Ephesians 1:12
New International Version
in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

New Living Translation
God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.

English Standard Version
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Berean Standard Bible
in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

Berean Literal Bible
for us, the ones having first trusted in Christ, to be to the praise of His glory,

King James Bible
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

New King James Version
that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

New American Standard Bible
to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

NASB 1995
to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

NASB 1977
to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Legacy Standard Bible
to the end that we who first have hoped in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

Amplified Bible
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him as our Lord and Savior] would exist to the praise of His glory.

Christian Standard Bible
so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory.

American Standard Version
to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

Contemporary English Version
He did this so we Jews would bring honor to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him.

English Revised Version
to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory.

Good News Translation
Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory!

International Standard Version
so that we who had already fixed our hope on the Messiah might live for his praise and glory.

Majority Standard Bible
in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

NET Bible
so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.

New Heart English Bible
to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

Webster's Bible Translation
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
so that we should be devoted to the extolling of His glorious attributes--we who were the first to fix our hopes on Christ.

World English Bible
to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for our being to the praise of His glory, [even] those who first hoped in the Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
for us, the ones having first trusted in Christ, to be to the praise of His glory,

Young's Literal Translation
for our being to the praise of His glory, even those who did first hope in the Christ,

Smith's Literal Translation
For us to be to the praise of his glory, who before hoped in Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That we may be unto the praise of his glory, we who before hoped Christ:

Catholic Public Domain Version
So may we be, to the praise of his glory, we who have hoped beforehand in Christ.

New American Bible
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

New Revised Standard Version
so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That we should become the first to trust in Christ, to his honor and his glory:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That we would be those who first hoped in The Messiah, to the honor of his glory.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that we should be for the praise of his glory; even we, who before had hope in the Christ:

Godbey New Testament
that we should be unto the praise of his glory, who first exercised hope in Christ:

Haweis New Testament
that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first had hope in Christ.

Mace New Testament
that we should celebrate his glory, who were the first that plac'd our hopes in Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
so that we should be devoted to the extolling of His glorious attributes--we who were the first to fix our hopes on Christ.

Worrell New Testament
that we might be to the praise of His glory, we who had before hoped in Christ;

Worsley New Testament
that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Blessings
11In 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, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory. 13And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,…

Cross References
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. / To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:11
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

1 Corinthians 1:31
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:15
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

Romans 11:36
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Isaiah 43:21
The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

John 15:8
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name.

Isaiah 60:21
Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.


Treasury of Scripture

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

be.

Ephesians 1:6,14
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved…

Ephesians 2:7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

who.

Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Psalm 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalm 146:3-5
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help…

trusted.

Jump to Previous
Appointed Christ Destined Devoted End Extolling First Fix Glorious Glory Hope Hoped Hopes Live Order Praise Trusted
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Appointed Christ Destined Devoted End Extolling First Fix Glorious Glory Hope Hoped Hopes Live Order Praise Trusted
Ephesians 1
1. After Paul's salutation,
3. and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,
4. he treats of our election,
6. and adoption by grace;
11. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.
13. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,
16. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.














in order that we
This phrase indicates purpose and intention. The "we" refers to the Jewish believers, including Paul himself, who were among the first to receive the gospel. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where salvation was first offered to the Jews (Romans 1:16). The use of "we" also emphasizes the collective identity of believers as part of God's redemptive plan.

who were the first to hope in Christ
The early Jewish Christians were the first to place their hope in the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Savior (Isaiah 11:10). This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's promises. The phrase underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as the hope in Christ is the fulfillment of the messianic expectations rooted in Jewish tradition.

would be for the praise of His glory
The ultimate purpose of the believers' hope and faith is to bring glory to God. This reflects a central theme in Scripture, where God's actions in history, including the redemption through Christ, are intended to reveal His glory (Isaiah 43:7). The phrase also connects to the doxological focus of Ephesians, where the church's existence and mission are to reflect God's glory to the world (Ephesians 3:21). This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that all creation is meant to glorify God (Psalm 19:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Ephesians
The recipients of the letter, the church in Ephesus was a significant early Christian community located in a major city of the Roman province of Asia.

3. Christ (Messiah)
Central to the passage, Christ is the one in whom believers place their hope, and through whom God's glory is revealed.

4. The Early Believers
Referred to as "we, who were the first to hope in Christ," these are likely Jewish Christians who first embraced the gospel.

5. God's Glory
The ultimate purpose of the believers' hope and existence, highlighting the divine plan and purpose.
Teaching Points
Hope in Christ as a Foundation
Believers are called to place their hope in Christ, which serves as the foundation for their faith and life. This hope is not just a wishful thought but a confident expectation based on the promises of God.

Living for God's Glory
Our lives should reflect the glory of God. Every action, thought, and word should aim to bring praise to His name, aligning with the purpose for which we were created.

The Role of the Early Believers
The early Jewish Christians set an example of faith and hope in Christ. Their role in God's redemptive plan serves as a model for all believers to follow.

Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Recognizing that our identity is rooted in Christ helps us live purposefully, knowing that we are part of a larger divine plan that seeks to glorify God.

The Continuity of God's Plan
The passage highlights the continuity of God's plan from the early believers to us today, encouraging us to see our place in the ongoing account of redemption.(12) That we . . . who first trusted in Christ.--That the reference here is to the first Christians, in contradistinction to the Gentiles of the next verse, is clear. But the meaning of the phrase "who first hoped" (or, more properly, who have hoped beforehand) is less obvious. Our version seems to interpret it simply of "believing before" the Gentiles, i.e., of being the "first believers;" and this interpretation may be defended by the analogy of certain cases in which the same prefix signifying "beforehand" has this sense (e.g., Acts 20:5; Acts 20:13; Romans 3:9; Romans 12:10; 1Corinthians 11:21). But the more general analogy strongly supports the other interpretation, "who have hoped in the Christ before He came"--that is, who, taught by prophecy, entering into that vision of a great future which pervades the older Covenant, looked forward "to the hope of Israel," and "waited for the consolation of Israel;" and who accordingly in due time became, on the Day of Pentecost, the firstfruits of His salvation.

Verse 12. - That we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ. The "we" which hitherto has been applied to the whole Church, Jewish and Gentile, begins to have a more limited reference, and to contrast with "you" in ver. 13. The first "we" in this verse embraces all, as in the preceding part of the chapter; the second (omitted in the A.V.) is conditioned by the words following, and is applicable to the Jewish Christians, who, through the promises given to the fathers, had seen Christ's day afar off, and had thus hoped in him. This special reference to ἡμᾶς is followed immediately by a reference to ὑμεῖς.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
in order that
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

we,
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

were the first to hope
προηλπικότας (proēlpikotas)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4276: To hope before, be the first to hope. From pro and elpizo; to hope in advance of other confirmation.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ,
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

would be
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] praise
ἔπαινον (epainon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1868: Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing.

of His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

glory.
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 1:12 To the end that we should be (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 1:11
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