Ephesians 3:4

An Exegetical Analysis of Ephesians 3:3-4: The Role of *πρός* in Defining Comprehension

The passage of Ephesians 3:3-4 presents a concise declaration by the Apostle concerning the revelation of the “mystery” (τὸ μυστήριον) to him, and his subsequent written communication of this revelation. A critical exegetical issue arises in the interpretation of the phrase πρὸς ὃ δύνασθε ἀναγινώσκοντες νοῆσαι, specifically regarding the function of the preposition πρός. This analysis will explore the grammatical and lexical possibilities for πρός in this context, evaluating its potential to convey purpose, result, or relation, and its impact on the reader’s understanding of Paul’s communication and the comprehension expected of his audience.

[ὅτι] κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν ἐγνωρίσθη μοι τὸ μυστήριον, καθὼς προέγραψα ἐν ὀλίγῳ, πρὸς ὃ δύνασθε ἀναγινώσκοντες νοῆσαι τὴν σύνεσίν μου ἐν τῷ μυστηρίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
* The SBLGNT (2010) reads “ὅτι” (without brackets) at the beginning of verse 3, whereas the provided text includes “[ὅτι]”. This difference reflects a textual variant concerning the inclusion and certainty of this conjunction.

Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

* Textual Criticism (NA28):
* The initial ὅτι in verse 3 is robustly attested in the vast majority of manuscripts (P⁴⁶, א, A, B, C, D, F, G, P, Ψ, 33, 81, 104, 1739, 1881, 2464, al). NA28 includes it without brackets, indicating a high degree of certainty in its presence in the earliest and most reliable witnesses. The bracketed [ὅτι] in the provided text might suggest an editor’s hesitation or an alternative reading, though it is not a major variant for the passage as a whole. Its presence would simply connect this passage more strongly to the preceding verses (2:21-22), continuing Paul’s thought “because/that…”

* Lexical Notes:
* πρός (pros): This preposition, when combined with the accusative case (as here with the relative pronoun ὃ), is highly versatile. BDAG offers a range of meanings:
1. Direction/Movement toward: “to, toward, in the direction of.”
2. With reference to: “with respect to, in regard to, concerning.”
3. Purpose/Aim: “for the purpose of, in order to.” (Often with an infinitive, or a noun denoting purpose).
4. Result/Effect: Sometimes indicating the outcome or consequence.
The combination πρός ὃ can introduce a relative clause of purpose or result.
* ὃ (ho): The neuter singular relative pronoun, accusative case, referring back to Paul’s previous writing (προέγραψα ἐν ὀλίγῳ, “I wrote before in brief”).
* δύνασθε (dynasthe): Second person plural present indicative of δύναμαι (“to be able, to have power”). It conveys the capacity or possibility for the readers to perform the action.
* ἀναγινώσκοντες (anaginōskontes): Present active participle, masculine plural nominative, agreeing with the implied subject of δύνασθε (“you,” the readers). It signifies “while reading,” “as you read,” or “when you read.”
* νοῆσαι (noēsai): Aorist active infinitive of νοέω (“to perceive, understand, comprehend”). It denotes the act of grasping something mentally. BDAG notes it often refers to understanding by thinking or reflection.
* σύνεσίν (synesin): Accusative feminine singular of σύνεσις (“understanding, comprehension, insight, intelligence”). This term implies a deep, reflective grasp of a subject. Paul desires the readers to not just read words, but to *understand* his *insight*.
* μυστήριον (mystērion): “Mystery.” Here, specifically “the mystery of Christ” (τοῦ Χριστοῦ). In Paul, this refers to God’s previously hidden plan for the inclusion of Gentiles into salvation through Christ, now revealed. Kittel (TDNT) emphasizes its theological significance as divine revelation, not human enigma.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The crux of the translation challenge lies in interpreting πρὸς ὃ δύνασθε ἀναγινώσκοντες νοῆσαι. The grammatical structure involves πρός + accusative relative pronoun ὃ + a finite verb (δύνασθε) + a participle (ἀναγινώσκοντες) + an infinitive (νοῆσαι).

* Interpretation of πρός ὃ:
1. Purpose Clause: Many translations interpret πρός here as indicating purpose. The phrase πρός ὃ would then function akin to εἰς ὅ or ἵνα + subjunctive, meaning “to which end,” “for which purpose,” or “in order that.” In this reading, Paul’s *brief writing* (προέγραψα ἐν ὀλίγῳ) had the explicit *purpose* of enabling the readers to understand his insight. The infinitive νοῆσαι then expresses the specific goal of the ability (δύνασθε). This emphasizes Paul’s pedagogical intent.
2. Result Clause: While less common for πρός with a finite verb and infinitive than a purpose clause, it is semantically related. Here, Paul’s writing *results* in the readers being able to understand. The distinction from purpose can be subtle; purpose looks to the intent before the action, result to the outcome after. Given the context of Paul communicating a revelation, a strong teleological (purpose) aspect seems more fitting.
3. Reference/Respect: πρός can also mean “with respect to,” “in regard to.” In this sense, the clause would explain *what* the readers could understand *in relation to* his writing. “Concerning which you are able, when reading, to understand…” This is a weaker connection to purpose or result, simply stating the subject matter of their potential comprehension. However, the presence of the infinitive νοῆσαι following δύνασθε suggests a more active, directed relationship between the writing and their understanding, making a simple referential meaning less likely to capture the full nuance.

* Grammatical Relationship: The participle ἀναγινώσκοντες is adverbial, modifying δύνασθε νοῆσαι. It describes the *circumstance* or *means* by which the readers can achieve understanding (“when you read” or “by reading”). The ability (δύνασθε) precedes the understanding (νοῆσαι), which is itself the object of the prepositional phrase. The referent of ὃ is clearly τὸ προέγραψα ἐν ὀλίγῳ – Paul’s prior, brief written communication.

* Rhetorical Impact: Paul implies a direct causal or teleological link between his written word and the recipients’ comprehension. He has written so that they might grasp his understanding of the mystery. This underscores the authority and clarity of his apostolic message, presenting it not as obscure, but as intelligible through careful reading. The δύνασθε also implies a responsibility on the part of the readers; they *can* understand, implying they *should* make the effort.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The grammatical and lexical analysis strongly supports interpreting πρὸς ὃ as introducing a purpose clause, or at least a clause indicating the intended outcome of Paul’s prior writing. Paul’s brief exposition served to enable his readers to grasp his profound insight into the mystery of Christ. The choice between “in order that” and “so that” primarily hinges on stylistic preference, with both conveying the teleological force of the original.

Here are three translation suggestions, each highlighting a slightly different nuance:

1. “that according to revelation the mystery was made known to me, just as I wrote before in brief, *in order that, when you read, you may be able to comprehend my insight into the mystery of Christ*.”
* This translation emphasizes the explicit purpose behind Paul’s writing, portraying it as a deliberate act to facilitate the readers’ understanding.

2. “that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I briefly wrote previously, *so that you, by reading, might be able to grasp my understanding of the mystery of Christ*.”
* This option maintains a strong sense of purpose or intended result, slightly rephrasing for flow and emphasizing the readers’ active role (“by reading”).

3. “that the mystery was revealed to me, as I briefly indicated above, *a revelation through which you are able, upon reading, to discern my apprehension of the mystery of Christ*.”
* This rendering uses “through which” to convey the instrumental or facilitative aspect of Paul’s writing, leading to the readers’ discernment. It also uses “apprehension” to slightly vary the term for “understanding.”