What Does "he Has Realized" Mean In Ephesians 3:11?

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Understanding the Context of Ephesians 3:11

Ephesians 3:11 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament book of Ephesians, where the apostle Paul writes about the eternal purpose of God. The verse reads, "This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Greek word epoiesen (ἐποίησεν) is used here, which is translated to "he has realized" in the English Standard Version (ESV). In this article, we will delve into the meaning of epoiesen and its significance in Ephesians 3:11.

The Meaning of epoiesen

The Greek word epoiesen is a verb that means "to do" or "to accomplish." It is in the perfect tense, which indicates that the action of doing or accomplishing has been completed and has a lasting effect. In the context of Ephesians 3:11, epoiesen suggests that God's eternal purpose has been fully accomplished or realized in Christ Jesus.

The Significance of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11

The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 is significant because it highlights the completion of God's eternal purpose. The verse is saying that God's plan, which was set in motion from eternity past, has been fully accomplished in Christ Jesus. This emphasizes the importance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection, which are the central themes of the New Testament.

Comparison with Other Translations

The NIV translation of Ephesians 3:11 uses the phrase "he ... carried out" instead of "he has realized." This translation choice reflects a different understanding of the Greek word epoiesen. While "carried out" conveys the idea of accomplishment, it does not fully capture the sense of completion and lasting effect that is implied by the perfect tense of epoiesen.

Theological Implications of epoiesen

The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 has significant theological implications. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who has accomplished His eternal purpose through Christ Jesus. This verse also highlights the importance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection, which are the foundation of the Christian faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Greek word epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 means "he has realized" or "he has accomplished." It emphasizes the completion of God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus and highlights the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. The use of epoiesen in this verse has significant theological implications, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the importance of Christ's work.

Additional Resources

For further study, consider the following resources:

  • Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer: This lexicon provides a comprehensive understanding of the Greek language and its usage in the New Testament.
  • The Expositor's Bible Commentary by Frank E. Gaebelein: This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the book of Ephesians, including the significance of epoiesen in Ephes 3:11.
  • The New International Greek Testament Commentary by I. Howard Marshall: This commentary provides a thorough analysis of the Greek text of Ephesians 3:11 and the significance of epoiesen in this verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What does epoiesen mean in Ephesians 3:11? A: Epoiesen means "he has realized" or "he has accomplished."
  • Q: Why is the use of epoiesen significant in Ephesians 3:11? A: The use of epoiesen emphasizes the completion of God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus and highlights the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection.
  • Q: What are the theological implications of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11? A: The use of epoiesen emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does epoiesen mean in Ephesians 3:11?

A: Epoiesen means "he has realized" or "he has accomplished." It is a Greek verb that is used to describe the completion of an action or the fulfillment of a purpose.

Q: Why is the use of epoiesen significant in Ephesians 3:11?

A: The use of epoiesen emphasizes the completion of God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus and highlights the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. It emphasizes that God's plan, which was set in motion from eternity past, has been fully accomplished in Christ Jesus.

Q: What is the difference between epoiesen and other Greek verbs that mean "to do" or "to accomplish"?

A: While other Greek verbs that mean "to do" or "to accomplish" may imply a general sense of action or completion, epoiesen specifically emphasizes the completion of an action or the fulfillment of a purpose. It is in the perfect tense, which indicates that the action of doing or accomplishing has been completed and has a lasting effect.

Q: How does the use of epoiesen relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

A: The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things. It highlights that God's plan, which was set in motion from eternity past, has been fully accomplished in Christ Jesus, demonstrating God's power and authority over all things.

Q: What are the implications of epoiesen for our understanding of Christ's work on the cross?

A: The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 emphasizes the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. It highlights that Christ's death and resurrection were not just events, but the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose, demonstrating the power and authority of God over all things.

Q: How does the use of epoiesen relate to the concept of God's eternal purpose?

A: The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 emphasizes that God's eternal purpose has been fully accomplished in Christ Jesus. It highlights that God's plan, which was set in motion from eternity past, has been fully realized in Christ Jesus, demonstrating the power and authority of God over all things.

Q: What are the implications of epoiesen for our understanding of the Christian faith?

A: The use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 emphasizes the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection, which are the foundation of the Christian faith. It highlights that Christ's death and resurrection were not just events, but the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose, demonstrating the power and authority of God over all things.

Additional Resources

For further study, consider the following resources:

  • Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer: This lexicon provides a comprehensive understanding of the Greek language and its usage in the New Testament.
  • The Expositor's Bible Commentary by Frank E. Gaebelein: commentary provides a detailed analysis of the book of Ephesians, including the significance of epoiesen in Ephes 3:11.
  • The New International Greek Testament Commentary by I. Howard Marshall: This commentary provides a thorough analysis of the Greek text of Ephesians 3:11 and the significance of epoiesen in this verse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of epoiesen in Ephesians 3:11 is significant because it emphasizes the completion of God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus and highlights the significance of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. It emphasizes that God's plan, which was set in motion from eternity past, has been fully accomplished in Christ Jesus, demonstrating the power and authority of God over all things.