Ephesians 3:10
New International Version
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

New Living Translation
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

English Standard Version
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Berean Standard Bible
His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

Berean Literal Bible
so that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

King James Bible
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

New King James Version
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

New American Standard Bible
so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

NASB 1995
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

NASB 1977
in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

Legacy Standard Bible
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

Amplified Bible
So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Christian Standard Bible
This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is so God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

American Standard Version
to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Contemporary English Version
Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.

English Revised Version
to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He did this so that now, through the church, he could let the rulers and authorities in heaven know his infinite wisdom.

Good News Translation
in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms.

International Standard Version
He did this so that now, through the church, the wisdom of God in all its variety might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm

Majority Standard Bible
His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

NET Bible
The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.

New Heart English Bible
to the intent that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places,

Webster's Bible Translation
To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Weymouth New Testament
concealed in order that the Church might now be used to display to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms the innumerable aspects of God's wisdom.

World English Bible
to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly [places], through the Assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,

Berean Literal Bible
so that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

Young's Literal Translation
that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
That it might now be made known to beginnings and powers in the heavenlies by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that the manifold wisdom of God may become well-known to the principalities and powers in the heavens, through the Church,

New American Bible
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.

New Revised Standard Version
so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To the intent that through the church the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the angels and powers which are in heaven,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That by the church would be made known the full-diverse wisdom of God to Principalities and to Rulers who are in Heaven,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions,

Godbey New Testament
in order that the manifold wisdom of God through the church, may now be made known to the governments and authorities in the heavenlies,

Haweis New Testament
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,

Mace New Testament
that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,

Weymouth New Testament
concealed in order that the Church might now be used to display to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms the innumerable aspects of God's wisdom.

Worrell New Testament
in order that now might be made known to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,

Worsley New Testament
that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.…

Cross References
Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

Colossians 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

1 Timothy 3:16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 1:24
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Hebrews 12:22-23
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels / in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Daniel 2:20-22
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Job 11:7-9
Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? / They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? / Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

Proverbs 8:22-31
The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. / From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. / When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. ...

Psalm 104:24
How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

Isaiah 40:13-14
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?


Treasury of Scripture

To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

intent.

Exodus 25:17-22
And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof…

Psalm 103:20
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalm 148:1,2
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights…

principalities.

Ephesians 1:21
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

in.

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

manifold.

Ephesians 1:8
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes…

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Aspects Assembly Authorities Church Clear Concealed Display God's Heavenlies Heavenly Heavens Innumerable Intent Manifold Order Places Powers Principalities Realms Rulers Used Wisdom
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Aspects Assembly Authorities Church Clear Concealed Display God's Heavenlies Heavenly Heavens Innumerable Intent Manifold Order Places Powers Principalities Realms Rulers Used Wisdom
Ephesians 3
1. The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;
8. and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.
13. He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;
14. and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.














so that
This phrase indicates purpose or result. In the Greek, "ἵνα" (hina) is often used to express the intention behind an action. Here, it connects the mystery of the Gospel, previously hidden, with its revelation. The purpose of God's plan is not random but intentional, aiming to reveal His wisdom.

the manifold wisdom
The Greek word for "manifold" is "πολυποίκιλος" (polypoikilos), meaning "many-sided" or "variegated." This suggests the complexity and richness of God's wisdom, which is beyond human comprehension. It reflects the diverse ways God works in the world, through creation, redemption, and the church.

of God
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the wisdom being discussed. It is not human wisdom but God's, which is perfect and eternal. The wisdom of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, often contrasted with human folly.

might now be made known
The Greek verb "γνωρισθῇ" (gnōristhē) implies a revelation or making something known that was previously hidden. This revelation is happening "now," indicating the present age of the church, post-resurrection, where the mystery of Christ is unveiled.

through the church
The church is the instrument through which God's wisdom is revealed. In the Greek, "ἐκκλησία" (ekklēsia) refers to the assembly or gathering of believers. The church, as the body of Christ, is central to God's plan, serving as a living testimony of His wisdom and grace.

to the rulers and authorities
These terms, "ἀρχαῖς" (archais) and "ἐξουσίαις" (exousiais), refer to spiritual powers and beings. In the context of Ephesians, Paul often speaks of spiritual warfare and the cosmic scope of God's plan. The church's role is not just earthly but cosmic, impacting the spiritual realm.

in the heavenly realms
The phrase "ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις" (en tois epouraniois) points to the spiritual dimension. Ephesians frequently mentions the "heavenly realms," indicating the sphere of spiritual activity and authority. God's wisdom is displayed not only on earth but also in the spiritual world, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation.

(10) In this verse St. Paul passes on to consider the manifestation of God in Christ as brought home not only to the race of man but to the angels--"the principalities and powers in the heavenly places"--who are described (1Peter 1:12) as "desiring to look into" the consummation of the gospel mystery. In the same sense the Apostles, in their ministration of the gospel, are said to be a spectacle to angels and to men (1Corinthians 4:9); and in a magnificent passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 12:22), Christians are encouraged in their warfare by knowing it to go on before "the city of the living God" and "an innumerable company of angels." The angels are, therefore, represented to us as not only ministering in the Church of Christ, but learning from its existence and fortunes to know more and more of the wisdom of God. Hence we gain a glimpse of a more than world-wide purpose in the supreme manifestation of God's mercy in Christ, fulfilled towards higher orders of God's rational creatures, aiding even them in progress towards the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ, which is life eternal. (There is a notable passage on a kindred idea in Butler's Analogy, Part i., c. Iii. ? 5.) This world, itself a speck in the universe, may be--perhaps as a scene of exceptional rebellion against God, certainly as a scene of God's infinite goodness--a lesson to other spheres of being, far beyond our conception. Possibly this view of angels as our fellow-learners in the school of Christ may have been specially dwelt upon in view of the worship of angels of which we read in Colossians 2:18; but it accords well with the wide sweep of thought characteristic of this Epistle, literally "gathering up all things in Christ."

The manifold wisdom.--The word "manifold" (properly, many-coloured, or wrought in many details) is used here (and nowhere else) for the wisdom of God, as "fulfilling itself in many ways" (the "sundry times and divers manners" of Hebrews 1:1). It is manifested, therefore, in the infinite variety both of the teaching and the life of the Church--manifold, yet one, as embodying but one life, the life of Jesus Christ. . . .

Verse 10. - To the intent - indicative of the purpose of the remarkable arrangement or dispensation according to which the eternal Divine purpose, which had been concealed from the beginning of the ages, was now made known - that there might b e made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places; that a lesson might be given to the unfallen angels. Their interest in the scheme of man's redemption is often referred to (1 Peter 1:12). Even the highest powers of heaven have yet much to learn respecting God. The dispensation of God's grace to man is one of their lesson-books. Dr. Chalmers shows ('Astronomical Discourses') how this meets the objection that so dread a sacrifice as the life of God's Son could not have been made for one poor planet; in its indirect bearings we do not know what other orders of beings have derived most vital lessons from this manifestation of the attributes of God. However men may scorn the salvation of Christ and all that belongs to it, the highest intelligences regard it with profound interest. By the Church the manifold wisdom of God. Through the Church, now constituted, according' to the revealed mystery, of Jew and Gentile, all redeemed by Christ's blood and renewed by his Spirit, there is exhibited to the angels the manifold wisdom of God. The precise line of thought is this: God from eternity, had a purpose to put Jew and Gentile on precisely the same footing, but concealed it for many ages, until he revealed it in the apostolic age, when he appointed Paul his minister to announce it. The purpose of this whole arrangement was to enlighten the principalities and powers of heaven in the manifold wisdom of God. How in his manifold wisdom? In this way. During these preparatory ages, when God's gracious dealings were with the Jews only, all kinds of false religions were developing among the heathen, and their diversified influence and effects were becoming apparent in many ways - the divergent tendencies of men, especially in religious matters, were being developed; but in the new turn given to things by the breaking down of the middle wall in Christ, the manifold wisdom of God was shown in transforming many of these most diverse elements, unifying them, building them up into a great spiritual body, into a holy, most beautiful, most symmetrical temple. When all things seem to be flying asunder into the most diverse and antagonistic elements, God gives a new turn, as it were, to providence, and lo! a glorious symmetrical and harmonious structure begins to rise.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[ His purpose was ] that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

now,
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church,
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

manifold
πολυποίκιλος (polypoikilos)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4182: Much varied, manifold. From polus and poikilos; much variegated, i.e. Multifarious.

wisdom
σοφία (sophia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

should be made known
γνωρισθῇ (gnōristhē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1107: To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.

to the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

rulers
ἀρχαῖς (archais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

authorities
ἐξουσίαις (exousiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

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.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heavenly realms,
ἐπουρανίοις (epouraniois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2032: From epi and ouranos; above the sky.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now through (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 3:9
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