Definition: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Ephesians 3:10. It's a pretty rich and complex verse, but here’s a simplified explanation for you: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we need to understand how God wants us to grow as a community – specifically, how to be filled with wisdom and understanding about the bigger picture of things. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ephesians 3” : This refers to a specific letter written by Paul to the church in Rome (a large group of Christians in that time). “To the intent…” : This is a fancy way of saying "in order to." Paul is trying to purposefully do something. “…that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church…” : This is the core of the verse. Let’s break down "heavenly places": Principalities: These are like levels or ranks within God's plan. Think of them as stages on a ladder to Heaven. They represent different roles and responsibilities in God’s kingdom. Powers: These refer to the things that happen, the actions and events that occur in heaven – things like creation, judgment, and the establishment of God's plan. “By the church” : This means it's not just about you individually. It’s about the entire community of believers – all Christians together. “…the manifold wisdom…” : “Manifold” means "many" or "diverse." So, this refers to a variety of ways to understand God and His plan for us. It's not just one simple understanding. Putting it all together: Paul is saying that God wants his church to grow in understanding of the bigger story of the universe – about the creation, the purpose of things, and how everything fits into a grand design. He wants this understanding to be diverse - meaning there are many different ways to grasp that truth. In short, it’s about a spiritual growth that goes beyond just religious practices and involves a deeper understanding of God's plan. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage – it has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. If you want a more detailed explanation or are interested in specific interpretations, feel free to ask! Do you have any particular questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about what "principalities" and "powers" represent? Would you like me to give an analogy to help illustrate the concept?