Ephesians 3:4
New International Version
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

New Living Translation
As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.

English Standard Version
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Berean Standard Bible
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
which, by reading, you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

King James Bible
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

New King James Version
by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),

New American Standard Bible
By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

NASB 1995
By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

NASB 1977
And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Legacy Standard Bible
About which, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Amplified Bible
By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Christian Standard Bible
By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah.

American Standard Version
whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

Contemporary English Version
As you read the letter, you will also find out how well I really do understand the mystery about Christ.

English Revised Version
whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you read this, you'll see that I understand the mystery about Christ.

Good News Translation
and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.)

International Standard Version
By reading this, you will be able to grasp my understanding of the secret about the Messiah,

Majority Standard Bible
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

NET Bible
When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into this secret of Christ.

New Heart English Bible
by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

Webster's Bible Translation
By which when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

Weymouth New Testament
By means of that explanation, as you read it, you can judge of my insight into the truth of Christ

World English Bible
by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in regard to which you are able, reading [it], to understand my knowledge in the secret of the Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
which, by reading, you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Young's Literal Translation
in regard to which ye are able, reading it, to understand my knowledge in the secret of the Christ,

Smith's Literal Translation
By which ye, reading, can perceive My understanding in the mystery of Christ,)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet, by reading this closely, you might be able to understand my prudence in the mystery of Christ.

New American Bible
When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

New Revised Standard Version
a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that when you read it you can understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As whenever you read, you can understand my knowledge in the mystery of The Messiah,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
so that, when you read, you can see my understanding in the mystery of the Christ,)

Godbey New Testament
according to which you, reading, are able to know my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

Haweis New Testament
wherein when ye read, ye may be able to perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

Mace New Testament
by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
By means of that explanation, as you read it, you can judge of my insight into the truth of Christ

Worrell New Testament
respecting which ye can, by reading, perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,

Worsley New Testament
when ye read it, ye may perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.…

Cross References
Colossians 1:26-27
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / 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.

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 2:7-10
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / 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.

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.

2 Corinthians 12:1-4
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. / I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— ...

Galatians 1:11-12
For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man. / I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

1 Corinthians 4:1
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Colossians 4:3
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Daniel 2:28-30
But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: / As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. / And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

Isaiah 29:11-12
And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” / Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.”

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.


Treasury of Scripture

Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

ye may.

Matthew 13:11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

1 Corinthians 2:6,7
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: …

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

the mystery.

Ephesians 1:9
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 5:32
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

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Able Christ Clear Explanation Insight Intelligence Judge Means Mystery Perceive Read Reading Referring Regard Secret Truth Understand Understanding Whereby
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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.














In reading this, then,
This phrase indicates that Paul is referring to something previously written, likely the earlier parts of his letter to the Ephesians. The act of reading was significant in the early church, as letters were often read aloud to congregations. This highlights the importance of literacy and the communal aspect of early Christian worship. The phrase also suggests a continuity of thought, urging the reader to consider the context of Paul's message.

you will be able to understand
Paul emphasizes the capability of the readers to grasp the message he is conveying. This reflects the belief that spiritual truths can be comprehended by believers through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the accessibility of divine wisdom to all Christians, not just a select few. This democratization of understanding is a key theme in Paul's writings, aligning with the idea that the gospel is for everyone.

my insight into the mystery of Christ,
The "mystery of Christ" refers to the previously hidden truth now revealed through the gospel—that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel, part of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus. This mystery was not fully understood in the Old Testament but is now made clear through the apostles and prophets. Paul's "insight" suggests a special revelation given to him, aligning with his role as an apostle to the Gentiles. This concept of mystery is also seen in Colossians 1:26-27, where Paul speaks of the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed to the saints. The term "mystery" in a biblical context often refers to God's plan of salvation, which is now disclosed through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to explain the mystery of Christ, which was revealed to him by divine revelation.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of early Christianity and the recipient of this epistle. It was known for its diverse population and the Temple of Artemis.

3. The Mystery of Christ
This refers to the previously hidden truth that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Mystery
The "mystery of Christ" is a profound truth that was hidden but is now revealed through the gospel. It emphasizes the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

The Role of Revelation
Paul’s insight into the mystery was not through human wisdom but through divine revelation. This underscores the importance of seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and study.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The mystery highlights the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This calls for a commitment to unity and love within the church.

The Importance of Scripture
Understanding comes through reading and studying Scripture. Believers are encouraged to diligently study the Word to gain insight into God’s plans and purposes.

Living Out the Mystery
As recipients of this revealed mystery, believers are called to live in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ, serving as a testimony to the world.Verse 4. - In accordance with which, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Προσ ο}, with reference to which, i.e. to what I wrote afore: to make that more intelligible I write on the subject more fully now, so that you shall see that your instructor is thoroughly informed in this matter of the mystery in Christ - this once concealed but now revealed purpose of his grace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

reading
ἀναγινώσκοντες (anaginōskontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

this, then,
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you will be able to
δύνασθε (dynasthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

understand
νοῆσαι (noēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3539: From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

insight
σύνεσίν (synesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4907: From suniemi; a mental putting together, i.e. Intelligence or the intellect.

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

mystery
μυστηρίῳ (mystēriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

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


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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:4 By which when you read you can (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 3:3
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