A.T. Robertson Commentary Ephesians 1:5

"having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will," — Ephesians 1:5 (ASV)

Having foreordained us (Προορισας ημας). First aorist active participle of προοριζω, late and rare compound to define or decide beforehand. Already in Ac 4:28; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 8:29. See also verse 11. Only other N.T. example in verse 11. To be taken with εξελεξατο either simultaneous or antecedent (causal).

Unto adoption as sons (εις υιοθεσιαν). For this interesting word see Ga 4:5; Romans 8:15; 9:4.

Unto himself (εις αυτον). Unto God.

According to the good pleasure of his will (κατα την ευδοκιαν του θεληματος αυτου). Here ευδοκιαν means

purpose like βουλην in verse 11 rather than

benevolence (good pleasure). Note the preposition κατα here for standard.