Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:21KJV
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Ephesians 3:21 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:21 mean?

Ephesians 3:21 gives praise to God, calling for his greatness to be honored among his people through Christ Jesus. Paul’s words reach beyond his own time: he speaks of that honor continuing through every generation and without end.

The verse closes Paul’s prayer with the word “Amen.” After speaking in verse 20 of God’s power at work, Paul directs the praise toward God himself. “In the church” places that praise among the people who belong to the community of believers.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:21

  • “glory” — δόξα (doxa): This word can mean honor, praise, or greatness. Here it expresses the honor Paul gives to God.
  • “church” — ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia): The word refers to an assembly or gathering of people. In this verse, it points to the community of believers rather than a building.
  • “ages” — γενεά (genea): This word can refer to a generation of people. It gives the phrase “throughout all ages” the sense of generation after generation.

Why Ephesians 3:21 matters

  • The praise is directed to God. “Unto him” looks back to the one Paul addresses in the prayer and describes in verse 20.
  • Jesus is named as the one through whom the praise is given. The KJV says “by Christ Jesus,” linking the church’s praise with him.
  • Paul’s closing words have an expansive reach. “Throughout all ages, world without end” joins the passing of generations with the thought of praise continuing forever.

Where else these words appear

“ages” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

“world” Greek G165 · used in 102 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
  • Hebrews 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

“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:

“Amen” Greek G281 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.