Ephesians 3:20

Authorized King James Version

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τῷ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

δυναμένῳ

G1410

unto him that is able

to be able or possible

ὑπὲρ

G5228

above

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

ποιῆσαι

G4160

to do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὑπὲρ

G5228

above

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἐκ

G1537

abundantly

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

περισσοῦ

G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

#10

ὧν

G3739

that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

αἰτούμεθα

G154

we ask

to ask (in genitive case)

#12

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#13

νοοῦμεν

G3539

think

to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed

#14

κατὰ

G2596

according to

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#15

τὴν

G3588

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

#16

δύναμιν

G1411

the power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#17

τὴν

G3588

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

#18

ἐνεργουμένην

G1754

that worketh

to be active, efficient

#19

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#20

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Romans 16:25 Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
— Able to stablish you
² Jude 1:24 Jude 1:24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
— Able to keep you from falling

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation