Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
х Huperanoo (G5231)] 'Far (or high) above all principality х archees (G746), rule, 1 Corinthians 15:24], and х exousias (G1849)] authority, and х dunameoos (G1411)] power (Matthew 28:18), and dominion х kurioteetos (G2963), lordship]' (cf. Philippians 2:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:22). Evil spirits (similarly divided into various ranks, Ephesians 6:12), as well as angels of light (Ephesians 3:10), and earthly potentates, are included (cf. Romans 8:38). Jesus is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). The higher is His honour, the greater is that of His people-His members joined to Him, the Head. Philosophizing teachers, of the school of Simon Magus, in western Asia, had, according to Irenaeus, made much of these various ranks of angels. Paul shows that the truest wisdom is to know Christ as reigning above them all.
Every name - every being whatever; "any other creature" (Romans 8:38-39).
In this world - Greek, 'age;' i:e., the present order of things, wherein sin has place; "things present ... things to come."
That which is to come - "the kingdom of God" set up already, but not until hereafter to be fully manifested on earth (Matthew 12:31-32). Names which now we know not, but shall know hereafter. We know that the emperor goes before all, though we cannot enumerate all the ministers of his court; so we know that Christ is set above all, although we cannot name them all (Bengel).