Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

γνῶναί

G1097

to know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τε

G5037

And

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπερβάλλουσαν

G5235

which passeth

to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e., (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γνώσεως

G1108

knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

ἀγάπην

G26

the love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

πληρωθῆτε

G4137

ye might be filled

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#12

εἰς

G1519

with

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#13

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#14

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

πλήρωμα

G4138

the fulness

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

#16

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation