Ephesians 1:23

KJV

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3748} is {G2076} his {G846} body {G4983}, the fulness {G4138} of him that filleth {G4137} all {G3956} in {G1722} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.

Berean Standard Bible

which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

American Standard Version

which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:23 climactically defines the Church as the very body of Christ, serving as the complete manifestation and recipient of His divine fullness. This verse underscores the intimate, organic union between the exalted Christ and His redeemed people, portraying the Church as the vehicle through which His universal sovereignty, pervasive presence, and redemptive purposes are made visible and effective throughout creation. It reveals the Church not merely as an organization, but as the living extension of Christ's cosmic reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:23 concludes Paul's opening doxology and prayer, which began in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and built to a crescendo of Christ's supreme exaltation. Having described God's eternal plan for salvation and the believer's inheritance, Paul then prayed for the Ephesian believers to grasp the "surpassing greatness of His power" ([Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19 - God's Mighty Power")). This power was demonstrated in Christ's resurrection and ascension, placing Him "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Christ's Exalted Position")). [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head Over All Things") explicitly states that God "put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church." Verse 23 then immediately clarifies *what* this church is in relation to this exalted Christ, providing the crucial identity of the Church as His body and fullness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Ephesians from prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62. The letter addresses a diverse Christian community in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its temple of Artemis (Diana) and a center of various pagan cults and philosophical schools. The concept of a "body" was familiar in both Greek philosophical thought (e.g., Plato's "body politic") and Roman societal structures, but Paul uniquely applies it to the Church in relation to Christ. The idea of "fullness" (pleroma) was also present in Gnostic thought, which would later emerge more fully, suggesting a series of divine emanations. Paul's use of *pleroma* here likely preempts or counters such ideas, asserting that Christ Himself is the source of all fullness, and the Church is the recipient and expression of *His* complete divine reality, not a missing piece that completes Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several major themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. Foremost is **The Church as Christ's Body**, emphasizing the organic, intimate, and unified relationship between Christ and His redeemed people. This metaphor highlights the Church's function as the visible, tangible manifestation of Christ's ongoing work in the world, carrying out His will under His headship. Another critical theme is **The Church as Christ's Fulness**, which conveys that the Church is the sphere or vessel through which Christ's divine perfections, power, and presence are made manifest and brought to completion in the world. It is the recipient of His divine abundance and, in turn, displays Him to creation. Finally, it powerfully underscores **Christ's Universal Sovereignty**, building on the preceding verses. The phrase "him that filleth all in all" asserts Christ's omnipresence and omnipotence, positioning Him not merely as the Head of the Church, but as the sovereign Lord who permeates and controls all things, everywhere, in every way, as also articulated in [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Which (Greek, _hóstis'_):** This pronoun serves to connect the preceding thought to the current statement, specifically identifying "the church" from [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head Over All Things") with what follows. It functions as an explanatory link, clarifying the nature and identity of the Church as "his body."
* **Body (Greek, _sōma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to save" or "to make sound," *sōma* here refers to a living, integrated organism. In this context, it signifies the Church as a unified, living entity, not merely a collection of individuals. It emphasizes the organic union between Christ (the Head) and believers (the members), highlighting mutual dependence, coordinated function, and shared life, all directed by Christ.
* **Fulness (Greek, _plḗrōma'_):** This term denotes "repletion or completion," referring to what fills something up or what is filled. Here, it describes the Church as the "fullness" of Christ. This does not imply that Christ is incomplete without the Church, but rather that the Church is the sphere, the complement, or the manifestation through which Christ's divine perfections, power, and presence are expressed and brought to their full realization in the world. It is the vessel that is filled by Him and, in turn, displays His complete reality.
* **Filleth (Greek, _plēróō'_):** Meaning "to make replete, to cram, to furnish, satisfy, or complete," this verb emphasizes Christ's active role. He is the one who continually fills the universe ("all in all") with His presence and power, and He specifically fills the Church with His spiritual life, gifts, and divine essence, making it complete in Him and enabling it to fulfill its purpose.
* **All (Greek, _pâs'_):** Appearing twice in the phrase "filleth all in all," this word means "all, any, every, the whole." Its repetition underscores the comprehensive and absolute nature of Christ's filling. He fills *everything* (the cosmos) *in every way* (comprehensively, universally, completely). This highlights His cosmic authority and pervasive influence, extending His sovereign power and presence throughout all creation.
* **In (Greek, _en'_):** This preposition denotes "fixed position (in place, time or state)" or "instrumentality." In "all in all," it emphasizes the sphere or manner of Christ's filling. He fills all things *within* all things, or *in every respect*, signifying the pervasive nature of His divine activity and presence throughout the entirety of creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which is his body":** This clause directly identifies the Church (mentioned in the preceding verse) as the "body" of Christ. It establishes a profound, organic, and intimate relationship, portraying the Church as the living extension of Christ's person and work in the world, just as a physical body gives expression to the will of its head.
* **"the fulness of him":** This phrase further defines the Church's identity, describing it as the "fullness" of Christ. It implies that the Church is the sphere or vessel through which Christ's divine perfections, power, and presence are made manifest and brought to completion in the world. It is the recipient of His divine abundance and, in turn, displays Him to creation.
* **"that filleth all in all":** This final clause describes Christ's cosmic nature and activity. He is the one who actively and continually "fills" the entire universe ("all") in every conceivable way ("in all"). This emphasizes His omnipresence, omnipotence, and universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His influence and power permeate all aspects of creation, and He actively works through His Church to accomplish His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, with the Church being explicitly identified as Christ's "body." This is not merely a simile ("like a body") but a direct identification, emphasizing an organic, living, and inseparable union between Christ and His people. The Church functions as the physical manifestation of Christ's spiritual reality and authority on Earth. The concept of **Personification** is subtly present as the Church, though composed of individuals, is treated as a unified entity that embodies and expresses Christ's "fullness." Furthermore, the phrase "filleth all in all" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** to convey the absolute and comprehensive nature of Christ's pervasive power and presence throughout the entire cosmos, leaving no sphere untouched by His divine influence. This also functions as a form of **Merism**, where "all in all" encompasses every possible aspect and dimension, indicating totality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:23 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature and purpose of the Church. It reveals the Church not as a human institution, but as a divine organism, intimately united with its exalted Head, Jesus Christ. This union means that the Church is the primary means by which Christ's cosmic authority and redemptive work are made manifest in the world. As His body, the Church is called to embody His character, carry out His mission, and display His glory. As His fullness, it is filled with His divine life and power, enabling it to be a complete and adequate representation of His presence to a watching world. This verse elevates the Church's identity, moving beyond mere membership to a profound participation in Christ's ongoing cosmic reign.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")
* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:23 offers a breathtaking vision of the Church's identity and significance. To grasp that the Church is Christ's body and His fullness means that our collective life as believers is not merely a social gathering or a religious organization, but the very tangible expression of the risen Christ in the world today. This understanding should profoundly shape our perspective on Christian unity, our individual roles within the community, and our mission. As members of His body, we are intimately connected to Christ and to one another, called to function in harmony under His headship. As His fullness, we are recipients of His inexhaustible grace and power, enabling us to reflect His character and carry out His purposes. This truth should inspire awe, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that we are privileged to participate in Christ's ongoing work of filling all things with His presence and glory. It challenges us to live in a way that truly reflects the One whose body we are, demonstrating His love, power, and truth to a world desperately in need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Church as Christ's "body" and "fullness" change your perception of your local congregation or the global Church?**
* **If Christ "filleth all in all," how does this truth impact your understanding of His sovereignty over every aspect of your life and the world?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual member, better embody Christ's presence and contribute to the Church's role as His "fullness" in the world?**
* **What implications does the organic unity of the "body" have for resolving conflicts or fostering deeper fellowship among believers?**

### FAQ
**Does "the fulness of him" imply that Christ is incomplete without the Church?**

Answer: No, the phrase "the fulness of him" in [Ephesians 1:23](/ephesians/1-23 "Ephesians 1:23 - The Church as Christ's Body and Fullness") does not suggest that Christ is in any way incomplete without the Church. The Greek word *pleroma* (fulness) can refer to that which fills something or that which is filled. In this context, it signifies that the Church is the *recipient* and *expression* of Christ's complete divine reality. Christ, as the God-man, is inherently full in Himself, possessing all the divine attributes and perfections ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The Church, therefore, is the vessel or sphere through which His divine perfections, power, and pervasive presence are made manifest and brought to completion in the world. It is the means by which His cosmic reign is visibly demonstrated and extended throughout creation, not a necessary component for His personal completeness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:23 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing reality of Christ's exalted headship and the Church's inseparable union with Him. Having accomplished redemption through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, Christ ascended to the highest place of authority, being "seated at the right hand in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20 - Christ's Exaltation")). This verse reveals that His cosmic reign is not abstract but concretely expressed through His Church. The Church, as His body, is the continuation of His incarnate presence on earth, the tangible means by which His life, love, and power are mediated to the world. Just as the physical body expresses the will of the head, so the Church, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, carries out the will of its Head, Jesus Christ. This organic union foreshadows the ultimate consummation when Christ will indeed "fill all in all" ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - God Will Be All in All")) in the new heavens and new earth, where His glory will fully permeate all creation. The Church, therefore, is not merely a spiritual community, but the earthly manifestation of the heavenly Christ, demonstrating His sovereignty and preparing the world for His final glorious appearing ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")).

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 1:19

For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell;

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Ephesians 4:12

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Colossians 2:9

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:10

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

Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.