Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. New Living Translation the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. English Standard Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Berean Standard Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Berean Literal Bible from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, King James Bible Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, New King James Version from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, New American Standard Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, NASB 1995 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, NASB 1977 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, Legacy Standard Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Amplified Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name [God—the first and ultimate Father]. Christian Standard Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. Holman Christian Standard Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. American Standard Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Contemporary English Version All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. English Revised Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, GOD'S WORD® Translation from whom all the family in heaven and on earth receives its name. Good News Translation from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. International Standard Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. NET Bible from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. New Heart English Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Webster's Bible Translation Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, Weymouth New Testament from whom the whole family in Heaven and on earth derives its name, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblefrom whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. World English Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionof whom the whole family in the heavens and on earth is named, Berean Literal Bible from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, Young's Literal Translation of whom the whole family in the heavens and on earth is named, Smith's Literal Translation Of whom all the family in the heavens and upon earth is named, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named, Catholic Public Domain Version from whom all paternity in heaven and on earth takes its name. New American Bible from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, New Revised Standard Version from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor whom all fatherhood in heaven and in earth is named, Aramaic Bible in Plain English Him from whom every fatherhood is named, that is in Heaven and in Earth, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentfrom whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named, Godbey New Testament of whom the whole family in heavens and upon earth is named, Haweis New Testament of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; Mace New Testament from whom the whole family in heaven and earth are denominated his children: Weymouth New Testament from whom the whole family in Heaven and on earth derives its name, Worrell New Testament from Whom every family in Heaven and on earth is named, Worsley New Testament from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians14... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,… Cross References Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 22:18 And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 28:14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. Psalm 72:17 May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed. Isaiah 2:2-3 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 19:24-25 In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. / The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.” Isaiah 49:6 He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Jeremiah 4:2 and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— / and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ / And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” ... Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. John 11:52 and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one. Acts 2:39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Treasury of Scripture Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, the whole. Ephesians 1:10,21 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: … Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: … Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. is. Isaiah 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: Jeremiah 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Jump to Previous Derives Earth Family Heaven Heavens WholeJump to Next Derives Earth Family Heaven Heavens WholeEphesians 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. from whom This phrase refers to God the Father, as mentioned in the preceding verse. It emphasizes the source of all creation and authority. In biblical context, God is often depicted as the ultimate origin and sustainer of life (Genesis 1:1, John 1:3). This highlights the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, who is the creator of all things. every family in heaven and on earth derives its name Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing to the church in Ephesus to encourage and instruct them in their faith. 2. Ephesus A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse population and the Temple of Artemis. It was a significant center for early Christianity. 3. The Church The body of believers in Ephesus and, by extension, all Christians who are recipients of Paul's teachings. 4. Heaven and Earth Represents the entirety of creation, both the spiritual realm and the physical world. 5. Families Refers to all groups or lineages, emphasizing the unity and origin of all creation under God. Teaching Points Unity in CreationRecognize that all families, both spiritual and physical, have their origin in God. This should foster a sense of unity and equality among believers. Identity in Christ Our true identity and purpose are derived from God. Understanding this can help us live with confidence and purpose. Spiritual Family As believers, we are part of a larger spiritual family that transcends earthly boundaries. This should encourage us to love and support one another. God's Sovereignty Acknowledge God's authority over all creation. This understanding should lead us to trust in His plan and purpose for our lives. Prayer for Understanding Pray for a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ and the unity we share with all believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:15?2. How does Ephesians 3:15 emphasize God's role as the ultimate Father? 3. What does "every family in heaven and on earth" reveal about God's authority? 4. How can understanding God's fatherhood in Ephesians 3:15 impact our prayer life? 5. Connect Ephesians 3:15 with Genesis 1:1 on God's creative power and authority. 6. How should Ephesians 3:15 influence our view of family and community relationships? 7. What does "every family in heaven and on earth" mean in Ephesians 3:15? 8. How does Ephesians 3:15 relate to the concept of God's universal fatherhood? 9. What historical context influences the interpretation of Ephesians 3:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3? 11. What does the Bible say about family in heaven? 12. What is the Church of the Firstborn? 13. What does the Bible say about blessing and cursing? 14. What does 'Identity in Christ' mean? What Does Ephesians 3:15 Mean From whomPaul has just said, “I bow my knees before the Father” (Ephesians 3:14). The phrase “from whom” points straight back to that Father: God Himself. He is the fountainhead of life, authority, and ownership. • James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” • Acts 17:28 adds, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Because God is eternally self-existent, everything flows from Him; nothing exists apart from His creative will or sustaining grace. Every family “Every family” sweeps in a vast company—no tribe, clan, or household is left out. • God promised Abraham that “all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). • Paul echoes that breadth: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Whether great nations or a single household, each family ultimately traces its roots to the Father’s design and care. In heaven The scope rises beyond earth. Families “in heaven” include angels and the redeemed who have already entered glory. • Hebrews 12:22-23 paints the scene: “You have come to Mount Zion… to myriads of angels … and to the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven.” • Revelation 7:9 shows a heavenly multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” God’s fatherly authority embraces those unseen hosts just as surely as it does believers still on earth. And on earth The phrase reaches down to our present world. Living believers, and indeed every human family, exist under God’s oversight. • Philippians 2:10 says, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth.” • Psalm 24:1 affirms, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” The Father’s household spans continents, cultures, and centuries, testifying that no corner of creation is outside His domain. Derives its name To name is to claim, define, and bestow purpose. When Paul says every family “derives its name” from the Father, he stresses that identity, destiny, and dignity come from God alone. • Isaiah 43:1: “I have called you by name; you are Mine.” • John 1:12: “To all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” • Ephesians 1:5 speaks of believers being “predestined for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” Our worth is not self-generated; it is conferred by the One who knows us fully and calls us His own. Summary Ephesians 3:15 anchors our identity in the Father: every family—angelic or human, past or present—finds its origin, purpose, and name in Him. Paul’s words lift our eyes to a Father whose reach spans heaven and earth, assuring us that our lives, our households, and our future are secure because they rest in the hands of the One who called everything into being and lovingly calls us His children. (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.--The original word (patria) here rendered "family" is literally derived from the word "father" (pater). It has been proposed to render it fatherhood, and translate, from whom all fatherhood whatever derives its name--all lower fatherhood being, in fact, a shadow and derivative from the Fatherhood of God. The translation is tempting, yielding a grand sense, and one thoroughly accordant with the treatment of the earthly relationship below (Ephesians 6:1-4). But the usage of the word is clearly against it; and we must render it every family--that is, every body of rational beings in earth or heaven united under one common fatherhood, and bearing the name (as in a family or clan) of the common ancestor. Such bodies are certainly the first germs or units of human society; what their heavenly counterparts may be, who can tell? The Apostle looks upon the fathers whose names they delight to bear as the imperfect representatives of God, and upon the family itself, with its head, as the type in miniature of the whole society of spiritual beings united in sonship to the Father in heaven. Hence he declares that it is ultimately from Him that every family derives the name of patria, and by that very name bears witness to the Divine Fatherhood, on which he desires here to lay especial stress.Verse 15. - From whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named. So A.V., but R.V. has "every family," holding, doubtless, that the want of the article - πᾶσα πατριὰ not πᾶσαἡπατριὰ - requires this sense. But as in Matthew 2:3; Luke 4:13; Acts 2.36; 7:22, and Ephesians 2:21; so here, πᾶσα without the article may denote the totality of the thing; πᾶσα πατριὰ corresponding to πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ. And this seems more in accord with the scope of the passage, for here the apostle is not distributing into groups, but gathering into one. But what is the precise import of the statement, and for what reason is it introduced? The apostle recognizes all saints, whether in heaven or on earth, as forming one family, and as the whole family derives its name from God, so God may ha expected and appealed to to make full and corresponding provision for the wants of its various sections. The implied appeal is not to the fact that the family is God's family, but to the fact, less important in itself but really including the other, that it is named after him. Among men, one would be held emphatically bound to take an interest in those who are not only his relations but bear his very name. Now, that part of the family which is housed in heaven is gloriously provided for; the apostle proceeds to intercede for the portion still on earth. As the whole family is named after the same Father, is conspicuous before the eyes of all as God's, so it may well be expected that the more needy, feeble, exposed, and tempted part of the family will be treated in every way worthy of its Father."Let saints on earth unite to sing Greek fromἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. whom οὗ (hou) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. every πᾶσα (pasa) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. family πατριὰ (patria) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3965: Lineage, ancestry; a family, tribe. As if feminine of a derivative of pater; paternal descent, i.e. a group of families or a whole race. 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. heaven οὐρανοῖς (ouranois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. earth γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. derives its name. ὀνομάζεται (onomazetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3687: From onoma; to name, i.e. Assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess. Links Ephesians 3:15 NIVEphesians 3:15 NLT Ephesians 3:15 ESV Ephesians 3:15 NASB Ephesians 3:15 KJV Ephesians 3:15 BibleApps.com Ephesians 3:15 Biblia Paralela Ephesians 3:15 Chinese Bible Ephesians 3:15 French Bible Ephesians 3:15 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Ephesians 3:15 From whom every family in heaven (Ephes. Eph. Ep) |
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