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,

Jump to Previous
Able Christ Clear Explanation Insight Intelligence Judge Means Mystery Perceive Read Reading Referring Regard Secret Truth Understand Understanding Whereby
Jump to Next
Able Christ Clear Explanation Insight Intelligence Judge Means Mystery Perceive Read Reading Referring Regard Secret Truth Understand Understanding Whereby
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
The phrase "In reading this" suggests an active engagement with the text. The Greek word for "reading" is "anaginosko," which implies not just a casual glance but a thorough and thoughtful examination. This highlights the importance of Scripture study in the life of a believer. Historically, the early church placed great emphasis on the public reading of Scripture, as many believers were illiterate. This practice underscores the communal aspect of understanding God's Word, encouraging believers to delve deeply into the text to grasp its full meaning.

then, you will be able to understand
The phrase "then, you will be able to understand" indicates a process of revelation and comprehension. The Greek word for "understand" is "noeo," which means to perceive with the mind, to think upon, or heed. This suggests that understanding is not automatic but requires divine illumination and personal reflection. In a historical context, Paul is addressing a predominantly Gentile audience, emphasizing that through the Holy Spirit, they too can grasp the profound truths of the Gospel, which were once hidden.

my insight
"My insight" refers to Paul's unique understanding and revelation of the Gospel. The Greek word "sunesis" denotes a bringing together of knowledge, a synthesis of divine truth. Paul, as an apostle, was given special revelation by God to comprehend and communicate the mysteries of Christ. This insight is not of human origin but divinely imparted, underscoring the authority and authenticity of Paul's message. Historically, Paul's conversion and subsequent revelations were pivotal in shaping early Christian doctrine, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles.

into the mystery
The term "mystery" in Greek is "mysterion," which refers to a sacred secret that was once hidden but is now revealed. In the biblical context, a mystery is not something unknowable but rather something that can only be known through divine revelation. The mystery Paul refers to is the inclusion of the Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel, a radical and transformative concept in the early church. This revelation was groundbreaking, challenging the prevailing Jewish understanding of God's covenant and expanding the scope of God's redemptive plan.

of Christ
"Of Christ" centers the mystery and insight on Jesus Christ Himself. The Greek "Christos" means "Anointed One," signifying Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The mystery of Christ encompasses His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and the establishment of the church as His body. Historically, this was a profound revelation for both Jews and Gentiles, as it redefined their understanding of God's promises and the scope of salvation. In Christ, the barriers between Jew and Gentile are broken down, uniting all believers in one body through faith. This unity in Christ is a central theme in Paul's epistles, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel.

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.


Links
Ephesians 3:4 NIV
Ephesians 3:4 NLT
Ephesians 3:4 ESV
Ephesians 3:4 NASB
Ephesians 3:4 KJV

Ephesians 3:4 BibleApps.com
Ephesians 3:4 Biblia Paralela
Ephesians 3:4 Chinese Bible
Ephesians 3:4 French Bible
Ephesians 3:4 Catholic Bible

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