Ephesians 1:11
New International Version
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

New Living Translation
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

English Standard Version
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Berean Standard Bible
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Berean Literal Bible
in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

King James Bible
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

New King James Version
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

New American Standard Bible
In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,

NASB 1995
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

NASB 1977
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

Legacy Standard Bible
In Him, we also have been made an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Amplified Bible
In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,

Christian Standard Bible
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will,

American Standard Version
in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;

Contemporary English Version
God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us.

English Revised Version
in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends.

Good News Translation
All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning.

International Standard Version
In the Messiah we were also chosen when we were predestined according to the purpose of the one who does everything that he wills to do,

Majority Standard Bible
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

NET Bible
In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

New Heart English Bible
in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will;

Webster's Bible Translation
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Weymouth New Testament
In Him we Jews have been made heirs, having been chosen beforehand in accordance with the intention of Him whose might carries out in everything the design of His own will,

World English Bible
We were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in whom also we obtained an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him who is working all things according to the counsel of His will,

Berean Literal Bible
in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will

Young's Literal Translation
in whom also we did obtain an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him who the all things is working according to the counsel of His will,

Smith's Literal Translation
In whom also we were cast by lot, determined beforehand according to the purpose of him performing all things according to the counsel of his will:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In him, we too are called to our portion, having been predestined in accord with the plan of the One who accomplishes all things by the counsel of his will.

New American Bible
In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,

New Revised Standard Version
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
By whom we have been chosen, as he had marked us from the beginning so he wanted to carry out everything according to the good judgment of his will:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And we are chosen by him as he had before ordained us and willed to do all according to the counsel of his will,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
in him in whom we have obtained our portion, having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Godbey New Testament
in whom we were also chosen by lot, having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things within us according to the counsel of his own will;

Haweis New Testament
in whom also we have obtained our inheritance, predestinated according to the purpose of him who effectually worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will:

Mace New Testament
It is by him, that we have a share in the inheritance, which was before allotted to us, in consequence of his design, who executes the whole plan, as he himself had contriv'd it:

Weymouth New Testament
In Him we Jews have been made heirs, having been chosen beforehand in accordance with the intention of Him whose might carries out in everything the design of His own will,

Worrell New Testament
in Whom we also were made a heritage, having been predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will;

Worsley New Testament
even in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated to it according to the purpose of Him who effecteth all things after the counsel of His own will:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Blessings
10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. 11In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.…

Cross References
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

Colossians 1:12-14
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, / in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Romans 9:11-16
Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” / So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” ...

1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, / who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Acts 13:48
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. / To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 46:9-10
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Deuteronomy 32:9
But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.

Psalm 33:11
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Isaiah 14:24-27
The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...

Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”


Treasury of Scripture

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:

we.

Ephesians 1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Psalm 37:18
The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

being.

Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

according.

Isaiah 46:10,11
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: …

the purpose.

Ephesians 1:9
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

the counsel.

Ephesians 1:8
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Job 12:13
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

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Accomplishes Accordance Agreement Assigned Beforehand Carries Chosen Conformity Counsel Designs First Foreordained Heirs Heritage Inheritance Intention Jews Marked Obtained Plan Predestinated Purpose Worketh Works
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Accomplishes Accordance Agreement Assigned Beforehand Carries Chosen Conformity Counsel Designs First Foreordained Heirs Heritage Inheritance Intention Jews Marked Obtained Plan Predestinated Purpose Worketh Works
Ephesians 1
1. After Paul's salutation,
3. and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,
4. he treats of our election,
6. and adoption by grace;
11. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.
13. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,
16. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.














In Him
This phrase emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the believer's life. The Greek term "ἐν αὐτῷ" (en autō) signifies a deep, intimate union with Christ. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that all spiritual blessings and identity are found in Jesus. The phrase underscores the belief that apart from Christ, there is no spiritual inheritance or identity.

we were also chosen
The Greek word for "chosen" is "κληρόω" (klēroō), which can also mean "appointed" or "made a heritage." This indicates that believers are not randomly selected but are intentionally chosen by God. This choice is rooted in God's sovereign will and purpose, reflecting the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's chosen people, now extended to all who are in Christ.

as God’s own
This phrase highlights the personal relationship between God and believers. The idea of being "God’s own" is reminiscent of the covenant relationship God had with Israel, now fulfilled and expanded through Christ. It speaks to the intimate and personal nature of God's love and commitment to His people.

having been predestined
The term "προορίζω" (proorizō) means to determine beforehand. This reflects the doctrine of predestination, which is a significant theme in Pauline theology. It suggests that God, in His omniscience and sovereignty, has a predetermined plan for those who are in Christ. This is not a fatalistic view but one that assures believers of God's purposeful and loving plan for their lives.

according to the plan
The Greek word "πρόθεσις" (prothesis) refers to a deliberate plan or purpose. This indicates that God's actions are not arbitrary but are part of a divine strategy. Historically, this reflects the understanding that God’s redemptive plan has been unfolding since the beginning of time, culminating in the work of Christ.

of Him who works out everything
The phrase "works out" comes from the Greek "ἐνεργέω" (energeō), meaning to be active or effective. This suggests that God is actively involved in the world, orchestrating events according to His will. It reassures believers that God is not distant but is dynamically working in all circumstances for His glory and their good.

by the counsel of His will
The Greek word "βουλή" (boulē) means counsel or purpose, and "θέλημα" (thelēma) means will or desire. This phrase emphasizes God's wisdom and intentionality. It reflects the biblical theme that God's will is perfect and His purposes are unchangeable. Believers can trust that God's plans are wise and good, even when they do not fully understand them.

(2 c.) Ephesians 1:11-14 form the third part of the Introduction, applying the general truth of election by God's predestination in Christ, first to the original believers (the Jews), and then to the subsequent believers (the Gentiles).

Verse 11. - Even in him - in whom we wore also made his inheritance. This is the literal rendering of ἐκληρώθημεν, and it is more expressive than the A.V., "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance." God taking us for his own heritage involves more than our getting an inheritance from God (see Deuteronomy 4:20, "The Lord hath taken you... to be unto him a people of inheritance"). It is implied that God will protect, care for, improve, and enjoy his own inheritance; he will be much with them and do all that is necessary for them. Formerly God's inheritance was Israel only; but now it is much wider. All that God was to Israel of old he will be to his Church now. Having been predestinated according to the purpose. The reason why the reference to predestination is repeated is to show that this new privilege of the whole Church as God's inheritance is not a fortuitous benefit, but the result of God's deliberate and eternal foreordination; it rests therefore on an immovable foundation. Of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will. Predestination is not an exception to God's usual way of working; he works, or works out (ἐνεργοῦτος) all things on the same principle, according to the decision to which his will comes. When we think of the sovereign will of God as determining all things, and in particular determining who are to be his heritage, we must remember how differently constituted the will of an infinitely holy Being is from that of frail and fallen creatures. The fallen creature's will is often whimsical, the result of some freak or fancy; often, too, it is the outcome of pride, avarice, sensual affection, or some other evil feeling; but God's will is the expression of his infinite perfections, and must always be infinitely holy, wise, and good. Willfulness in man is utterly different from willfulness in God; but the recoil we often have from the doctrine of God's doing all things from his mere bene placitum, or according to the counsel of his own will, arises from a tendency to ascribe to his will the caprice which is true only of our own.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

we were also chosen as God’s own,
ἐκληρώθημεν (eklērōthēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2820: To cast lots, choose by lot, assign by lot, assign a portion, receive a share. From kleros; to allot, i.e. to assign.

having been predestined
προορισθέντες (prooristhentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4309: To foreordain, predetermine, mark out beforehand. From pro and horizo; to limit in advance, i.e. predetermine.

according to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[the] plan
πρόθεσιν (prothesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4286: From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. proposal; specially, the show-bread as exposed before God.

of [Him who]
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

works out
ἐνεργοῦντος (energountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1754: From energes; to be active, efficient.

everything
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

by
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

counsel
βουλὴν (boulēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1012: Counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree. From boulomai; volition, i.e. advice, or purpose.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

will,
θελήματος (thelēmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2307: An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we were assigned (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 1:10
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