Ephesians 1:9

KJV

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

KJV (with Strong's)

Having made known {G1107} unto us {G2254} the mystery {G3466} of his {G846} will {G2307}, according to {G2596} his {G846} good pleasure {G2107} which {G3739} he hath purposed {G4388} in {G1722} himself {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah

Berean Standard Bible

And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ

American Standard Version

making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:9 unveils the profound truth that God, in His sovereign grace and benevolent design, has graciously disclosed to humanity the previously hidden "mystery" of His divine will. This revelation, stemming from God's own intrinsic good pleasure and eternal purpose conceived within Himself, centers on His grand plan for the redemption and unification of all things in Christ, demonstrating His active desire to communicate His ultimate intentions for creation and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:9 is an integral part of Paul's magnificent opening doxology (Ephesians 1:3-14), a hymn of praise that extols God's redemptive work. The preceding verses establish the foundation for this revelation: God's spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")), our divine election in Christ before the world's foundation ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Him Before the Foundation of the World")), and our adoption as sons through Jesus Christ according to God's good pleasure ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adopted as Sons Through Jesus Christ")). This verse, therefore, flows directly from God's active, pre-ordained work of grace, highlighting that the ultimate goal of these blessings and adoption is the making known of His secret will, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verses as the summing up of all things in Christ ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, likely from prison (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), to a church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis and various mystery cults. In this cultural milieu, "mysteries" often referred to secret rites or knowledge revealed only to initiates. Paul's use of "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) here is a deliberate counterpoint. Unlike pagan mysteries that required human effort or initiation fees, God's mystery is freely "made known" through divine revelation, not human discovery. It is a truth previously concealed in God's eternal counsel but now unveiled through the Gospel of Christ, accessible to all who believe, transcending ethnic and social barriers that were deeply ingrained in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, emphasizing that God's plan is not reactive but eternally conceived "in himself" and executed according to His "good pleasure." It highlights **Revelation**, asserting that God actively discloses His will, rather than leaving humanity to grope in darkness. Crucially, it introduces the concept of the **"Mystery" of God's Will**, which, as Paul elaborates throughout Ephesians (especially in [Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul")), primarily refers to the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel, thus breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")). This theme of **Unity in Christ** is central to Paul's message, showing how God's eternal purpose culminates in bringing all things, both in heaven and on earth, together under Christ's headship ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - The Purpose of the Ages")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made known (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** From a derivative of _ginōskō_ (to know), this verb signifies to cause to know, to declare, or to reveal. It implies an active, intentional disclosure on God's part. It's not something we discover through human ingenuity or effort, but a truth that God Himself has chosen to unveil. This highlights God's communicative nature and His desire for humanity to comprehend His purposes.
* **Mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "to shut the mouth," refers to a secret or sacred truth that was once hidden but is now divinely revealed. In Pauline theology, it does not mean something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously concealed by God and now disclosed through the Gospel, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God alongside Jews, forming one body in Christ.
* **Good pleasure (Greek, _eudokía'_):** This word conveys satisfaction, delight, kindness, wish, or purpose. It points to the benevolent and gracious will of God. God's plan is not arbitrary, forced, or reluctant, but springs from His own inherent goodness, perfect nature, and joyful volition. It emphasizes the freeness and benevolence of God's initiative.
* **Purposed (Greek, _protíthemai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means "to place before oneself," "to propose," or "to determine beforehand." It underscores the deliberate, pre-meditated, and eternal nature of God's plan. It speaks to God's eternal counsel, His meticulous orchestration of all things, and His fixed, unchangeable blueprint for creation and redemption, conceived entirely "in himself."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will":** This opening clause establishes God as the active agent of revelation. The "mystery" is not an enigma to be solved by human intellect, but a sacred secret that God has graciously unveiled. This "mystery" is specifically "of his will," indicating that what God has chosen to reveal is His sovereign intention and purpose for all of creation, particularly regarding salvation and the church. The phrase "unto us" emphasizes the personal and communal nature of this revelation, directed to believers.
* **"according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself":** This second clause grounds the revelation of God's will in His own divine character and sovereign initiative. The phrase "according to his good pleasure" highlights that this revelation and the underlying plan are not born out of necessity or external influence, but from God's inherent delight, benevolence, and gracious disposition. The addition "which he hath purposed in himself" further stresses the internal, self-originated, and eternal nature of this divine plan. It signifies that God's purpose was conceived and determined within His own being, independent of any external factors, making it immutable and perfectly aligned with His character.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 1:9 is rich with **Theological Language**, employing terms like "mystery," "will," "good pleasure," and "purposed" to articulate profound truths about God's nature and actions. The verse functions as part of a larger **Doxology**, a hymn of praise that extols God's glorious attributes and redemptive plan, inviting the reader to worship. There is a strong sense of **Divine Agency**, with God explicitly presented as the one who "made known" and "purposed," highlighting His active and sovereign role in salvation history. The structure itself is a **Purpose Clause** or a statement of divine intention, revealing the ultimate aim of God's work in Christ as the making known of His will. Furthermore, the concept of **Mystery** serves as a central literary and theological motif in Paul's writings, signifying a truth previously concealed but now gloriously unveiled, particularly concerning the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:9 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of divine revelation and sovereignty. It teaches us that God's plan for humanity and creation is not an afterthought, but an eternal purpose conceived "in himself," flowing from His inherent "good pleasure." This underscores the profound truth that God is the initiator and orchestrator of salvation, and His will is ultimately benevolent and fixed. The "mystery" revealed is not just abstract knowledge but the concrete reality of His redemptive plan centered in Christ, which includes the radical inclusion of all peoples into His family. This revelation invites believers into a deeper understanding of God's character and their place within His grand, unfolding narrative, fostering both humility and immense gratitude for His gracious disclosure.

* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord")
* [Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "Romans 16:25-27 - The Revelation of the Mystery")
* [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Hidden for Ages")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:9 offers profound comfort and a clear call to purposeful living. Knowing that God has a meticulously crafted, eternally purposed will, which He has graciously chosen to "make known" to us, provides an unshakable foundation for our faith. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and confusion, this verse assures us that there is a divine blueprint, a benevolent design guiding all of history and our individual lives. It should inspire deep gratitude that the Almighty God desires to communicate His profound intentions to His creation, inviting us into His story. This understanding empowers us to live with confidence, trusting that even when circumstances are unclear, God is working all things together according to His wise and loving purpose. Furthermore, recognizing the "mystery" as the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ compels us to actively pursue and embody this unity within the church, breaking down any lingering barriers and fostering genuine fellowship. Our lives gain profound meaning when we realize we are not merely adrift but are part of God's eternal design, called to live in accordance with His revealed will, reflecting His glory to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God "making known" His will impact your understanding of His character and His relationship with humanity?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God's plan originates from His "good pleasure" and is "purposed in himself" bring you comfort or challenge?**
* **Considering the "mystery" of Jew and Gentile unity, how can you personally contribute to fostering greater unity and breaking down barriers within your local church or community?**
* **How does understanding God's eternal purpose for all things in Christ give your daily life greater meaning and direction?**

### FAQ
**What does "the mystery of his will" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In Paul's writings, "mystery" (Greek: _mystḗrion_) does not refer to something incomprehensible or unknowable, but rather to a sacred truth that was previously hidden or veiled in God's eternal counsel but has now been divinely revealed, particularly through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the context of Ephesians, this "mystery" primarily refers to God's glorious plan to unite all things in Christ ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")), which specifically includes the radical truth that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel ([Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul")). It is a truth disclosed by God's grace, not discovered by human wisdom.

**Does "according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself" imply that human free will is irrelevant?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the divine origin of His plan. It means that God's will and purpose are not contingent upon human actions or external influences, but flow solely from His own benevolent character and eternal counsel. It highlights that salvation and the unfolding of His plan are entirely God's initiative, born out of His "good pleasure" (His delight and gracious intention) and "purposed in himself" (conceived within His own being). While this verse strongly asserts God's sovereignty, it doesn't negate human responsibility or free will. Instead, it frames human response within the context of God's overarching, gracious plan, affirming that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and He invites humanity to participate willingly in His revealed will. The New Testament consistently presents both divine sovereignty and human responsibility as compatible truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:9 finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as both the content and the means of God's revealed mystery. The "mystery of his will" that God has "made known unto us" is not an abstract theological concept, but the concrete reality of His plan to "sum up all things in Christ, the head" ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - The Unifying Plan of God")). Jesus is the very embodiment of God's "good pleasure" and eternal "purpose." In Christ, the previously hidden truth of God's desire to reconcile all things—heavenly and earthly—to Himself is unveiled ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")). He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, reflecting God's pre-ordained plan for redemption ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain Before the Foundation of the World")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly executed God's will, opening the way for both Jew and Gentile to be united into one new humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the mystery revealed in Ephesians 1:9 is fundamentally Christological: Jesus is the focal point, the agent, and the consummation of God's eternal, benevolent purpose to bring all creation into harmony under His headship, demonstrating the richness of God's grace and glory in Him ([Ephesians 1:6-7](/ephesians/1-6-7 "Ephesians 1:6-7 - Redemption Through His Blood")).

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 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 16:27

To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,