Log inSign up

Ephesians 1 · a question people ask

"far above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name that is named" (1:21). Who or what are these?

In the text

The chapter doesn't say. The verse names them, and goes on, "not only in this age, but also in that which is to come." (1:21). These notes don't say who or what the rule, authority, power and dominion are, set no other verse beside them, and apply them to no person, people, nation or government today.

The verses

“far above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.”
Ephesians 1:21 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1: Head over all things

Ephesians 1 has fullness twice, the same Greek noun both times: "the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ" (1:10), and, in the chapter's last words, "the fullness of him who fills all in all" (1:23).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekEphesians 1 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Ephesians 1

All questions about Ephesians →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions