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

EPHESIANS 1:9KJV
Know the Bible

Ephesians 1:9 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:9 mean?

Ephesians 1:9 says that God has revealed to believers the hidden plan or "mystery" of what He wants, and that this was done because it pleased Him and fit with His own purpose. The verse emphasizes that God’s will, once secret, is now made known to those who follow Him, entirely by His own choice and intention.

Paul, the author, is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, explaining how God’s big plan—once a mystery—is now openly shared with them. This is part of a larger section where Paul describes the blessings believers have in Christ, highlighting that God’s actions are guided by His own good pleasure and not by outside pressure or obligation.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:9

  • "mystery" (μυστήριον, mystērion): This word means something that was hidden or secret, but is now revealed. In Paul’s letters, it often refers to God’s plan that was not fully understood before Jesus.
  • "will" (θέλημα, thelēma): This word points to what God wants or intends. The verse stresses that what is being revealed is not random, but part of God’s deliberate desire.
  • "pleasure" (εὐδοκία, eudokia): This word means good pleasure, delight, or satisfaction. It shows that God’s decision to reveal His plan comes from His own joy and purpose, not from obligation.
  • "purposed" (προτίθημι, protithēmi): This word means to set forth or plan ahead. It underlines that God’s actions are intentional and thought out, not accidental.

Why Ephesians 1:9 matters

  • Ephesians 1:9 clears up the idea that God’s plan is unknowable or permanently hidden; Paul says God has chosen to make it known to believers.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s will is revealed not because of human effort, but because it pleased God to do so, highlighting God’s initiative and generosity.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the blessings Christians have are rooted in God’s own purpose and joy, setting the tone for understanding salvation as part of a larger, thoughtful plan.

Where else these words appear

“purposed” Greek G4388 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

“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:

“known” Greek G1107 · used in 23 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
  • Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;