Ephesians 1:21

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Far above {G5231} all {G3956} principality {G746}, and {G2532} power {G1849}, and {G2532} might {G1411}, and {G2532} dominion {G2963}, and {G2532} every {G3956} name {G3686} that is named {G3687}, not {G3756} only {G3440} in {G1722} this {G5129} world {G165}, but {G235} also {G2532} in {G1722} that which is to come {G3195}:

Complete Jewish Bible

far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the ‘olam hazeh or in the ‘olam haba.

Berean Standard Bible

far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

American Standard Version

far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:21 is a profound declaration of the absolute and unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ, building upon the preceding verses that describe God's immense power demonstrated in Christ's resurrection and exaltation. This verse meticulously details the scope of Christ's authority, positioning Him far above every conceivable spiritual and earthly power, title, and influence, not only in the present age but also in all future ages. It underscores His comprehensive dominion as the exalted Lord over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:21 is nestled within Paul's opening prayer for the Ephesian believers, which spans from [Ephesians 1:15-23](/ephesians/1-15-23 "Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians"). Having praised God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ"), Paul transitions to a fervent intercession. He prays that the believers would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation to truly know God, understand the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance, and most significantly, the "exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe" ([Ephesians 1:18-19](/ephesians/1-18-19 "Paul's Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation")). Verse 20 then presents the ultimate demonstration of this power: God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Verse 21, therefore, serves as an elaboration on the *extent* of this exaltation, clarifying precisely what it means for Christ to be seated "at His right hand," namely, that His position is one of absolute and unrivalled authority over all things.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Ephesians from prison, likely Rome, around A.D. 60-62. The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center, deeply steeped in paganism, magic, and various mystery religions. It was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a hub for diverse spiritual practices, including astrology and the invocation of various deities and spiritual powers. The Ephesian believers, many of whom had previously engaged in such practices (as evidenced by their burning of magic books in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "The Burning of Magic Books in Ephesus")), would have been acutely aware of the perceived influence of spiritual hierarchies and cosmic forces. Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy over "principality, and power, and might, and dominion" directly addresses these cultural anxieties and beliefs, assuring believers that Christ's authority transcends and utterly dominates any spiritual entity or power they might have once feared or revered.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. First, it powerfully asserts **Christ's Supreme Authority and Lordship**, demonstrating that His exaltation is not merely a positional honor but an active reign over all creation, both visible and invisible. This theme is foundational to understanding Christ's role as the [Head of the Church](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ as Head of the Church") and the universe. Second, it highlights the **Cosmic Scope of Christ's Dominion**, emphasizing that His rule extends beyond earthly boundaries to encompass all spiritual realms and all time, "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." This universal sovereignty provides immense comfort and security for believers, knowing that their Lord is in ultimate control, transcending all limitations. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Exceeding Power**, which is first introduced in [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "God's Great Power") and climaxes in Christ's resurrection and exaltation, proving that the same power available to believers is the power that elevated Christ above all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Far above (Greek, _hyperánō'_):** This compound word, formed from *hyper* (above, beyond) and *anō* (upward), denotes an elevation that is not merely higher but profoundly superior in both place and rank. It signifies a transcendence that is absolute and incomparable, placing Christ in a position of ultimate supremacy over all other entities.
* **Power (Greek, _exousía'_):** Derived from a word meaning "ability," *exousía* refers to delegated authority, privilege, or jurisdiction. In this context, it speaks of the right or liberty to act, often associated with governmental or spiritual rule. Paul's use here emphasizes that Christ's authority is not merely greater in degree but fundamentally superior in kind, overriding all other forms of delegated or inherent power.
* **World (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** While often translated "world," *aiṓn* more accurately refers to an "age" or "era," implying a temporal duration or a system of existence. Paul's use of "this world" (or "this age") refers to the present temporal order, often characterized by human and spiritual rebellion, contrasted with "that which is to come" (the future age of God's full kingdom). This highlights that Christ's dominion is not limited to any specific period but extends across all epochs of history and eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,"**: This opening phrase establishes Christ's supreme position. The terms "principality" (archē), "power" (exousía), "might" (dýnamis), and "dominion" (kyriótēs) are often used by Paul to refer to various ranks of angelic or demonic beings, or possibly human governmental authorities. By listing them, Paul emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Christ's exaltation. He is not just above *some* powers, but above *all* of them, indicating an absolute and unchallenged sovereignty over every spiritual and earthly hierarchy.
* **"and every name that is named,"**: This broadens the scope of Christ's supremacy beyond specific categories of authority. "Every name that is named" signifies every title, rank, reputation, or form of significance, whether human, angelic, or demonic. It means there is no entity, no matter how renowned or influential, whose name or authority can compare to or supersede that of Christ. His name stands above all others.
* **"not only in this world,"**: This clause specifies the temporal and spatial scope of Christ's dominion. "This world" (or "this age") refers to the present era, characterized by its current systems, values, and spiritual influences. Paul asserts that Christ's reign is active and effective even now, in the midst of the present reality.
* **"but also in that which is to come:"**: This final clause extends Christ's dominion into eternity, encompassing all future realities and ages. His sovereignty is not limited to the present temporal order but is perpetual and everlasting. This provides believers with immense hope and security, knowing that their Lord holds ultimate sway over all things, for all time, guaranteeing the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Ephesians 1:21 to underscore Christ's unparalleled supremacy. The most prominent is **Climax**, as the verse builds from specific categories of spiritual and earthly powers ("principality, and power, and might, and dominion") to the all-encompassing "every name that is named," culminating in the universal temporal scope of "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." This creates a sense of escalating and absolute authority. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is used to emphasize the totality of Christ's reign; phrases like "far above all" and "every name" are not meant to be taken literally as a mere quantitative measure but as a qualitative statement of ultimate, incomparable superiority. Finally, the repeated use of "and" (Greek: *kai*) before each term in the list of powers ("principality, **and** power, **and** might, **and** dominion") is an example of **Polysyndeton**. This device serves to slow the pace, giving each item in the list distinct emphasis, and reinforcing the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of Christ's dominion over every single category mentioned.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:21 is a cornerstone for understanding the cosmic Christology of Paul. It reveals that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is not merely a historical event but the foundation for His ongoing, active reign over all creation. This verse firmly establishes Christ's position as the sovereign Lord, not just over humanity, but over all spiritual forces, both good and evil, and over all time. This truth assures believers that no power, visible or invisible, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome those who are in Christ. It provides a theological framework for understanding spiritual warfare, not as a battle between equal forces, but as a struggle where the ultimate victory has already been secured by Christ's decisive triumph.

* [Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Christ is the Head of all Rule and Authority")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ Upholds All Things by His Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of Christ's supremacy as declared in Ephesians 1:21 offers immense comfort, confidence, and liberation for the believer. In a world often characterized by fear of unseen forces, oppressive systems, or an uncertain future, this verse reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ is "far above" all of it. No spiritual entity, no earthly government, no personal struggle, and no future unknown can stand against His ultimate authority. This truth empowers us to live without fear, knowing that our hope is anchored in a Lord who has already triumphed over every rival power, a victory that extends into "that which is to come." This assurance should inspire deep worship, a steadfast trust in His divine providence, and a bold, courageous living out of our faith, knowing that we serve the One who reigns supreme over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's absolute supremacy over "all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" impact your personal fears or anxieties about spiritual forces or earthly authorities?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Christ's reign extends "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" shape your perspective on future challenges or the end times?**
* **How should the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ motivate your worship, your obedience, and your commitment to His kingdom here on earth?**

### FAQ

**What do "principality, power, might, and dominion" refer to?**

Answer: These terms (Greek: *archē*, *exousía*, *dýnamis*, *kyriótēs*) are often used by Paul to refer to various ranks or categories of spiritual beings, typically understood as angelic or demonic hierarchies. While their precise distinctions are debated among scholars, their collective use here serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Christ's authority. They represent every conceivable form of spiritual or governmental authority, whether visible or invisible, good or evil, that might exert influence in the cosmos. Paul's point is that Christ is elevated above *all* of them, signifying His absolute and unchallenged sovereignty.

**What does "every name that is named" signify?**

Answer: "Every name that is named" broadens the scope of Christ's sovereignty beyond specific categories of power to include every title, rank, reputation, or form of significance that exists. In ancient cultures, a "name" often represented the essence, authority, or character of a person or entity. Therefore, this phrase means that there is no authority, no being, no title, no reputation—whether human, angelic, or demonic—that can compare to or supersede the name and authority of Jesus Christ. It underscores His unique and ultimate position as the supreme Lord, to whom all others are subordinate.

**How does Christ's reign in "this world" and "that which is to come" relate to believers?**

Answer: The phrase "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" highlights the eternal and universal nature of Christ's dominion. "This world" (or "this age") refers to the present temporal order, while "that which is to come" refers to the future age of God's full kingdom and eternity. For believers, this means that Christ's authority is not limited to a specific time or place; He reigns now and forever. This provides immense security and hope, assuring us that our salvation is eternally secure, our future is in His hands, and ultimately, His purposes will prevail over all opposition, both in the present and in the ages to come. It means that no matter what challenges we face in this life, or what the future holds, Christ's ultimate victory and reign are guaranteed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, perfectly embodied and established God's supreme authority. The Old Testament often spoke of a coming Messiah who would reign (e.g., [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "The Lord Says to My Lord")), but it is in Christ that this reign is fully realized and universally applied. His crucifixion, far from being a defeat, was the decisive victory over all the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His resurrection from the dead demonstrated God's "exceeding greatness of His power" ([Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "God's Power in Christ")), proving His triumph over death itself. And His ascension to the Father's right hand ([Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")) is the ultimate coronation, establishing Him as the cosmic Lord "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named." This present reign of Christ is the guarantee of the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")), securing the eternal hope and inheritance of all who believe in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 2:10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

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:

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Hebrews 1:4

¶ Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.