Ephesians 5:20

KJV

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

KJV (with Strong's)

Giving thanks {G2168} always {G3842} for {G5228} all things {G3956} unto God {G2316} and {G2532} the Father {G3962} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547};

Complete Jewish Bible

always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:20 serves as a profound call to cultivate a life characterized by unceasing and comprehensive gratitude. It instructs believers to direct their thanks "always for all things" to God the Father, emphasizing that this worship is made possible and acceptable only through the mediatorial work and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates a core aspect of Spirit-filled living, presenting thanksgiving as an outward expression of an inner disposition rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereign goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Paul's practical exhortations regarding Spirit-filled living, which begins in [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit"). Following the command to "be filled with the Spirit," Paul immediately lists the manifestations of such a filling: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing and Making Melody")), and then, crucially, "giving thanks always for all things." This sequence reveals that gratitude is not merely an isolated act but a natural, spontaneous overflow of a life saturated by the Holy Spirit. It precedes and undergirds the subsequent instructions on mutual submission within the Christian community and the household codes that follow from [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission") onwards, demonstrating that a thankful spirit is foundational to harmonious Christian relationships and conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, gratitude was often understood within a framework of reciprocity, where thanks were given in expectation of, or in response to, a specific benefit, often with an underlying social obligation. However, Paul's command transcends this transactional understanding. The early Christian community, living amidst various pagan cults and philosophical schools, stood out by offering thanks to the one true God, not for favors rendered in a quid pro quo manner, but for His inherent character, His redemptive work in Christ, and His sovereign care in all circumstances. This radical, unconditional gratitude would have been counter-cultural, distinguishing believers as those who found their ultimate source of blessing and security not in human patrons or capricious deities, but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God the Father, accessed through Jesus Christ.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ephesians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Grace and Sovereignty**, highlighting that all things, whether perceived as good or bad, ultimately fall under God's providential care, warranting a posture of continuous gratitude. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Conduct and Spiritual Maturity**, presenting thanksgiving as a hallmark of a life lived in accordance with God's will and empowered by the Spirit, directly linking back to the instruction to "walk as children of light" in [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Trinitarian Nature of Christian Worship and Access to God**, explicitly directing thanks to "God and the Father" and stipulating that this access is "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," thereby implicitly acknowledging the Spirit's role in enabling such worship, as seen in [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ"). This holistic approach to gratitude is foundational to the "new humanity" that Paul describes throughout the epistle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Giving thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** This verb signifies "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." In the context of Christian worship, it denotes the act of acknowledging God's goodness and beneficence. The present participle form in the Greek text ("giving thanks") indicates a continuous, ongoing action, not merely an occasional utterance, but a habitual disposition of the heart that overflows into verbal expression. It implies a lifestyle of gratitude.
* **always (Greek, _pántote'_):** Derived from "all" and "when," this adverb means "at all times" or "evermore." Its inclusion emphasizes the temporal comprehensiveness of the command to give thanks. It suggests that gratitude is not limited to moments of blessing or ease but is to be maintained consistently, regardless of the circumstances or season of life.
* **for (Greek, _hypér'_):** This preposition, when used with the genitive case as it is here, can mean "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "concerning." In this context, "for all things" (hypér pantōn) implies that our gratitude is directed towards God *concerning* or *in relation to* everything that happens in our lives. It signifies a trust that God is working all things for good, even if the immediate circumstances are challenging, rather than implying that every single event is inherently good in itself.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in biblical thought often represents the full character, authority, and presence of a person. To act "in the name" of someone means to act by their authority, on their behalf, or as their representative. Here, giving thanks "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" means that our gratitude is offered through His person, by His authority, and on the basis of His completed work, which grants us access to the Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Giving thanks always":** This opening phrase establishes the continuous and perpetual nature of Christian gratitude. It is not an occasional act but a constant posture of the heart, a spiritual discipline that characterizes the Spirit-filled believer. The present participle form implies an ongoing, habitual practice.
* **"for all things":** This clause expands the scope of gratitude to encompass every aspect of life. It challenges believers to find reasons for thanksgiving not only in favorable circumstances but also in trials, difficulties, and uncertainties, recognizing God's sovereign hand and ultimate purpose in all things. It speaks to a profound trust in God's goodness, even when understanding is limited.
* **"unto God and the Father":** This specifies the ultimate recipient of our thanksgiving. Our gratitude is directed to the triune God, specifically identified here in His role as "the Father," emphasizing His loving, providential care and His personal relationship with believers as His children. This highlights the relational aspect of Christian worship.
* **"in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This crucial phrase clarifies the exclusive means by which our thanksgiving is made acceptable to God. It signifies that all our prayers, worship, and gratitude are offered through the person, authority, and mediatorial work of Jesus Christ. He is the bridge, the High Priest, and the only way by which sinful humanity can approach a holy God with acceptable praise. It underscores His unique role as "Lord" and "Christ" (Messiah), the anointed one who accomplished salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** through the phrase "always for all things." While not literally meaning every single micro-second or every conceivable negative event is a cause for joy, it powerfully emphasizes the comprehensive and unconditional nature of the gratitude expected from believers. It calls for a disposition that transcends circumstances, rooted in faith in God's overarching sovereignty. Furthermore, there is a clear **Triadic Structure** in the verse, implicitly pointing to the Trinity: gratitude is given to "God and the Father" (first and third persons of the Trinity are often used interchangeably or in close association in the NT, referring to the one God who is Father), "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (the Son), and the context implies this is an outflow of being "filled with the Spirit" (the Holy Spirit). This structure highlights the Trinitarian nature of Christian worship and the divine persons involved in enabling and receiving our thanks. Finally, Paul's precise use of **Prepositional Phrases** ("unto God," "in the name") serves to delineate the direction and the means of this gratitude, providing theological clarity and precision to the act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:20 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that genuine Christian gratitude is not circumstantial but dispositional, flowing from a deep understanding of God's sovereign goodness and His redemptive work in Christ. It is a vital aspect of spiritual maturity, demonstrating faith that trusts God's purposes even in adversity. This verse connects the act of thanksgiving directly to the Trinitarian nature of God, showing that our access to the Father and the acceptability of our praise are entirely dependent on the person and work of Jesus Christ, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It underscores that all of life, redeemed by Christ, becomes an arena for worship and an opportunity to acknowledge God's ultimate control and benevolent design.

* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give Thanks in Everything")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in Christ's Name with Thanksgiving")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray with Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:20 calls us to a radical reorientation of our perspective, inviting us to cultivate a heart of continuous gratitude that is not contingent upon our immediate circumstances. In a world often characterized by complaint, anxiety, and a focus on what is lacking, this verse challenges believers to consciously choose a posture of thankfulness, recognizing that even in trials, God is at work for our good and His glory. Practicing "giving thanks always for all things" transforms our inner landscape, fostering spiritual resilience and deepening our trust in God's sovereignty. It moves us beyond a transactional view of blessings to an appreciation of God's inherent goodness and His unwavering faithfulness, made manifest in Christ. This daily discipline of gratitude, whether expressed in private prayer, communal worship, or simply a mindful acknowledgment of God's presence, is a powerful antidote to discontent and a catalyst for joy, drawing us into closer communion with our Heavenly Father through the mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to give thanks "always for all things" challenge your natural inclination to be thankful only for perceived blessings?**
* **In what specific ways can you intentionally cultivate a more consistent attitude of gratitude in your daily life, even amidst difficulties?**
* **What does it mean practically to give thanks "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," and how does understanding this deepen your worship?**

### FAQ
**Does "always for all things" mean I should be thankful for evil or suffering?**

Answer: No, the phrase "always for all things" does not imply that we should be thankful *for* evil, sin, or suffering in themselves. Rather, it means that in *all circumstances* and *through all things*, we can find reasons to give thanks to God. This gratitude is rooted in our faith that God is sovereign over all, and He can work even the most difficult situations for the ultimate good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")). It's about thanking God *in* the midst of the storm, trusting His presence and purpose, rather than thanking Him *for* the storm itself. Our thanks are directed to God's character and His unfailing faithfulness, which remain constant regardless of our external circumstances.

**Why is it so important that thanks be given "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: Giving thanks "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" is crucial because Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). Our sin separates us from a holy God, and without Christ's atoning sacrifice, our prayers and acts of worship would not be acceptable. When we offer thanks "in His name," we are acknowledging that our access to God the Father is solely through Christ's perfect work, His authority, and His ongoing intercession on our behalf. It means our gratitude is offered on the basis of who He is and what He has done, making our worship pleasing to God. It is through Him that we are reconciled to God and empowered by the Spirit to live a life of worship and thanksgiving.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the means by which our thanks are offered, but the very reason and object of our profoundest gratitude. All "things" for which we give thanks ultimately flow from God's redemptive plan accomplished in Him. Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one through whom we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Our ability to approach "God and the Father" with thanksgiving is entirely predicated on His finished work on the cross, which tore the veil and opened a new and living way into God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). He is our High Priest, who ever lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), ensuring that our prayers and thanksgiving are heard and accepted. Thus, to give thanks "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" is to acknowledge His supreme Lordship, His mediatorial role, and His complete sufficiency as the one who has reconciled us to God, making a life of continuous, Spirit-filled gratitude not only possible but imperative for those who are in Him. He is the ultimate gift, the source of all grace, and the reason we can give thanks "always for all things."

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 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Ephesians 5:4

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Psalms 34:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.