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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Ephesians 1:3 - 1:3
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Blessed (εὐλογητὸς)
Placed first in the clause for emphasis, as always in the corresponding Hebrew in the Old Testament. The verb is commonly omitted - blessed the God. In the New Testament used of God only. The perfect participle of the verb, εὐλογημένος blessed, is used of men. See on 1Pe 1:3. The word differs from that used in the Beatitudes, μακάριος. which denotes character, while this word denotes repute. Lit., well-spoken of.
God and Father of our Lord, etc.
Some object to this rendering on the ground that the phrase God of Christ is unusual, occurring nowhere in Paul, except Eph 1:17 of this chapter. Such render, God who is also the Father, etc. But Christ of God is found Mat 27:46; and my God, Joh 20:17; Rev 3:12. Compare, also, 1Co 3:23; and the phrase is undoubted in Eph 1:17.
Hath blessed (εὐλογήσας)
Kindred with εὐλογητὸς blessed.
Spiritual (πνευματικῇ)
Another leading word. Spirit and spiritual occur thirteen times. Paul emphasizes in this epistle the work of the divine Spirit upon the human spirit. Not spiritual as distinguished from bodily, but proceeding from the Holy Spirit. Note the collocation of the words, blessed, blessed, blessing.
In the heavenly places (ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις)
Another keyword; one of the dominant thoughts of the epistle being the work of the ascended Christ. Places is supplied, the Greek meaning in the heavenlies. Some prefer to supply things, as more definitely characterizing spiritual blessing. But in the four other passages where the phrase occurs, Eph 1:20; Eph 2:6; Eph 3:10; Eph 6:12, the sense is local, and ἐπουράνιος heavenly, is local throughout Paul's epistles. The meaning is that the spiritual blessings of God are found in heaven and are brought thence to us. Compare Phi 3:20.