Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

EPHESIANS 5:20KJV
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Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:20 mean?

Ephesians 5:20 instructs believers to continually give thanks to God the Father for everything, doing so in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes a spirit of gratitude that is ongoing and directed to God, recognizing Jesus as the one through whom this relationship is possible.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Ephesus, is encouraging a lifestyle marked by thankfulness in all circumstances. This comes in the context of his teaching about living wisely and being filled with the Spirit, showing that gratitude is a key part of Christian living and worship.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:20

  • "thanks" (εὐχαριστοῦντες, eucharistountes): This word means to express gratitude or give thanks. The Greek here suggests an active, ongoing attitude, not just a one-time act.
  • "always" (πάντοτε, pantote): This word means at all times or continually. Paul is highlighting that thankfulness is not limited to good times but is meant to be constant.
  • "for all things" (ὑπὲρ πάντων, hyper pantōn): The phrase means on behalf of or concerning all things. The Greek carries the sense of giving thanks in every situation, not just for pleasant things.
  • "in the name" (ἐν ὀνόματι, en onomati): This phrase means with the authority or character of someone. Here, it points to giving thanks as followers of Jesus, recognizing his role in the relationship with God.

Why Ephesians 5:20 matters

  • Ephesians 5:20 clarifies that gratitude is not just for specific blessings but is meant to cover all of life, even difficult circumstances.
  • The verse connects thankfulness directly to the relationship with God through Jesus, showing that Christian gratitude is rooted in Christ’s work and identity.
  • In the wider context, this verse is part of Paul’s instructions on living by the Spirit, making it clear that a thankful heart is a sign of spiritual maturity and a healthy Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

“always” Greek G3842 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“for” Greek G5228 · used in 144 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
  • Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,