Ephesians 3:15

KJV

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G1537} whom {G3739} the whole {G3956} family {G3965} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1909}{G1093} is named {G3687},

Complete Jewish Bible

from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its character.

Berean Standard Bible

from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

American Standard Version

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:15 encapsulates a profound truth about the universal nature of God's family, revealing that every form of fatherhood or lineage, whether earthly or heavenly, derives its very name and existence from the Father. This verse, embedded within Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers, underscores God's supreme authority as the ultimate source of all identity and belonging, uniting all believers, past, present, and future, into one cohesive spiritual household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Paul's intercessory prayer for the Ephesian believers, which begins in [Ephesians 3:14](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14 - Paul's Prayer to the Father"). The entire third chapter is dedicated to unfolding the "mystery of Christ" (as stated in [Ephesians 3:4](/ephesians/3-4 "Ephesians 3:4 - Understanding the Mystery")), specifically the astonishing truth that Gentiles are now "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs")). Verse 15 serves as the theological foundation for this unity, asserting that the very concept of "family" or "fatherhood" originates from God, thereby legitimizing and unifying the diverse components of His new spiritual family. Paul's prayer then continues to request that believers be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted in love, and comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ ([Ephesians 3:16-19](/ephesians/3-16-19 "Ephesians 3:16-19 - Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, "family" (Latin: *familia*, Greek: *oikos* or *patria*) was the fundamental unit of society, dictating identity, lineage, and social standing. The concept of "fatherhood" (*patria*) carried immense weight, signifying authority, origin, and continuity. For Jewish people, lineage traced back to Abraham was paramount, establishing their identity as God's chosen people. Paul's declaration that *every* family, whether in heaven or on earth, derives its name from God directly challenges and redefines these traditional understandings. It transcends the historical and cultural divisions, particularly the profound chasm between Jew and Gentile, asserting a new, universal identity rooted not in human ancestry or societal structures, but in God the Father. This radical redefinition of family was crucial for the early church, which was grappling with integrating diverse cultural and ethnic groups into a unified body.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 3:15](/ephesians/3-15 "Ephesians 3:15 - The Universal Family of God") contributes significantly to several major themes within Ephesians and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Fatherhood and Origin**, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of all existence and identity. Every legitimate "fatherhood" or "lineage" finds its true genesis in Him, making Him the supreme patriarch. Secondly, it highlights the **Unity of God's People**, presenting a vision of a single, universal spiritual family that transcends all earthly distinctions—whether ethnic, social, or temporal. This family includes both living believers and those who have passed into glory, forming one unified body under God. This theme is further developed in [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity of the Spirit"), which speaks of "one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Naming and Authority**. To be "named" by God signifies ownership, authority, and the impartation of a new, divine identity. Just as a child takes the family name, believers bear God's name, signifying their adoption into His household and their spiritual lineage directly from Him, a concept beautifully articulated in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **family (Greek, _patriá'_):** This word (G3965) is directly related to *patēr* (πατήρ), meaning "father." While often translated "family," its deeper meaning is "paternal descent," "lineage," or "fatherhood." Paul's choice of *patriá* emphasizes that every instance of fatherhood, every legitimate lineage, every family unit, draws its essence and authority from the ultimate Father, God Himself. It's not just that God has *a* family, but that He is the origin point for the very concept of family.
* **whole (Greek, _pâs'_):** The Greek word *pâs* (G3956) means "all," "every," or "the whole." Its inclusion here is crucial, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal scope of God's family. It leaves no room for exclusion, encompassing every single member of God's redeemed people, without exception, across all time and space. This universality is central to Paul's argument for the inclusion of Gentiles and the breaking down of dividing walls.
* **is named (Greek, _onomázō'_):** The verb *onomázō* (G3687), meaning "to name," "to call," or "to mention," carries significant weight in biblical thought. Naming in the ancient world was an act of authority, signifying ownership, identity, and destiny. For God to "name" the whole family signifies His ultimate authority over it, His divine origination of it, and His bestowal of a new, shared identity upon its members. It implies that the very essence and character of this family are derived from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of whom":** This phrase directly refers back to "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned in [Ephesians 3:14](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14 - Paul's Prayer to the Father"). It establishes God the Father as the ultimate source and origin point from which all that follows derives. It underscores that the authority and nature of this family flow directly from Him.
* **"the whole family":** This refers to the entirety of God's spiritual household, encompassing all who are united to Him through Christ. The Greek word *patriá* here implies not just a collection of individuals, but a lineage or "fatherhood" that traces its origin back to God. The inclusion of "whole" emphasizes its comprehensive nature, leaving no one out who belongs to God.
* **"in heaven and earth":** This is a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. It signifies the totality of God's family, including both the saints who have died and are now in heaven, and the believers who are currently living on earth. It speaks to the unbroken continuity and unity of God's people across the veil of death, all belonging to the same divine household.
* **"is named":** This final clause asserts that the "whole family" derives its name, its identity, and its very existence from God the Father. To be "named" by God implies divine ownership, authority, and a shared familial identity that reflects the character and nature of the One who names. It signifies that their true identity and belonging are rooted in their relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 3:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Merism** in the phrase "in heaven and earth," which is used to express totality or universality. By mentioning these two distinct realms, Paul encompasses all of God's people—those who have passed into glory and those who remain on earth—into a single, unified family. This device emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's fatherhood. Furthermore, the concept of "family" itself functions as a rich **Metaphor** for the church, illustrating the intimate, relational bond that believers share with God as their Father and with one another as spiritual siblings. This metaphor highlights belonging, inheritance, and shared identity. Finally, the act of being "named" carries significant **Symbolism**. In ancient cultures, naming was an act of authority and ownership, imparting identity and destiny. Here, God's act of naming His family symbolizes His ultimate sovereignty, His role as the source of all life and identity, and the profound truth that our truest identity is found in being called by His name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:15 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of God's universal family. It profoundly asserts that God the Father is the ultimate source and archetype of all fatherhood and every legitimate lineage, whether human or divine. This means that every earthly family, in its ideal form, reflects a divine pattern, and every spiritual family finds its origin and identity in Him. The verse dismantles any notion of exclusive ethnic or nationalistic claims to God's favor, declaring that all who are united in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, living or departed, belong to one comprehensive family. This theological truth calls believers to a profound sense of unity and belonging, recognizing that their shared identity in Christ transcends all earthly divisions and connects them to a vast, eternal household under the loving authority of God the Father.

* [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")
* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Hebrews 12:22-23](/hebrews/12-22-23 "Hebrews 12:22-23 - Heavenly Jerusalem and Assembly of the Firstborn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:15 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to unity for believers today. To know that the "whole family in heaven and earth is named" by God means that our identity, our belonging, and our very existence are rooted in the divine. We are not spiritual orphans but beloved children, adopted into a vast, eternal family with God as our Father. This truth provides a deep sense of security and purpose, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance and identity are not found in earthly affiliations but in our relationship with Him. This profound sense of belonging should inspire us to live in unity and love with all fellow believers, recognizing that our shared spiritual lineage in Christ far outweighs any denominational, cultural, or social differences. It challenges us to actively pursue reconciliation and harmony within the Church, reflecting the unified nature of God's family. Furthermore, understanding that we are part of this divinely named family empowers us to approach God in prayer with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are speaking to our Father who cares for His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate source of all "fatherhood" (patriá) impact your view of earthly families or authorities?**
* **In what ways can you actively promote unity within the "whole family in heaven and earth" (the Church) in your daily life, overcoming divisions?**
* **How does your identity as part of God's divinely named family influence your confidence in prayer or your sense of belonging and security?**

### FAQ
**What does "the whole family in heaven and earth" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the entirety of God's redeemed people, encompassing both those who have already died in faith and are now in heaven, and those who are currently living on earth. It signifies the universal scope and unity of the Church, transcending time, space, and earthly distinctions. It means that there is one continuous, unbroken spiritual family under God's fatherhood, comprising all saints, whether past, present, or future, Jew or Gentile, all united in Christ.

**How does God "name" this family?**

Answer: God "names" this family in several profound ways. Firstly, it signifies His divine origination and ownership of this family; it exists because He willed it and brought it into being. Secondly, it implies that this family bears His character and reflects His nature, much like a child bears the family name and reflects the parents. Through Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving the "Spirit of adoption" by which they cry "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). This adoption bestows upon them a new identity and belonging, making them heirs with Christ ([Galatians 4:7](/galatians/4-7 "Galatians 4:7 - Heirs Through God")). Thus, to be "named" by God is to have one's identity, purpose, and destiny derived directly from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that this "whole family in heaven and earth" is not only united but also truly named and brought into existence. As the eternal Son, Jesus perfectly reveals the Father, making it possible for humanity to enter into a familial relationship with God. His atoning sacrifice on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace" ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Ephesians 2:14-15 - Christ Our Peace")). It is by grace, through faith in Christ, that both groups have access to the Father in one Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Christ is the "head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all" ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), meaning that the entire family, both heavenly and earthly, finds its unity and identity in Him. Ultimately, the Father's purpose is to "unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Mystery of His Will")), making Christ the central figure through whom the "whole family" is named, redeemed, and brought into eternal communion with God.

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

Ephesians 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Ephesians 1:21

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:

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Jeremiah 33:16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

Acts 11:26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.