Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

EPHESIANS 1:5KJV
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Ephesians 1:5 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:5 mean?

Ephesians 1:5 says that God decided ahead of time to bring people into His family as His children through Jesus Christ, and He did this because it pleased Him and was what He wanted. The verse highlights that this adoption is not random or forced, but comes from God's own will and desire.

Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, explaining how God’s plan for them began before they ever responded to Him. The idea of being “adopted” as children emphasizes a new, close relationship with God, made possible by Jesus Christ. This verse is part of a longer section where Paul describes the many spiritual blessings believers have because of God’s initiative and kindness.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:5

  • προορίζω (proorizō, "predestinated"): This word means to decide or determine beforehand. In this verse, it points to God’s intentional planning, not just a reaction to events as they happen.
  • υἱοθεσία (huiothesia, "adoption of children"): This term refers to the legal act of making someone a son or daughter. In the Roman world, adoption gave a person full family rights, so Paul’s use of this word stresses the full welcome and status believers have with God.
  • εὐδοκία (eudokia, "good pleasure"): This word means delight, good will, or kind intention. The verse says God’s choice to adopt was not reluctant or out of obligation, but something He genuinely wanted and enjoyed doing.

Why Ephesians 1:5 matters

  • Ephesians 1:5 clarifies that being part of God’s family is not something people earn or stumble into, but something God planned and wanted from the start.
  • The verse emphasizes the warmth and generosity in God’s decision, countering any idea that God’s will is cold or mechanical.
  • Paul’s mention of adoption connects believers’ identity directly to Jesus Christ, showing that their relationship with God is secure and based on God’s own purpose and delight.

Where else these words appear

“children” Greek G5206 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
  • Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

“predestinated” Greek G4309 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
  • Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“pleasure” Greek G2107 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;