Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

EPHESIANS 3:5KJV
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Ephesians 3:5 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:5 mean?

Ephesians 3:5 says that a truth which was not made known to people in earlier generations has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This verse highlights that something previously hidden is now openly shared through spiritual revelation.

Paul is writing to the believers in Ephesus, explaining that the mystery he is talking about was not disclosed to people in past ages. He emphasizes that this mystery is now made clear to the apostles and prophets—those specially chosen and set apart—by the work of God’s Spirit, not by human discovery or tradition.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:5

  • "Ages" (γενεαῖς, geneais): This word refers to generations or periods of time. Paul is stressing that the information was not given to people in previous generations, underlining the newness of this revelation.
  • "Revealed" (ἀπεκαλύφθη, apekalýphthē): This Greek word means to uncover or make known something that was hidden. The use of this word makes it clear that the knowledge now given was not simply overlooked before, but was actually kept secret until now.
  • "By the Spirit" (ἐν πνεύματι, en pneumati): This phrase shows that the source of the new understanding is God’s Spirit, not human effort or wisdom. It points to a divine initiative in making the mystery known.

Why Ephesians 3:5 matters

  • Ephesians 3:5 clears up the idea that the message Paul is sharing is not his own invention or a new philosophy, but a truth revealed directly by God’s Spirit.
  • The verse highlights the special role of apostles and prophets as recipients of this revelation, showing their importance in the early Christian community.
  • This verse helps the reader understand that God’s plan sometimes unfolds gradually, with certain truths kept hidden until the right time for them to be revealed.

Where else these words appear

“was” 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,

“is” Greek G601 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
  • Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
  • Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

“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.

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.