Ephesians 3:1-12

^I “reason” = charin. 9x in NT. From charis (grace, kindness, favor, gratitude, thanks; being inclined to or favorable towards – leaning towards someone to share some good or benefit; literal, figurative, or spiritual; grace as abstract concept, manner, or action); from chairo (to rejoice, be glad; used to say hello; properly, delighting in the grace of God or experiencing God’s favor). This is in favor of, because. It is a favor that is actionable.
^II “Paul” = Paulos. From Latin Paulus (small, little). This is Paul or Paulos, meaning little.
^III “prisoner” = desmios. 17x in NT. From desomon (a chain, bond, impediment; being in jail, a ligament); from deo (to tie, bind, fasten, impel, compel; to declare something against the law or prohibited). This is a binding or one who is bound. So, it can be a prisoner or captive.

^IV “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.
^V “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
^VI “gentiles” = ethnos. Probably from etho (a custom or culture). This is people who are united by having similar customs or culture. Generally, it is used to refer to Gentiles. This is a tribe, race, nation, or Gentiles in general. This is where the term “ethnicity” comes from.

^VII “surely” = ge. 16x in NT. This is a particle of emphasis – indeed, besides, doubtless, yet, at least.
^VIII “heard” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
^IX “commission” = oikonomia. 9x in NT. From oikonomeo (a steward, manager, or guardian; someone whose job it is to oversee a house; a treasurer or other fiscal agent; figuratively, someone who preaches the good news); {oiokos (house – the building, the household, the family, descendants; the temple) + nemo (to parcel out)} OR {from oikos (see above) + the base of nomos (what is assigned – usage, law, custom, principle; used for the law in general or of God’s law; sometimes used to refer to the first five books of the Bible or the entire Old Testament; also used to refer to theology or the practice and tradition of interpreting and implementing the law of God); {from nemo (to parcel out)}}. This is stewardship, management, or administration. It is one who looks after the resources or household affairs for someone else (their house or estate). It can also refer to a religious economy.

^X “God’s” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.
^XI “grace” = charis. Related to “reason” in v1. See note I above.
^XII “given” = didomi. To give, offer, place, bestow, deliver. This is give in a literal or figurative sense.
^XIII “mystery” = musterion. From mustes (an initiate); from mueo (to initiate someone into the secrets or mysteries of an order; to instruct learn, be disciples; properly, shutting your mouth and eyes to experience mystery); from muo (shutting eyes or mouth). This is a mystery or a secret doctrine that requires initiation to learn. In the New Testament, the plans of God were hidden until they were revealed in Christ through the Gospel. It is also used of Christian revelation in a broad sense rather than referring to something that cannot be known. This is the root of the word “mystery.”

^XIV “made known” = gnorizo. From ginosko (to know, recognize, realize, perceive, learn; gaining knowledge through personal experience). This is to declare, know, discover, make known.
^XV “revelation” = apokalupsis. 18x in NT. From apokalupto (properly to uncover; revealing something that was hidden or obstructed; particularly refers to revealing the essence of something; to make plain or manifest); {from apo (from, away from) + kalupto (to cover, hide, conceal; figuratively, to keep hidden or secret) {related to kalube (hut, cabin)}. This is uncovering, unveiling, appearing, manifestation, or revelation. This is where the word “apocalypse” comes from.
^XVI “wrote above” = prographo. 4x in NT. From pro (before, first, in front of, earlier) + grapho (to write or describe). This is to write above or before, to designate earlier, to show openly, or figuratively to announce.
^XVII “few” = oligos. This is few or small – it can be a short time or extent, low light, amount, or worth.

^XVIII “reading” = anaginosko. Related to “made known” in v3. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + ginosko (see note XIV above). This is literally to know again – to recognize, read, or discern.
^XIX “enable” = dunamai. This is to be able, or something that is possible. It can also be empowered or being powerful. The Greek word for “miracle” (dunamis) comes from this root.
^XX “perceive” = noeo. Related to “made known” in v3 & “reading” in v4. 14x in NT. From nous (mind, understanding, reasoning faculty, intellect, capacity to reflect); from noos (mind); probably from the base as ginosko (see note XIV above)}. This is to think, understand, conceive, realize, see. It is one who thinks things through sufficiently to reach a conclusion or value judgment. It is also one’s moral reasoning.
^XXI “understanding” = sunesis. 7x in NT. From suneimi (to put together – used figuratively to mean understand, consider, gain insight; this is bringing together facts or notions and synthesizing them into a whole; making a summary to arrive at a final conclusion that includes how to apply the insight to life; it can also imply acting piously or being wise); from sun (with, together with) + hiemi (to send, put). This is understanding, cleverness, intelligence, knowledge, or insight. Just as the root verb, it is synthesized reasoning that brings facts together to understand indirect truths from the facts at hand.

^XXII “former” = heteros. This is other, another, different, strange. It is another of a different kind in contrast to the Greek word allos, which is another of the same kind. This could be a different quality, type, or group.
^XXIII “generations” = genea. From genos (family, offspring, kin – in a literal or figurative sense); from ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is family, generation, kind, or nation. As generation, it implies an age as a period of time. It can also mean infinity. This is the root of the word “generation.
^XXIV “humankind” = huios + ho + anthropos. Literally, “sons of humanity.” Huios is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship. Anthropos is probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
^XXV “revealed” = apokalupto. Related to “revelation” in v3. See note XV above.

^XXVI “holy” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.
^XXVII “apostles” = apostolos. From apostello (to send, send away, send forth as a messenger, to commission); {from apo (from, away from) + stello (to set, arrange, prepare, provide for); {probably from histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand firm)}}. This is a messenger – someone sent out on a mission as an envoy or delegate. It can also refer to someone set at liberty. Generally, this is a messenger who is meant to be a representative of the one who sent them. They are thus, set apart on a mission literally or figuratively.
^XXVIII “prophets” = prophetes. From pro (before, in front of, earlier than) + phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (to shine) or phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear)}. This is a prophet or poet – one who speaks with inspiration from God.
^XXIX “Spirit” = Pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.

^XXX “is” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
^XXXI “fellow heirs” = sugkleronomos. Related to “commission” in v2. 4x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + kleronomos (heir, inheritor, or possessor – literal of figurative); {from kleros (lot, portion, heritage; that share assigned to you; also a lot used to determine something by fate, chance, or divine will); {perhaps from klero (casting a lot) or from klao (to break in pieces as one breaks bread)} + the same as nomos (see note IX above)}}. This is a joint heir, participant, or co-inheritor.
^XXXII “members of the same body” = sussomos. 1x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + soma (body or flesh; body in a literal or figurative sense; the body of Christ); {perhaps from sozo (to save, heal, rescue); from sos (safe, well, rescued)}. This is a shared body – ones for are members of the same body. It is used figuratively for Jews and Gentiles united in one church in the body of Christ.

^XXXIII “sharers” = summetochos. 2x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + metochos (partner, one who actively shares with, associate); {from metecho (to share in, participate, belong, eat or drink, be a member); {from meta (with, among, behind, beyond) + echo (to have, hold, possess)}}. This is partnering with or a co-participant.
^XXXIV “promise” = epaggelia. From epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + aggello (to announce, report); {from aggelos (angel, messenger); probably from ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, drive)}. This is a summons, promise, or message. It is a formal promise that is officially sanctioned. In the New Testament, this usually refers to a promise made in the Old Testament.
^XXXV “gospel” = euaggelion. Related to “promise” in v6. From eu (well, good, rightly) + aggelos (see note XXXIV above). This is literally “the good news,” used for the gospel. This is also where “evangelism” comes from.

^XXXVI “become” = ginomai. Related to “generations” in v5. See note XXIII above.
^XXXVII “servant” = diakonos. Perhaps from dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + konis (dust) OR from dioko (to chase after, put to flight; by implication, to persecute or to purse like a hunter after its prey; this can be earnestly pursue or zealously persecute) {related to dio (put to flight)}. This is a servant, minister, waiter, or attendant. It is used for a person who performs a service, including religious service. This is the root of the word “deacon.”
^XXXVIII “gift” = dorea. Related to “given” in v2. 11x in NT. From doron (gift, offering, sacrifice; emphasizes that the gift is given freely, voluntarily); from didomi (see note XII above). This is a free gift given voluntarily and not received by merit or entitlement. It emphasizes the benevolence of the giver.
^XXXIX “working” = energeia. 8x in NT. From energes (active, effective, operative, energized, powerful); {from en (in, at, by, with, among) + ergon (word, task, action, employment); {from ergo (to work, accomplish) or from erdo (to do)}}. This is activity, working, efficiency, strong, or divine energy. It is also where the work “energy” comes from.
^XL “power” = dunamis. Related to “enable” in v4. From dunamai (see note XIX above). This is might, strength, physical power, efficacy, energy, and miraculous power. It is force literally or figuratively – the power of a miracle or the miracle itself.

^XLI “very least” = elachistoteros. 1x in NT. From elachistos (smallest or littlest in the sense of size, amount, rank, dignity, and so on); from elachus (short); used as a superlative for mikros (small). This is smallest or least important.
^XLII “all” = pas. This is all or every.
^XLIII “saints” = hagios. Same as “holy” in v5. See note XXVI above.
^XLIV “bring…the news” = euaggelizo. Related to “promise” & “gospel” in v6. From eu (see note XXXV above) + aggelos (see note XXXIV above). This is evangelize – literally to preach the good news. It can be those who hear the news, the news, or a way to say gospel.
^XLV “boundless” = anexichniastos. 2x in NT. From a (not, without) + exichniazo (to track out); {from ek (from, from out of) + ichnos (track; footsteps, whether literal or figuratively in the sense of making a path of example for others to emulate); {from hikneomai (to reach, come to, attain)}}. This is untraceable or incomprehensible.
^XLVI “riches” = ploutos. From polus (much, many, abundant) OR pleo (to sail, voyage); {probably from pluno (to plunge – so to wash); from pluo (to flow)} OR pletho (to fill, accomplish, supply; to fill to maximum capacity). This is abundance, wealth, or riches. It could refer to money/possessions or spiritual abundance. It can also be used for a valuable bestowment.

^XLVII “everyone” = pas. Same as “all” in v8. See note XLII above.
^XLVIII “see” = photizo. Related to “prophets” in v5. 11x in NT. From phos (light, a source of light, fire, or radiance; light with specific reference to what it reveals; luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative); {from phao (see note XXVII above)} This is to shine or give light, illumine or reveal. Properly, it is to enlighten in a literal or figurative sense. It can mean to brighten up or to make one see.
^XLIX “plan” = oikonomia. Same as “commission” in v2. See note IX above.
^L “hidden” = apokrupto. 4x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + krupto (to hide by covering, secret, hidden things). This is to hide, keep secret.
^LI “ages” = aion. From the same as aei (ever, always, unceasingly, perpetually; on every occasion). This is an age, cycle of time, course, continued duration. It is also used to describe the eternal or forever. This is the word used to discuss the present age or the messianic age.
^LII “created” = ktizo. 15x in NT. Probably akin to ktaomai (to get, purchase, possess). This is to build, create, form, shape. It refers to God’s acts of creation.

^LIII “church” = ekklesia. From ek (from, out from) + kaleo (to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud) {related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on)}. This is properly a calling out or an assembly. It was used to refer to a church.
^LIV “wisdom” = Sophia. From sophos (wise, clever, skilled, learned, cultivated); related to saphes (clear). This is skill, wisdom, insight, intelligence, clarity. It is wisdom as applied through a practical skill or shrewdness. It is not thoughtfulness or the mere gaining of intelligence for its own sake. Sophia is wisdom in action for everyday living.
^LV “rich variety” = polupoikilos. Related to “riches” in v8. 1x in NT. From polus (see note XLVI above) + poikilos (varied, diverse, having different colors or varied character). This is manifold, having different colors or expressions, multi-faceted.

^LVI “rulers” = arche. From archomai (to begin or rule); from archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). Properly, this is what is first. In a temporal sense, that is beginning or origin. It can also refer to the one who ranks first, i.e. king or ruler. So, it can also be magistrate, power, or principality. It can be used more generally for what is preeminent.
^LVII “authorities” = exousia. Related to “is” in v6. From exesti (to be permitted or lawful); {from ek (out, out of) + eimi (see note XXX above)}. This is power to act or weight. It especially denotes moral authority or influence. It can mean domain, liberty, freedom, capacity, mastery, right, force, or strength.
^LVIII “heavenly places” = epouranios. 19x in NT. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + ouranos (air, sky, the atmosphere, heaven; the sky that is visible; the spiritual heaven where God dwells; implies happiness, power, and eternity); {perhaps from oros (mountain, hill)}. This is heavenly, celestial, high, heavenly one, heavenly thins. It is the heavenly sphere in contrast to the earthly one, the place of spiritual activity. Figuratively, it can mean divine or spiritual. Properly, this describes that which is fitting from heaven’s perspective.

^LIX “eternal” = aion. Same as “ages” in v9. See note LI above.
^LX “purpose” = prothesis. 12x in NT. From protithemi (to set before, purpose, plan, determine, put in a public display); {from pro (before, earlier than, ahead, prior) + tithemi (to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense; properly, this is placing something in a passive or horizontal position)}. This is a setting forth – a proposal, predetermination, purpose. It can also mean something that is sacred or consecrated so it can be used for the showbread or sacred bread.
^LXI “carried out” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.
^LXII “Lord” = Kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.

^LXIII “have” = echo. Related to “sharers” in v6. See note XXXIII above.
^LXIV “access” = prosagoge. Related to “promise” & “gospel” in v6 & “bring…the news” in v8. 3x in NT. From prosago (to lead to, approach, summon, present); {from pros (at, to, toward, with) + ago (see note XXXIV above)}. This is approach or access. It is drawing near to have contact in person.
^LXV “boldness” = parresia. Related to “all” in v8. From pas (see note XLII above) + rhesis (speech); {from rheo (say, speak of, command)}. This is confidence, openness, boldness, outspokenness. It can imply assurance – free speech.
^LXVI “confidence” = pepoithesis. 6x in NT. From peitho (to have confidence, urge, be persuaded, agree, assure, believe, have confidence, trust). This is persuasion, confidence, trust.
^LXVII “faith” = pistis. Related to “confidence” in v12. From peitho (see note LXVI above). This is less about knowing, believing, and repeating a list of doctrines then it is about trusting God. Faith means listening to God and seeking to live a holy life even (and especially) when we don’t understand how everything works or fits together. Faith is about being faithful (trusting and doing) rather than being all knowing.