Ephesians 1:22

KJV

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} hath put {G5293} all {G3956} things under {G5259} his {G846} feet {G4228}, and {G2532} gave {G1325} him {G846} to be the head {G2776} over {G5228} all {G3956} things to the church {G1577},

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, he has put all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the Messianic Community,

Berean Standard Bible

And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,

American Standard Version

and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:22 culminates Paul's declaration of God's immense power demonstrated in Christ's resurrection and exaltation, establishing Jesus as the supreme authority over all creation and every spiritual power. This verse reveals a dual aspect of Christ's dominion: His universal sovereignty over "all things" and His unique, intimate relationship as "the head over all things to the church," signifying His leadership, life-giving source, and unifying principle for His body, the believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:22 serves as the climactic conclusion to a profound theological exposition in the first chapter of Paul's letter. Preceding this verse, Paul offers a doxology (vv. 3-14) celebrating God's redemptive plan in Christ, followed by a prayer for the Ephesian believers (vv. 15-19) to grasp the "hope of his calling," the "riches of the glory of his inheritance," and the "exceeding greatness of his power." Verses 20-21 then specifically detail the manifestation of this power in Christ: God "raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 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." Thus, verse 22 flows directly from this description of Christ's cosmic exaltation, delineating the extent and purpose of His unparalleled authority, particularly in relation to the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "putting things under feet" was a powerful visual metaphor in the ancient world, signifying complete conquest, subjugation, and absolute victory. Victorious kings would literally place their feet on the necks or backs of defeated enemies to symbolize their triumph. This imagery would have resonated deeply with the Ephesians, who lived in a city steeped in Roman imperial culture, where displays of power and dominion were common. Furthermore, the idea of "headship" was understood in various contexts, from the head of a household to the head of a political body, denoting authority, leadership, and the source of direction. Paul's use of these terms would have conveyed Christ's supreme authority in a way that was both culturally intelligible and profoundly counter-cultural, asserting Christ's reign over all earthly and spiritual powers, including those worshipped or feared in Ephesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Ephesians. Foremost is the theme of **Christ's Universal Dominion and Supremacy**, asserting His absolute authority over all creation and every spiritual entity, echoing the cosmic scope of God's plan of redemption. This aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on Christ's preeminence, as seen in [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "The Supremacy of Christ"). Secondly, it introduces and underscores the theme of **Christ's Headship Over the Church**, establishing a unique and vital relationship between Christ and His body. This concept is foundational for understanding the church's identity, unity, and mission, as further expounded in [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Growing Up into Christ, the Head"). Lastly, the verse highlights the **Exceeding Greatness of God's Power**, which is demonstrated not only in Christ's resurrection but also in His enthronement as sovereign Lord, making Him the ultimate source of power for the church to fulfill its calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** From G5293, meaning "to subordinate; reflexively, to obey." In this context, it emphasizes an active, deliberate, and authoritative act by God the Father to place all things under Christ's authority. It signifies a complete and decisive act of subjugation, establishing Christ's supreme rule.
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." Here, it denotes God's intentional bestowal of the unique role of "head" upon Christ specifically for the benefit and purpose of the church. It highlights a divine appointment and commission.
* **head (Greek, _kephalḗ'_):** From G2776, meaning "the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively." In this context, "head" signifies not merely authority or leadership but also the source of life, direction, and unity for the body. It implies an organic connection, where the head provides guidance, sustenance, and purpose to the rest of the body, the church.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From G1577, meaning "a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)." This word refers to the assembly of believers, those "called out" by God, for whom Christ's headship is uniquely exercised, distinguishing His universal dominion from His specific relationship with His redeemed people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath put all [things] under his feet":** This clause declares the absolute and universal dominion of Jesus Christ. "All things" encompasses every power, authority, and created entity, both visible and invisible, spiritual and earthly. The imagery of placing "under his feet" is a powerful metaphor drawn from ancient Near Eastern victory rituals and Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Psalm 8:6](/psalm/8-6 "All Things Under Man's Feet") and [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "The Lord's Rule Over Enemies")), signifying complete subjugation, conquest, and ultimate authority. God the Father has decisively established Christ's sovereignty over all creation, leaving no realm or power outside of His ultimate control.
* **"and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church":** This second clause specifies the unique purpose and beneficiary of Christ's supreme authority. While Christ's dominion is universal ("over all things"), His headship is uniquely "to the church." The term "head" implies not just a position of authority and leadership, but also the source of life, direction, and unity. Just as the head directs and sustains the body, Christ is the life-giving, guiding, and unifying principle for the church. This signifies an intimate, organic relationship where the church, as Christ's body, draws its identity, purpose, and power directly from Him, its sovereign and loving Head.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 1:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrases "under his feet" and "the head." "Under his feet" is a vivid **metaphor** for complete conquest, absolute authority, and total subjugation, drawing on ancient imagery of victorious rulers. The term "head" is also a rich **metaphor**, signifying not only leadership and authority but also the source of life, direction, and organic unity for the body (the church). This implies an intimate, vital connection. The phrase "all things" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and absolute nature of Christ's dominion, leaving no exceptions. Furthermore, the verse contains a strong **Allusion** to Old Testament passages, especially [Psalm 8:6](/psalm/8-6 "Man's Dominion Over Creation") and [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "The Lord's Rule Over Enemies"), which prophesy a figure who would have all things subjected to him, thereby linking Christ's exaltation to divine, ancient promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:22 presents a breathtaking theological truth: Christ's dual supremacy as cosmic Lord and the church's intimate Head. This means that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him above all creation is actively at work for and through His church. His universal dominion ensures that no earthly or spiritual power can ultimately thwart His purposes or overcome His body. Simultaneously, His headship over the church signifies a unique, organic, and life-giving relationship, where the church derives its very existence, direction, and mission from Him. This truth provides immense comfort, security, and purpose for believers, knowing that their ultimate authority is the sovereign Lord of all, who intimately cares for and empowers His people.

* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Christ as the Head of the Body, the Church")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")
* [1 Corinthians 15:27](/1_corinthians/15-27 "All Things Put Under Christ's Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:22 offers profound implications for the life of every believer and the mission of the church. Knowing that Christ is the supreme Head over "all things"—every government, every ideology, every spiritual force, every challenge, and every personal struggle—provides an unshakeable foundation for faith and courage. This truth liberates us from fear of earthly powers or spiritual principalities, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance and security rest in the One who reigns supreme. For the church, it means that our identity, purpose, and power flow directly from our victorious Head. We are not a self-sufficient organization but a living body, utterly dependent on Christ for direction, sustenance, and growth. This should inspire us to live in confident submission to His will, to pursue unity as His body, and to engage in His mission with unwavering assurance, knowing that the Head has already triumphed. Our worship should be a constant acknowledgment of His unparalleled authority and majesty, and our lives a testament to His sovereign rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's universal dominion over "all things" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways does recognizing Christ as the "head over all things to the church" shape your understanding of the church's purpose and your role within it?**
* **Considering Christ's supreme authority, what areas of your life might need to be more fully submitted to His headship?**
* **How can the truth of Ephesians 1:22 inspire greater confidence and boldness in sharing the Gospel in a world that often seems chaotic or hostile?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "all things" are put under Christ's feet?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Christ's complete and absolute authority, dominion, and victory over every created thing and every opposing power, both visible and invisible. It's a powerful metaphor indicating that nothing is outside of His ultimate control and subjugation. This includes earthly rulers, spiritual principalities, and even death itself. It asserts His cosmic sovereignty, established by God the Father through His resurrection and exaltation, as described in [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "God's Power in Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation").

**How is Christ's "headship over all things" related to His "headship to the church"?**

Answer: Christ's headship "over all things" refers to His universal sovereignty and authority as the reigning Lord of the cosmos. He has ultimate power and dominion over everything. His headship "to the church," however, describes a unique, intimate, and organic relationship. While He rules over all, He specifically functions as the life-giving source, guiding principle, and unifying force for His body, the church. The church draws its identity, purpose, and power directly from Him. This means that the church is not merely subject to His universal rule but is intimately connected to Him as its very life and direction. This distinction is crucial for understanding the church's unique place in God's plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:22 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and exercises the authority described. His resurrection from the dead (as detailed in [Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "God Raised Christ from the Dead")) was the decisive act by which God "put all things under his feet," demonstrating His triumph over sin, death, and all spiritual powers that held humanity captive. This cosmic victory culminates in His ascension and enthronement at God's right hand, where He now reigns as the sovereign Lord, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a king who would subdue all enemies (e.g., [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "The Lord's Rule Over Enemies")). Moreover, Christ's role as "the head over all things to the church" reveals His unique redemptive purpose. He is not merely a distant ruler, but the life-giving Head of His redeemed people, the church, whom He purchased with His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "God Purchased the Church with His Own Blood")). Through His ongoing work as Head, He nourishes, guides, and empowers His body, preparing it for His glorious return ([Ephesians 5:23-27](/ephesians/5-23-27 "Christ is the Head of the Church, Sanctifying Her")). Thus, Ephesians 1:22 points to Christ as the victorious King and the intimate Savior, whose absolute authority ensures the ultimate triumph and flourishing of His church.

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

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 2:10

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

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

1 Corinthians 15:27

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

Psalms 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:

Psalms 8:8

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.

Hebrews 2:8

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.