Ephesians 1:11

Spiritual Blessings · Ephesians 1:3–14
Read Ephesians 1

Translations

Modern
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
Traditional
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Literal
…in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will
Latin
…in quo etiam et nos sorte vocati sumus prædestinati secundum propositum ejus qui operatur omnia secundum consilium voluntatis suæ:

Original

Greek
English
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Notes

  • In Him we were also chosen as God’s own: Paul often describes salvation as an inheritance, a promise made to our spiritual ancestors and now received by us (see Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; 4:7; Colossians 1:12; 3:24).

  • God is sovereign (he has supreme power and authority over everything). Because of this, God ensures everything works according to his plan (compare Romans 8:28–30).

Paul praises God for all the spiritual blessings given through Jesus Christ to both non-Jewish people (Gentiles) and Jews. This section is a single, complex sentence in Greek. It is one of the longest sentences in Paul’s letters. Long sentences are typical of Paul’s writing (also in 1:15–23; 2:1–7, 14–16; 3:1–12, 14–19; Colossians 1:3–29; 2:1–3, 8–15). These sentences are interwoven (connected and linked together like threads that are knitted or laced together). This reflects the interconnectedness of their ideas. Interwoven sentences show that different ideas are closely connected and depend on each other.

Parallels

Romans 8:28–34

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Foreordination God, Being and Attributes of Heaven Inheritance Letter to the Ephesians Praise Sons and Daughters of God Will of God

Topics

Achievement Adoption is of God's Grace Adoption: Saints Predestinated To Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Being Lucky Calvinism Chance Elect Election of Saints, Is: According to the Purpose of God Election of Saints, Is: Sovereign Favor God is in Control God's Purpose Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Inheritance: Figurative Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Knowing the Future Luck My Purpose in Life Our Purpose Predestination Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Salvation: Plan of The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Works of God According To