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

EPHESIANS 1:22KJV
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Ephesians 1:22 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:22 mean?

Ephesians 1:22 says that God has placed everything under Christ’s authority and made Christ the leader over all things for the benefit of the church. This verse highlights Christ’s supreme position and his special relationship to the church as its head.

Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, explaining how God has exalted Jesus after his resurrection. The verse comes in a section where Paul describes the greatness of God’s power shown in Christ, emphasizing that Jesus rules over everything, not just in heaven but also for the sake of those who belong to him—the church.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:22

  • ὑπέταξεν (hupetaxen, “put under”): This word means to arrange or place things in order under someone’s authority. Here, it shows that everything has been made subject to Christ, stressing his total authority.
  • κεφαλήν (kephalēn, “head”): This word means “head,” both literally and as a metaphor for leadership or authority. Calling Christ the “head” over all things for the church shows his unique leadership and care for the community of believers.
  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, “church”): This word refers to the assembly or gathering of believers. The verse makes clear that Christ’s authority is especially exercised for the good of this group.

Why Ephesians 1:22 matters

  • Ephesians 1:22 clears up any idea that Christ’s authority is limited or only future; Paul says all things are already under Christ’s rule.
  • The verse emphasizes that Christ’s leadership is not distant or abstract—he is head “for the church,” showing a close, purposeful relationship with believers.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the practical result of God’s power in Christ: the church benefits directly from Christ’s supreme authority.

Where else these words appear

“put” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 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.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“head” Greek G2776 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

“feet” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • Acts 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

“church” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: