Bible Strands
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,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing to the Ephesian congregation, identifies himself as the recipient of a specific commission within his prayer for their comprehension of the mystery (3:3–6).
The words — ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ (elachistotero), a superlative of ἐλάχιστος, renders "the very least of all," a deliberate intensification beyond simple "least." The passive ἐδόθη (edothē), "was given," locates the initiative entirely outside the recipient.
The thread — Paul repeats the "least" self-designation in 1 Corinthians 15:9, grounding it in his persecution of the church. The "riches of the mystery" among the Gentiles reappears in Colossians 1:27 and Ephesians 2:7.
Why it lands — The verse forces a reckoning: the task is vast, the recipient is deliberately marked as inadequate, and the only explanation offered is grace. It does not invite the reader to feel small; it invites them to name the gap between their own qualifications and the work set before them.
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
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;
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.
- Ephesians 2:7 in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 3:16 I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
- 1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
- 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!
- Galatians 1:16 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 Timothy 2:7 For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.
- Romans 2:4 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
- Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace