confidence that POSITION brought. The knight was trusted, a confident of the King, privy to his secrets. The knight fought for the King, and thus knew that the King would withhold no good thing from him.  In the same way, the believer who understands the MUSTERION, the mystery of the Church, the dispensation that we are in, and understands that we enter into this great institution by nobel birth through the Blood of Christ, this believer enters in to God's throne room with PARRESIA, confidence. He knows that he/ she has READY ACCESS to Father (PROSAGOGE), and maintains a state of BOLDNESS (not arrogance, but certainty) while in His presence. We do not know god, but God. We are not in fellowship with father, but Father. This boldness cannot be faked, or pretended, but is the outpouring of one who has a relaxed mental attitude toward God the Father because of a relationship in Him through Christ. 1. How did the young Saul (to later be known as Paul the Apostle) act after his conversion to Christ? Acts 9:26-27 "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. [27]  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus." a. How did the young preacher Apollos, Paul's "friendly rival", preach the Word of God? Acts 18:24-26 "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25]  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [26]  And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." b. How should we, as believers in Christ, approach the work of God, and why? Hebrews 4:15-16  "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16]  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [6]  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Ephesians 3:13

Wherefore I desire (AITEO = to make request, ask)

that ye faint not (ENKAKEIN = to be despondent or depressed + ME, not be depressed or behave badly. Robertson says: "{That ye faint not} (ME ENKAKEIN). Object infinitive with ME after AITOUMAI. The Infinitive (Present Active) ENKAKEIN is a late and rare word (see already Lu 18:1; 2Th 3:13; 2Co 4:1,16; Ga 6:9) and means to behave badly in, to give in to evil (KAKOS). Paul urges all his apostolic authority to keep the readers from giving in to evil because of his tribulations for them.")

at my tribulations (THLIPSIS = pressures, suffering under pressure)

for you, (lit = on your behalf)

which is your glory.
 
 

2. Often we as believers see situations that happen to others, and these situations cause us to question God our Father.  Paul tells the Ephesians to avoid this attitude (ME ENKAKEIN). Why? a. In the life of Joseph: Genesis 50:16-21 "And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, [17]  So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. [18]  And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. [19]  And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? [20]  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. [21]  Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." b. In the life of Daniel: Daniel 6:19-23  "Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. [20] And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?  [21]  Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. [22]  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. [23]  Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God." c. In the life of Paul: Acts 14:19-20 "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. [20]  Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe." 3. How we relate to the trials of life and the tests that God allows us as believers to go through ultimately determines our strength or weakness in the war, the conflict, that boils around us. God uses recurring themes to test each believer. For instance, He used WATER to test Israel: a. Too MUCH water: Exodus 14:10-17 "And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. [11] And they said unto Moses, Because [there were] no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? [12] [Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. [13] And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. [14] The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. [15] And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: [16] But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea. [17] And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen." b. Too BITTER water: Exodus 15:22-26 "So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. [23]  And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. [24]  And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? [25]  And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, [26]  And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. [27]  And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters." c. Too LITTLE water:  Exodus 17:1-7 "And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water for the people to drink. [2] Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? [3] And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore [is] this [that] thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? [4] And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. [5] And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. [6] Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?" d. Failure to learn from the tests brought a harsh reality to Israel: Deuteronomy 1:32-40 "Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, [33]  Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. [34]  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, [35]  Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, [36]  Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. [37]  Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. [38]  But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. [39] Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. [40]  But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea." 4. God promised to see us through all testing and trials if we trust in Him: Isaiah 43:2  "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." 1 Corinthians 10:13  "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 5. Tests are never given to destroy, but to build up: James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3]  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4]  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." 6. Tests are precious to believers, for they can only be given by God to us in this life "now for a season":  1 Peter 1:6-7 "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7]  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ"

Ephesians 3:14

For this cause I bow my knees unto (PROS + Accu THEOS = face to face with God)

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Excluded from earlier manuscripts)

Ephesians 3:15

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (ONOMAZO, Pres Ac Ind = named with continuing results, ie, the name stays, and cannot be removed. Another evidence of eternal security)

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant (DIDOMI, Aor Act Subj = give in a point of time)

you, according to (KATA = according to a norm or standard)

the riches of his glory, to be strengthened (KRATAIOO, Aor Pas Inf = to have inner power)

with might by (DIA + Gen PNEUMA = through His {Holy} Spirit) his Spirit

in the inner man;

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell (Robertson: "{That Christ may dwell} (KATOIKˆSAI TON CHRISTON). Another Infinitive (First Aorist Active) after HINA DOI. KATOIKEO is an old verb to make one's home, to be at home. Christ (CHRISTON accusative of general reference) is asked to make his home in our hearts. This is the ideal, but a deal of fixing would have to be done in our hearts for Christ.")

in your hearts by faith; (DIA + Gen PISTIS = by means of faith)

that ye, (missing from earlier mss)

being rooted and grounded (THEMELIOO, Perf Pas Part = to lay a foundation in the past that remains laid)

in love, (EN + Instrumental AGAPE = by means of love)

Ephesians 3:18

May be able (EZISCHUO, Aor Ac Subj = to have full ability to do something)

to comprehend (KATALAMBANO, Aor Mid Infin = to grasp a meaning and comprehend in detail)

with all saints what [is] the breadth, (PLATOS = width)

and length, and depth, (BATHOS, depth. See Rev 2.24; 1 Cor 2.10)

and height;

Ephesians 3:19

And to know (GINOSKO, Aor Ac = to know from experience)

the love (AGAPE = divine love)

of Christ, (CHRISTOS, ablative = from the source of Christ)

which passeth (HUPERBALLO, Pres Ac Part = to exceed beyond all expectations)

knowledge, (GNOSIS = basic knowledge)

that ye might be filled (PLEROO, Aor Ac Infin = to fill up a deficiency)

with (EIS = with reference to)

all the fulness (PLEROMA, fulness, sufficiency)

of God. (THEOU, Ablative = from the source of God)

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able (TOI DUNAMENOI, Pres Mid Part = continually able to)

to do (POIEO, Aor Ac Infin = to accomplish)

exceeding abundantly (HUPEREKPERISSOU, infinitely more than above all measure)

above all (HUPER + PAS = above all things)

that we ask (AITEO, Pres Mid Ind = habitually ask {in prayer})

or think, (NOEO, Pres Ac = continually think)

according to (KATA = according to the norm or standard of)

the power (DUNAMIS, inherent power)

that worketh (ENERGEO, Pres Mid = continually operates)

in us,

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him [be] glory (HEDOZA, glory)

in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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