Ephesians 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

◄ Ephesians 3:8 ►

New International Version
Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,

New Living Translation
Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

English Standard Version
To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Berean Standard Bible
Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ

King James Bible
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

New King James Version
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

New American Standard Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

NASB 1995
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

NASB 1977
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

Legacy Standard Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the unfathomable riches of Christ,

Amplified Bible
To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people), this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand],

Christian Standard Bible
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah,

American Standard Version
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Contemporary English Version
I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured.

English Revised Version
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am the least of all God's people. Yet, God showed me his kindness by allowing me to spread the Good News of the immeasurable wealth of Christ to people who are not Jewish.

Good News Translation
I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ,

International Standard Version
To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given so that I might proclaim to the gentiles the immeasurable wealth of the Messiah

Majority Standard Bible
Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

NET Bible
To me--less than the least of all the saints--this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ

New Heart English Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to proclaim to the non-Jews the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Webster's Bible Translation
To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Weymouth New Testament
To me who am less than the least of all God's people has this work been graciously entrusted--to proclaim to the Gentiles the Good News of the exhaustless wealth of Christ,

World English Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
to me—the less than the least of all the holy ones—was given this grace, among the nations to proclaim good news—the untraceable riches of the Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
To me, the very least of all saints, was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ

Young's Literal Translation
to me -- the less than the least of all the saints -- was given this grace, among the nations to proclaim good news -- the untraceable riches of the Christ,

Smith's Literal Translation
To me, the least of all the holy ones, was this grace given, to announce the good news in the nations, the untraceable riches of Christ.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Although I am the least of all the saints, I have been given this grace: to evangelize among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

New American Bible
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,

New Revised Standard Version
Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Even to me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
To me, I who am the least of all The Holy Ones, this grace has been given, that I should preach The Good News among the Gentiles, the unsearched wealth of The Messiah,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
to me, who am by far the least of all the saints, has this grace been given, that I might preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of the Christ,

Godbey New Testament
To me, the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Haweis New Testament
To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Mace New Testament
upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

Weymouth New Testament
To me who am less than the least of all God's people has this work been graciously entrusted--to proclaim to the Gentiles the Good News of the exhaustless wealth of Christ,

Worrell New Testament
To me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to proclaim, to the gentiles, the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Worsley New Testament
On me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace bestowed, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Mystery of the Gospel
…7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. 8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

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 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

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

Romans 15:15-16
However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me / to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Job 5:9
the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.

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—

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

Treasury of Scripture

To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

who am.

Proverbs 30:2,3
Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man…

Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

is this.

1 Chronicles 17:16
And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

1 Chronicles 29:14,15
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee…

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

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:

Galatians 2:8
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

unsearchable.

Ephesians 3:16,19
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; …

Ephesians 1:7,8
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; …

Ephesians 2:7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

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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.

Berean Study Bible

Though I am less than the least of all the saints
This phrase reflects Paul's deep humility and recognition of his past as a persecutor of Christians. The Greek word used here, "ἐλαχιστότερος" (elachistoteros), is a superlative form meaning "less than the least." Paul acknowledges his unworthiness in comparison to other believers, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace. Historically, Paul’s conversion from a zealous Pharisee to a devoted apostle underscores the radical change that Christ can bring into a person's life. This humility is a model for all Christians, reminding us that our past does not disqualify us from being used by God.

this grace was given me
The term "grace" (χάρις, charis) in this context refers to the divine favor and empowerment bestowed upon Paul. It is not merely unmerited favor but also the enabling power of God to fulfill His purposes. The historical context of Paul’s mission to the Gentiles highlights the revolutionary nature of this grace, as it broke the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together in the body of Christ. This grace is a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary strength and wisdom to carry out His will.

to preach to the Gentiles
The word "preach" (εὐαγγελίζω, euangelizō) means to proclaim the good news. Paul's specific mission to the Gentiles was a significant shift in the early church, as the message of Christ was extended beyond the Jewish community. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3). The inclusion of the Gentiles is a testament to the universal scope of the Gospel, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers and uniting all people under Christ.

the unsearchable riches of Christ
The term "unsearchable" (ἀνεξιχνίαστος, anexichniastos) conveys the idea of something that cannot be fully comprehended or explored. The "riches of Christ" refer to the boundless spiritual blessings and treasures found in a relationship with Him. These riches include salvation, peace, joy, and eternal life, which are beyond human understanding and cannot be measured by earthly standards. This phrase invites believers to continually seek and discover the depths of Christ's love and grace, knowing that there is always more to learn and experience in Him.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) Less than the least of all saints.--Compare with this expression of deep humility the well-known passages 1Corinthians 15:9-10; 2Corinthians 11:30; 2Corinthians 12:9-11; 1Timothy 1:12-16. It may be noted that in each case his deep sense of unworthiness is brought out by the thought of God's especial grace and favour to him. Thus in 1Corinthians 15:9-10, the feeling that he is "the least of the Apostles, not meet to be called an Apostle," rises out of the contemplation of the special manifestation of the risen Lord to him as "one born out of due time;" in 2Corinthians 11:30; 2Corinthians 12:9-11, "boasting" has been forced upon him, and so, having been compelled to dwell on the special work done by him, and the special revelations vouchsafed to him, he immediately adds, "though I am nothing;" in 1Timothy 1:12-16, as also here, it is the greatness of his message of universal salvation which reminds him that he was "a persecutor and injurious," "the chief of sinners," and "less than the least of all saints." Elation in the sense of privilege--"the glorying in that which we have received," so emphatically rebuked in 1Corinthians 4:7--is the temptation of the first superficial enthusiasm; deep sense of weakness and unworthiness, the result of second and deeper thought, contrasting the heavenly treasure with the earthen vessels which contain it (2Corinthians 4:7). Possibly there is a "third thought," deeper still, belonging to the times of highest spiritual aspiration, which loses all idea of self, even of weakness and unworthiness, in the thought of "the strength made perfect in weakness," and the consciousness (as in Philippians 4:12-13) that "we can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth us." See this last brought out in peculiar fulness and freedom in 2Corinthians 5:13 to 2Corinthians 6:10; a passage almost unique in its disclosure of spiritual experience. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints; not only of apostles and prophets, but even of all believers - a profound expression of humility, founded not only on his persecuting career, but on his consciousness of sin, of inborn rebellion against God's Law, of fountains of unlawful desire in his flesh (Romans 7:18; 1 Timothy 1:13-15), making him feel himself to be, in heart and essence, the chief of sinners. The sense of sin is not usually in proportion to the acts of outward transgression, but to the insight into the springs of evil in one's heart, and the true nature of sin as direct antagonism to the holy God. Was this grace given. The third time in this chapter that he speaks of his office as a fruit of grace, showing that, notwithstanding his being a prisoner on account of it, and all the perils it involved (2 Corinthians 11:24-27), he was overwhelmed with God's unmerited goodness in conferring it on him. It was substantially the post of a foreign missionary, with hardly one human comfort! To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; εὐγγελίσασθαι, to evangelize, to proclaim good tidings. The force of the εὐ is not given in "preach," but the idea is amply conveyed by the words that follow. The balance of authority for τοῖς ἔθνεσι, "to the Gentiles," and ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι, "among the Gentiles," is about equal; the meaning really the same. Ἔθνος, heathen, was almost an offensive name; yet with that name the apostle associates the highest blessings of God. The unsearchable riches of Christ; two attractive words, riches and unsearchable, conveying the idea of the things that are most precious being infinitely abundant. Usually precious things are rare; their very rarity increases their price; but here that which is most precious is also boundless - riches of compassion and love, of merit, of sanctifying, comforting, and transforming power, all without limit, and capable of satisfying every want, craving, and yearning of the heart, now and evermore. The thought of his having such riches to offer to all made him regard his office as most glorious, raised him far above the point of view from which the world would despise it, and filled him with adoring gratitude to God for having conferred it on him.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Though I am]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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.

less than the least
ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ (elachistoterō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 1647: The smallest, least important. Comparative of elachistos; far less.

of all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine 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.

[the] saints,
ἁγίων (hagiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

grace
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

was given
ἐδόθη (edothē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

me:
Ἐμοὶ (Emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to preach
εὐαγγελίσασθαι (euangelisasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative 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
ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative 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.

unsearchable
ἀνεξιχνίαστον (anexichniaston)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 421: That cannot be explored, incomprehensible. Not tracked out, i.e. untraceable.

riches
πλοῦτος (ploutos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.

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

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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:8 To me the very least of all (Ephes. Eph. Ep)