Bible Strands
Ephesians 1:12
in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul to the Ephesians, at the close of the first doxology (vv. 3–12), which has traced the believer's position in Christ from election to redemption. The "we" includes Paul and those who first placed hope in Christ, likely the earliest believers before the wider Gentile call.
The words — εἰς (eis) appears twice in the clause: first marking purpose ("in order that"), second marking direction ("for/toward"). The double use drives the sentence from intention to destination — the end goal is not human benefit but divine praise.
The thread — Ephesians 1:6 mirrors the construction almost exactly ("to the praise of His glorious grace"), making v. 12 the doxology's closing echo of its opening. The contrast with Jeremiah 17:5 sharpens the point: trust directed to "mere flesh" produces curse, while trust in Christ produces praise to God.
Why it lands — The verse repositions the believer from subject to instrument: "we" are not the ones being praised but the means through which God's glory is praised. It asks the reader to check whether their hope functions as a personal possession or as a channel pointing outward.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
- Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
- Ephesians 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
- Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”
- Isaiah 42:1 “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.
- Isaiah 45:23 By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
- Jeremiah 23:6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
- Ephesians 3:21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
- Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
- Psalms 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.