Ephesians 1:19 kjv

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 1:19 nkjv

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Ephesians 1:19 niv

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

Ephesians 1:19 esv

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Ephesians 1:19 nlt

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 19 Meaning

Ephesians 1:19 reveals Paul's fervent prayer for believers to truly grasp the extraordinarily vast and boundless nature of God's power. This power, immeasurable in its greatness, is not abstract but is actively, effectively, and demonstrably at work "toward us who believe." It signifies the dynamic, prevailing, and inherent might of God applied directly to those who place their faith in Christ, enabling them for every spiritual reality and divine purpose.

Ephesians 1 19 Context

Ephesians 1:19 is central to Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus, following his doxology on the magnificent spiritual blessings they have received in Christ (vv. 3-14). Having established the objective reality of their salvation, adoption, redemption, and sealing by the Holy Spirit, Paul shifts to praying for their subjective experience and understanding of these truths. This verse is the culmination of three specific areas of knowledge Paul desires for them (vv. 18-19): to know the hope to which He has called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance among the saints, and finally, the immeasurable greatness of His power toward them who believe. This understanding is crucial for spiritual maturity and victorious living.

The historical and cultural context of Ephesus adds another layer of meaning. Ephesus was a prominent city known for its vast Temple of Artemis, its widespread practice of magic (Acts 19:19), and various pagan mystery religions that boasted of their own sources of power or supernatural abilities. Paul's emphatic language concerning God's "immeasurable greatness of power" and its manifestation in raising Christ above "all rule and authority and power and dominion" (Eph 1:21) serves as a profound contrast and direct polemic against any competing claims of power from these idolatrous or mystical beliefs prevalent in the region. He wanted the believers to know that the power they possessed in Christ utterly surpassed all others.

Ephesians 1 19 Word analysis

• and what: Greek "kai ti" (καὶ τί). The conjunction "and" links it to the preceding thought. "What" functions here as an exclamation or a rhetorical question designed to impress upon the reader the astonishing, inconceivable nature of the power being described. It seeks to stir wonder and a profound grasp of the truth.
• is the immeasurable: Greek "to hyperballon" (τὸ ὑπερβάλλον), from "hyperballō" (ὑπερβάλλω), meaning "to throw beyond, to surpass, exceed, excel." As a participle used substantively, it signifies something "that which surpasses" or "the excelling/exceeding." It communicates that this greatness goes beyond any measurable standard or human comprehension.
• greatness: Greek "megathos" (μέγεθος), meaning "greatness," "magnitude," or "immense size." It conveys the vastness and scale of God's power, suggesting its overwhelming, incomparable dimension.
• of his power: Greek "tēs dynameōs autou" (τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ), referring to God's inherent "dynamis" (δύναμις). "Dynamis" signifies innate ability, capacity, inherent might, or potential power. It's power waiting to be put into action, but fully available.
• toward us: Greek "eis hēmas" (εἰς ἡμᾶς). This preposition indicates the direction and effect of the power—it is oriented specifically for and unto believers, demonstrating its personal and active application.
• who believe: Greek "tous pisteuontas" (τοὺς πιστεύοντας). A present active participle, describing those who are currently, continuously believing or trusting. It defines the specific recipients of this immeasurable power, emphasizing that it is applied to those who have an ongoing faith in Christ.
• according to: Greek "kata" (κατὰ). A preposition signifying "in accordance with," "corresponding to," or "in the sphere of." It explains the manner or measure by which God's power operates, linking it directly to His own intrinsic might.
• the working: Greek "tēn energeian" (τὴν ἐνέργειαν), from "energeia" (ἐνέργεια). This term signifies active, effective, and dynamic power in operation; it is "energy" or "efficacious working." Unlike "dynamis" (potential power), "energeia" highlights the actual, active exercise of God’s power.
• of his mighty: Greek "tou kratous" (τοῦ κράτους), from "kratos" (κράτος). This word denotes manifest power, ruling power, strength that is displayed in victory, or dominion. It emphasizes God's sovereign and conquering might.
• strength: Greek "tēs ischyos" (τῆς ἰσχύος), from "ischys" (ἰσχύς). This term refers to inherent, robust, or physical strength and vigor. It suggests deep-seated, abiding power or might.

• immeasurable greatness of his power: This phrase stacks attributes to emphasize the inconceivable magnitude of God’s inherent ability and potential. It describes a power so vast that human understanding cannot fully comprehend or measure it, urging believers to contemplate its limitless nature.
• toward us who believe: This clarifies the particular scope and recipients of this power. It’s not just a general truth about God, but a specific, active reality for those who have put their faith in Christ, highlighting its direct relevance and personal application to their lives.
• according to the working of his mighty strength: This climactic phrase reinforces the reality and operation of God's power by using a triplet of distinct yet related Greek terms for power: "energeia" (active working), "kratos" (manifest dominion), and "ischys" (robust strength). This piling up of terms serves to convey the comprehensive, effective, victorious, and robust nature of God’s power as it actually functions. It signifies that God's power, being dynamic and overcoming, is deployed to its fullest extent for the believer, in full accord with His absolute might.

Ephesians 1 19 Bonus section

Paul’s use of multiple power terms (δύναμις, ἐνέργεια, κράτος, ἰσχύς) is not merely redundant; it aims to give a multi-faceted and overwhelming sense of the sheer immensity of God’s might, emphasizing its potential, active manifestation, ruling authority, and inherent robustness. This emphasis helps combat human tendencies to rely on their own strength or underestimate God's capacity. Furthermore, the understanding of this power is presented as a spiritual gift (prayed for by Paul) rather than something attainable by human striving. It highlights God's initiative in both providing the power and granting the insight to comprehend it. The focus is always on God as the sole and supreme source, ensuring all glory belongs to Him.

Ephesians 1 19 Commentary

Ephesians 1:19 encapsulates Paul’s desire for believers to not just conceptually acknowledge but profoundly experience and appropriate the immense power of God at work within them. This verse is not about asking God to give them more power, but for their spiritual eyes to be enlightened to comprehend the power already present and working. The cascading synonyms for power (dynamis, energeia, kratos, ischys) reveal a divine force that is beyond measure, actively engaged, victoriously displayed, and inherently strong. This same power that brought Christ back from the dead and seated Him in ultimate authority (Eph 1:20-21) is dynamically available and fully exercised for those who believe. This understanding should banish spiritual timidity, inspire bold living, enable perseverance through trials, and empower believers to fulfill God's purposes, assured that their spiritual resources are drawn from an infinite wellspring.For example, understanding this power equips believers to stand firm against spiritual opposition (Eph 6:10), to serve with divine enablement beyond natural ability (1 Cor 12:4-11), and to pursue holiness with confidence that God works in them both to will and to do (Phil 2:13).