Ephesians 3:6
New International Version
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

English Standard Version
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Berean Standard Bible
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
that the Gentiles are joint-heirs, and a joint-body, and joint-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel,

King James Bible
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

New King James Version
that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

New American Standard Bible
to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

NASB 1995
to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

NASB 1977
to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Legacy Standard Bible
that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Amplified Bible
[it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

American Standard Version
to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Contemporary English Version
And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body.

English Revised Version
to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This mystery is the Good News that people who are not Jewish have the same inheritance as Jewish people do. They belong to the same body and share the same promise that God made in Christ Jesus.

Good News Translation
The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

International Standard Version
The gentiles are heirs-in-common, members-in-common of the body, and common participants in what was promised by the Messiah Jesus through the gospel.

Majority Standard Bible
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of His promise in Christ Jesus.

NET Bible
namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
that the non-Jews are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

Webster's Bible Translation
That the Gentiles should be joint-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel:

Weymouth New Testament
I mean the truth that the Gentiles are joint heirs with us Jews, and that they form one body with us, and have the same interest as we have in the promise which has been made good in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

World English Bible
that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that the nations are fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in the Christ, through the good news,

Berean Literal Bible
that the Gentiles are joint-heirs, and a joint-body, and joint-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel,

Young's Literal Translation
that the nations be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in the Christ, through the good news,

Smith's Literal Translation
For the nations to be co-heirs, and united in one body, and, participators of his solemn promise in Christ by the good news:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that the Gentiles would be co-heirs, and of the same body, and partners together, by his promise in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel.

New American Bible
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

New Revised Standard Version
that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and partakers of his body and of the promise which is given through him by the gospel,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That the Gentiles would be heirs and members of his body and of The Promise that was given in him by The Gospel,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in the Christ, through the gospel,

Godbey New Testament
that the Gentiles are to be fellow-heirs, and the same body, and partakers of the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Haweis New Testament
that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and sharers with them of his promise in Christ by the Gospel:

Mace New Testament
"that the Gentiles should be heirs as well as the Jews, make one body together, and partake of the divine promise in Christ by the gospel."

Weymouth New Testament
I mean the truth that the Gentiles are joint heirs with us Jews, and that they form one body with us, and have the same interest as we have in the promise which has been made good in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

Worrell New Testament
that the gentiles are fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partners with us of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel;

Worsley New Testament
and of the same body, and joint-partakers of his promise in Christ, by the gospel:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. 7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.…

Cross References
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 11:17-18
Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Acts 15:8-9
And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. / He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Genesis 22:18
And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

Romans 9:24-26
including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles? / As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

Galatians 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.


Treasury of Scripture

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

the Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:13-22
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ…

Romans 8:15-17
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…

Galatians 3:26-29
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus…

the same.

Ephesians 4:15,16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: …

Ephesians 5:30
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Romans 12:4,5
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: …

partakers.

Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

1 John 1:3
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:25
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

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Body Christ Fellow Fellow-Heirs Fellow-Partakers Form Gentiles Glad Good Gospel Heirs Heritage Interest Israel Jesus Jews Joint Joint-Heirs Mean Members Mystery News Part Partakers Promise Sharers Tidings Together Truth Wit
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Body Christ Fellow Fellow-Heirs Fellow-Partakers Form Gentiles Glad Good Gospel Heirs Heritage Interest Israel Jesus Jews Joint Joint-Heirs Mean Members Mystery News Part Partakers Promise Sharers Tidings Together Truth Wit
Ephesians 3
1. The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;
8. and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.
13. He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;
14. and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.














This mystery
The term "mystery" in the Greek is "mystērion," which refers to a divine secret that was once hidden but is now revealed. In the context of Ephesians, this mystery is not something that is mysterious in the sense of being incomprehensible, but rather a truth that was previously concealed in God's plan and has now been disclosed through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Historically, the concept of mystery was significant in the Greco-Roman world, often associated with religious rites and secret knowledge. However, Paul uses it to emphasize the unveiling of God's redemptive plan for humanity, which was hidden in ages past but is now made known through the gospel.

through the gospel
The Greek word for "gospel" is "euangelion," meaning "good news." This good news is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian faith. The gospel is the means by which the mystery is revealed and made accessible to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. In the historical context of the early church, the gospel was revolutionary, breaking down the barriers between different ethnic and social groups, and offering a new way of life centered on the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus.

the Gentiles
The term "Gentiles" refers to all nations or peoples who are not of Jewish descent. In the Old Testament, the Gentiles were often seen as outsiders to the covenant promises given to Israel. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, the inclusion of the Gentiles is a major theme. This inclusion signifies the universal scope of God's salvation plan, which extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to embrace all humanity. The historical context of the early church was marked by tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul's message was pivotal in promoting unity and equality among them.

are fellow heirs
The phrase "fellow heirs" comes from the Greek "sugklēronoma," indicating a shared inheritance. In the biblical context, an heir is someone who receives an inheritance, often associated with familial rights and privileges. By calling Gentiles "fellow heirs," Paul emphasizes that they share equally in the spiritual blessings and promises of God, alongside Jewish believers. This concept would have been radical in the first-century context, where inheritance was typically restricted by ethnic and familial lines.

fellow members of the body
The Greek term "sussōma" is used here, which is unique to this passage and emphasizes the unity and integration of Gentiles into the body of Christ. The "body" metaphor is a powerful image used by Paul to describe the church, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of all believers. Historically, this was a profound statement against the backdrop of a divided society, affirming that in Christ, all believers are united as one body, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

and fellow partakers of the promise
The phrase "fellow partakers" is translated from the Greek "summetocha," meaning to share in or participate together. The "promise" refers to the covenantal promises of God, which include salvation, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. By stating that Gentiles are fellow partakers, Paul underscores the full inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings and promises that were once thought to be exclusive to Israel. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

in Christ Jesus
The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is central to Paul's theology, signifying the believer's union with Christ. This union is the basis for all the blessings and privileges mentioned in the verse. It is through Christ that the mystery is revealed, the gospel is preached, and the promises are fulfilled. Historically, this concept of being "in Christ" was transformative, offering a new identity and purpose to believers, transcending their previous divisions and uniting them in a shared faith and mission.

(6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs.--More exactly, are fellow-heirs, admitted already fully in God's councils, as partially in actual fact to the kingdom of God.

And of the same body, and [fellow-] partakers of his promise.--These three words (of which the last two are peculiar to this Epistle) evidently describe progressive steps in the work of salvation. First comes the acceptance by God to a share in the inheritance, as "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17); next, incorporation into the mystical body of Christ; lastly, the actual enjoyment of a share in the promise--that is, all the spiritual blessings of the covenant, called "promises" because, though real in themselves, they are only an earnest of the hereafter. At every point stress is laid on their fellowship with Israel in all these gifts. The shoots of the wild olive (Romans 11:17) are first chosen out, then "grafted in," and lastly "partake with the natural branches of the root and fatness of the olive tree."

In Christ by the gospel.--These words should be joined with all the three preceding. Of all the privileges of the new life, the being "in Christ" is the substance, the reception of the gospel in faith the instrument.

Verse 6. - That the Gentiles are fellow-heirs - heirs with the Jews of the same inheritance (see Ephesians 1:11) - and fellow-members of the body (this figure is repeated and applied in Ephesians 4:4, 16, 25), and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel - the promise to Abraham, "In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." They do not get this blessing indirectly through the Jews, or by becoming Jews, but directly, as Gentiles; and they become fellow-heirs, fellow-members, and fellow-partakers "in Christ Jesus," enjoying all privileges in him, in a state of union and fellowship with him. To this state they are invited and admitted through the gospel; by receiving the glad tidings they enter on these blessings (comp. Romans 10:15, 18). This statement of religious equality between Jews and Gentiles is strong, clear, complete; the more remarkable that Paul himself had bad so strong Jewish prejudices; only one of dearest insight and highest courage could proclaim the truth so emphatically; it is little wonder if many believing Jews, less enlightened and less courageous, shrank from his statements as too strong.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[This mystery is that] through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
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.

gospel
εὐαγγελίου (euangeliou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles
ἔθνη (ethnē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

are
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

fellow heirs,
συνκληρονόμα (synklēronoma)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4789: A joint heir, participant. From sun and kleronomos; a co-heir, i.e. participant in common.

fellow members of the body,
σύσσωμα (syssōma)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4954: From sun and soma; of a joint body, i.e. a fellow-member of the Christian community.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

fellow partakers
συμμέτοχα (symmetocha)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4830: Jointly partaking. From sun and metochos; a co-participant.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive 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.

promise
ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.

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.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles are fellow heirs (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 3:5
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