Detailed Diagram of Ephesians 1:3-14

Here is a more detailed diagram of Ephesians 1:3-14. In general, my aim is to show how the various statements in this passage are related to one another. The translation I will be using in these diagrams is the ESV. Let me also explain how to "read" these diagrams. Next to each phrase is a semantic category that describes how a given phrase functions in the passage (eg. "grounds," "means" etc.). Following the semantic category is a number and letter that identifies which phrase in the passage the phrase in question is linked to. Following this is another number and letter in brackets that identifies the particular phrase in view.
For example, Eph 1:5 consists of two primary phrases (at least in my analysis). These are:
i) In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:5a); ii)according to the purpose of his will, → REASON 1:5a (1:5b).
The word "SUPPORT" here would indicate that this phrase functions as "supporting evidence" for one of Paul's assertions. The number/letter combination "1:3b" indicates that this phrase is providing "supporting evidence" for the phrase identified in the diagram as 1:3b. The numer/letter combination in brackets identifies this particular phrase as (1:5a). This would indicate that this phrase is found in Eph 1:5 and is the first phrase in this verse.
I do hope that this notation system isn't as difficult to interpret as some of Paul's statements in this passage:-) Finally, blogspot unfortunately prevents me from showing how the phrases are subordinated to one another.


3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, → INTRO (1:3a)
who has blessed us in Christ → MAIN IDEA/ELABORATION/REASON 1:3a (1:3b)
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places → CONTENT 1:3b (1:3c)
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:4a)
that we should be holy and blameless before him. → PURPOSE 1:4a 1:(4b)
5 In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:5a)
according to the purpose of his will, → REASON 1:5a (1:5b)
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, → PURPOSE 1:5a (1:6a)
with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. → ELABORATION 1:6a (1:6b)
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:7a)
the forgiveness of our trespasses, → ELABORATION 1:7a (1:7b)
according to the riches of his grace, → GROUNDS 1:7ab (1:7c)
8 which he lavished upon us, → ELABORATION 1:7c (1:8a)
in all wisdom and insight → ELABORATION 1:8a (1:8b)
9 making known1 to us the mystery of his will, → MEANS 1:8a (1:9a)
according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ → GROUNDS 1:9a (1:9b)
10as a plan for the fullness of time → PURPOSE 1:9b (1:10a)
to unite all things in him, → EXPLANATION 1:9a/1:10a (1:10b)
things in heaven → CONTENT 1:10b (1:10c)
and things on earth. → CONTENT 1:10b (1:10d)
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:11a)
having been predestined → MEANS 1:11a (1:11b)
according to the purpose of him → REASON 1:11b (1:11c)
who works all things according to the counsel of his will → ELABORATION 1:11c (1:11d)
12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ → ELABORATION 1:11a (1:12a)
might be to the praise of his glory. → PURPOSE 1:11a (1:12b)
13 In him you also, → INTRO CLAUSE (1:13a)
when you heard the word of truth → TEMPORAL CLARIFICATION 1:13e (1:13b)
the gospel of your salvation → CONTENT 1:13b (1:13c)
and believed in him, → TEMPORAL CLARIFICATION 1:13e (113d)
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit → SUPPORT 1:3b (1:13e)
14 who is the guarantee1 of our inheritance → ELABORATION 1:13e (1:14a)
until we acquire possession of it,2 → TEMPORAL CLARIFICATION 1:14a (1:14b)
to the praise of his glory → PURPOSE/RESULT 1:13e/1:14a (1:14c)