Ephesians 1:10
New International Version
to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

New Living Translation
And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

English Standard Version
as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Berean Standard Bible
as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ--the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth--

King James Bible
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

New King James Version
that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

New American Standard Bible
regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

NASB 1995
with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him

NASB 1977
with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him

Legacy Standard Bible
for an administration of the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth in Him.

Amplified Bible
with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.

Christian Standard Bible
as a plan for the right time —to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for the administration of the days of fulfillment—to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him.

American Standard Version
unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say,

Contemporary English Version
Then when the time is right, God will do all he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.

English Revised Version
unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He planned to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ would be the head of everything in heaven and on earth.

Good News Translation
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

International Standard Version
to usher in the fullness of the times and to bring together in the Messiah all things in heaven and on earth.

Majority Standard Bible
as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

NET Bible
toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ--the things in heaven and the things on earth.

New Heart English Bible
to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him;

Webster's Bible Translation
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might collect in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Weymouth New Testament
for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it--the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in Heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him.

World English Bible
to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in regard to the dispensation of the fullness of the times, to bring into one the whole in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth—in Him;

Berean Literal Bible
for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ--the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth--

Young's Literal Translation
in regard to the dispensation of the fulness of the times, to bring into one the whole in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth -- in him;

Smith's Literal Translation
For the arrangement of the completion of the times, to unite in a whole all things in Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon earth; in him:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the dispensation of the fulness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in the dispensation of the fullness of time, so as to renew in Christ everything that exists through him in heaven and on earth.

New American Bible
as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

New Revised Standard Version
as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As a dispensation of the fulness of times, that all things might be made new in heaven and on earth through Christ:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the administration of the end of time, that all things which are in Heaven and in Earth would be made new again by The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for a dispensation at the fullness of the times, in order that he might bring together for himself all things in the Christ, both those which are in the heavens, and those which are on earth;

Godbey New Testament
in the economy of the fulness of the times, to rehead all things in Christ, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth; in him,

Haweis New Testament
at the dispensation of the fulness of the appointed times to gather together under one head all things in Christ, whether they be things in heaven or things in earth, in him:

Mace New Testament
when the full time of the dispensation was come, to reduce all things both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it--the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in Heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him.

Worrell New Testament
for a dispensation of the fulness of the seasons, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in Him,

Worsley New Testament
that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might reduce all things, both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Blessings
9And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. 11In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,…

Cross References
Colossians 1:16-20
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. / And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. ...

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 8:19-22
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ...

1 Corinthians 15:24-28
Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. / For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. / The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ...

Revelation 21:1-4
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. / I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. ...

Revelation 5:9-10
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. / You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

Hebrews 1:2-3
But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Acts 3:20-21
that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you. / Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.

1 Peter 1:20-21
He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake. / Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

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.

Daniel 7:13-14
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Psalm 2:7-8
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. / Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”


Treasury of Scripture

That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

in the.

Isaiah 2:2-4
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it…

Daniel 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 9:24-27
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy…

he.

Ephesians 1:22
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 3:15
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

heaven.

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Administration Cherished Christ Collect Complete Creation Dispensation Earth Effect Find Fulfillment Fullness Fulness Gather Government Head Heaven Heavens Mind Ordering Purpose Reached Regard Restoring Ripe Suitable Sum Time Times Together Unite View Whole World
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Ephesians 1
1. After Paul's salutation,
3. and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,
4. he treats of our election,
6. and adoption by grace;
11. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.
13. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,
16. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.














as a plan
The Greek word for "plan" is "οἰκονομία" (oikonomia), which can also be translated as "administration" or "stewardship." This term conveys the idea of a carefully orchestrated strategy or management. In the context of Ephesians, it reflects God's divine and sovereign orchestration of history. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the unfolding of His purposes, and nothing occurs outside His divine will. This plan is not haphazard but is meticulously designed to achieve His ultimate purpose.

for the fullness of time
The phrase "fullness of time" is translated from the Greek "πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου" (plērōma tou chronou). "Plērōma" means "fullness" or "completion," and "chronou" refers to "time" or "season." This indicates a divinely appointed time when God's purposes reach their culmination. Historically, this can be seen as the period when Christ came into the world, a time prepared through centuries of prophecy and expectation. It emphasizes God's perfect timing in the execution of His redemptive plan, reassuring believers that God is never late but always acts at the right moment.

to bring all things
The Greek phrase "ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι τὰ πάντα" (anakephalaiōsasthai ta panta) means "to sum up" or "to bring together." This suggests a unifying action, where disparate elements are brought into harmony. In the biblical narrative, this points to the restoration and reconciliation of all creation under Christ's lordship. It reflects the conservative Christian belief in the ultimate redemption and restoration of the world, where all things are made new and aligned with God's original design.

in heaven and on earth
This phrase encompasses the totality of creation, both the spiritual and physical realms. The Greek words "ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς" (en tois ouranois kai epi tēs gēs) highlight the comprehensive scope of Christ's reconciling work. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of a cosmos created by God, where heaven and earth are distinct yet interconnected. In a conservative Christian view, it affirms that Christ's redemptive work is not limited to humanity but extends to all creation, fulfilling the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

together in Christ
The phrase "ἐν Χριστῷ" (en Christō) is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing the believer's union with Christ. This union is the means by which reconciliation and unity are achieved. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding of being "in Christ" as a transformative relationship that redefines identity and purpose. From a conservative perspective, it underscores the belief that Christ is the focal point of God's redemptive plan, and it is only through Him that true unity and restoration can be realized. This phrase inspires believers to live in the reality of their identity in Christ, participating in His mission to restore all things.

(10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times.--The connection marked in our version seems certainly erroneous. The words should be connected with the previous verse, and translated thus: which He purposed in Himself for administration (or disposal) of the fulness of the (appointed) seasons, to gather, &c. We note (1) that the word "dispensation" is usually applied to the action of the servants of God, as "dispensers of His mysteries." (See Ephesians 3:2; 1Corinthians 9:17; Colossians 1:25.) Here, however, and in Ephesians 3:10, it is applied to the disposal of all by God Himself, according to "the law which He has set Himself to do all things by." Next (2) that the word "fulness," or completeness, frequently used by St. Paul, is only found in connection with time in this passage, and in Galatians 4:4 ("when the fulness of time was come"). There, however, the reference is to a point of time, marking the completion of the preparation for our Lord's coming; here, apparently, to a series of "seasons," "which the Father hath put in His own power" (Acts 1:7) for the completion of the acts of the Mediatorial kingdom described in the words following. (Comp Matthew 16:3; Luke 21:24; 1Thessalonians 5:1; 1Timothy 2:6; 1Timothy 4:1; 1Timothy 6:15; Titus 1:3.) . . . Verse 10. - With a view to the dispensation of the fullness of the times (or, seasons) (vers. 9 and 10 are one sentence, which should not be broken up). This seems to denote the times of the gospel generally; not, as in Galatians 4:4, the particular time of Christ's advent; the οἰκονομία, or economy, of the gospel being that during which, in its successive periods, all God's schemes are to ripen or come to maturity, and be fulfilled. To gather together under one head all things in Christ. Ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι is a word of some difficulty. It is true it is derived from κεφάλαιον, not κεφαλή: therefore some have thought that it does not include the idea of headship; but the relation of κεφάλαιον, to κεφαλή is as close that this can hardly be. The word expresses the Divine purpose - what God προέθετο ( ωηιξη was to restore in Christ a lost unity, to bring together disunited elements, viz. all things, whether they be things in heaven or things on earth. There is no hint here of a universal restoration. Such a notion would be in fiat contradiction to the doctrine of Divine election, which dominates the whole passage. God's purpose is to form a united kingdom, consisting of the unfallen and the restored - the unfallen in heaven, and the restored on earth, and to gather this whole body together under Christ as its Head (see Ephesians 3:15). We cannot say that this purpose has been fully effected as yet; but things are moving towards it, and one day it will be wholly realized. "He that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new" (Revelation 21:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
as
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a plan
οἰκονομίαν (oikonomian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3622: Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'.

for the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive 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.

fullness
πληρώματος (plērōmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4138: From pleroo; repletion or completion, i.e. what fills, or what is filled.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

time,
καιρῶν (kairōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

to bring
ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι (anakephalaiōsasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 346: To sum up, summarize, recapitulate, gather up in one. From ana and kephalaioo; to sum up.

all things
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter 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.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

heaven
οὐρανοῖς (ouranois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

earth
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

{together} in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ.
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative 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 1:10 To an administration of the fullness (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 1:9
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