epouranios

This is a word found five times in Ephesians (Eph. 1:3, Eph. 1:20, Eph. 2:6, Eph 3:10, Eph. 6:12) and nowhere else, although it is a consistent idea in the New Testament--the idea of the "heavenly realms," the invisible reality that is not exactly the same as heaven, because "principalities and powers" also dwell there. It is where Christ has been raised to sit at God's right hand, where we have been raised to sit with Him, and where spiritual warfare occurs.

I have been studying this mysterious Greek word, what it meant in the culture of its time, and what it means for us, for many months. There are a few good discussions here and there, such as in the Word Commentary. I wonder if anyone has a good recommendation for a resource available in Logos that does a really thorough job delving into the meaning of epourianos.

I appreciate any thoughts any of your might have from your own study.

Rob

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Mark Barnes

I was at a conference last week, and Don Carson spoke on this very topic. The audio for the conference isn't online yet, sorry.

Within Logos, I think your best bet would be an article in BibSac 148, “The Heavenlies” Reconsidered: Οὐρανός and =Επουράνιος in Ephesians by W. Hall Harris.

George Somsel

This is a word found five times in Ephesians (Eph. 1:3, Eph. 1:20, Eph. 2:6, Eph 3:10, Eph. 6:12) and nowhere else, although it is a consistent idea in the New Testament--the idea of the "heavenly realms," the invisible reality that is not exactly the same as heaven, because "principalities and powers" also dwell there. It is where Christ has been raised to sit at God's right hand, where we have been raised to sit with Him, and where spiritual warfare occurs.

I have been studying this mysterious Greek word, what it meant in the culture of its time, and what it means for us, for many months. There are a few good discussions here and there, such as in the Word Commentary. I wonder if anyone has a good recommendation for a resource available in Logos that does a really thorough job delving into the meaning of epourianos.

I appreciate any thoughts any of your might have from your own study.

Rob

You're moving into the area of ancient cosmology here where there was the earth and the air above the earth with a bowl-like covering which separates the "waters which are under the dome from the waters that were above the dome" (which was considered to have windows which could be opened to allow the ἐπουράνιος waters to fall upon the earth. Frequently there was also not simply one heaven but perhaps seven. Quite frequently the stars were conceived to be angelic figures. I would suggest some reading on ancient cosmology.

Rob Suggs

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/261964#Comment_261964

Mark, I would love to hear Dr. Carson's take. He's one of the people I wanted to go to on this issue. I will look for that lecture to go online--just let me know where to look.

George, thanks for the insight!

Rob Suggs

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/261990#Comment_261990

Also, Mark, will I need to go to a theological library to consult the bibliotec sacra article? I don't have a sub to the journal and can't find a way to purchase one issue or one article. Any ideas?

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/261998#Comment_261998

Also, Mark, will I need to go to a theological library to consult the bibliotec sacra article? I don't have a sub to the journal and can't find a way to purchase one issue or one article. Any ideas?

Give me your e-mail, and I'll try to get it to you.

Rob Suggs

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/262007#Comment_262007

Thanks, George! Always enjoy your contributions to this forum.

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