Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

EPHESIANS 3:4KJV
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Ephesians 3:4 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:4 mean?

Ephesians 3:4 means that when the readers look at Paul’s letter, they will be able to understand the insight he has into the hidden truth about Christ. Paul is saying that his written words will help others grasp what God has revealed to him about the mystery of Christ.

Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, explaining that the things he has written are meant to help them see what God has shown him. The “mystery of Christ” refers to a truth that was not fully known before but is now being made clear—especially how Gentiles are included in God’s plan through Jesus.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:4

  • ἀναγινώσκω (anaginōskō, “read”): This word is often used for reading aloud in public or private, suggesting that Paul expects his letter to be read carefully and thoughtfully by the community.
  • σύνεσις (synesis, “understanding” or “knowledge”): This word points to a deep, thoughtful grasp, not just surface-level information. Paul is inviting readers to truly comprehend the significance of what he’s sharing.
  • μυστήριον (mystērion, “mystery”): In Paul’s context, this means a divine secret now revealed, not something forever hidden. The “mystery of Christ” is about God’s plan being opened up to all people, not just a select group.

Why Ephesians 3:4 matters

  • Ephesians 3:4 clears up that Paul’s insights about Christ are not meant to be hidden or exclusive; they are shared so all believers can understand.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of reading and thinking carefully about what Paul writes, showing that understanding comes through engaging with the message.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the “mystery” is not a puzzle to keep people out, but a truth God now wants everyone to know—especially about the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

Where else these words appear

“knowledge” Greek G4907 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • 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;

“understand” Greek G3539 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
  • Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

“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;

“read” Greek G314 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.