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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} what {G5101} is the exceeding {G5235} greatness {G3174} of his {G846} power {G1411} to {G1519} us-ward {G2248} who {G3588} believe {G4100}, according to {G2596} the working {G1753} of his {G846} mighty {G2479} power {G2904},

Complete Jewish Bible

and how surpassingly great is his power working in us who trust him. It works with the same mighty strength he used

Berean Standard Bible

and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,

American Standard Version

and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:19 is a pivotal part of Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers, revealing his earnest desire for them to experientially grasp the immeasurable, exceeding greatness of God's power. This power is not a static attribute but is actively at work in those who believe, operating according to the same mighty strength that accomplished Christ's resurrection and exaltation. It underscores the dynamic, transformative, and boundless nature of divine power available to every follower of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:19 is nestled within Paul's profound prayer for the Ephesian believers, which begins in [Ephesians 1:15](/ephesians/1-15 "Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom"). Having spent the initial chapters of his letter outlining the magnificent spiritual blessings believers possess in Christ—including election, adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit—Paul transitions from doctrinal exposition to fervent intercession. His prayer is not for material blessings or worldly success, but for spiritual enlightenment. He prays that they would receive "a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" ([Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")). This specific verse, [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "The Exceeding Greatness of God's Power"), directly follows his desire for them to know "what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "The Hope of His Calling and Inheritance")). Thus, the "exceeding greatness of his power" is presented as the ultimate reality that undergirds and enables the realization of their divine calling and inheritance. The subsequent verses ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "God's Power Demonstrated in Christ's Exaltation")) then elaborate on the nature and demonstration of this power, specifically linking it to Christ's resurrection and supreme authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in Asia Minor, renowned for its wealth, its strategic port, and its prominent temple dedicated to Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple was a hub of pagan worship, magic, and superstition, where belief in various deities, spirits, and occult practices was widespread. Many Ephesian converts would have come from this background, accustomed to seeking power from various sources, often through magical incantations or rituals. Paul's emphasis on the "exceeding greatness of *His* power" (God's power) would have been a direct counter-cultural statement, asserting the singular, supreme, and active power of the one true God over all other perceived forces or deities. It would have provided assurance and a new framework for understanding divine activity, distinct from the unreliable and often malevolent powers they once feared or sought to manipulate. The prayer, therefore, was not just theological but deeply pastoral, addressing the practical needs of believers navigating a spiritually charged and often hostile environment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Power**, emphasizing its immeasurable quality and its active operation in believers. This power is intimately connected to the theme of **Spiritual Knowledge and Revelation**, as Paul prays for the Ephesians to truly comprehend this power, not just intellectually but experientially. It also reinforces the theme of **Christ's Supremacy and Exaltation**, as the power at work in believers is explicitly linked to the power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand ([Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "God's Power in Christ's Resurrection")). Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for the theme of **Believer's Identity and Empowerment**, showing that the Christian life is not lived in human strength but through the dynamic indwelling of God's own might, enabling them to walk worthy of their calling, as later explored in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Walk Worthy of Your Calling"). The entire letter builds on this foundation of God's sovereign power and grace, moving from doctrinal truth to practical application, all rooted in the magnificent work of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this term signifies inherent ability, force, or strength, often implying miraculous power. It is the root of English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite," conveying an active, potent capacity. In this context, it refers to God's intrinsic might, His capacity to accomplish anything He wills, including the spiritual transformation and empowerment of believers.
* **working (Greek, _enérgeia'_):** From G1753, this word denotes efficiency and active operation, the actual exertion or manifestation of power. It emphasizes that God's power is not static or theoretical but is an effective, dynamic force in action. It describes the energy or operation of God's power as it is applied to believers, producing real effects.
* **mighty (Greek, _ischýs'_):** From G2479, this term refers to forcefulness, vigor, or strength. It often emphasizes the inherent strength or capability. In conjunction with "power" (krátos), it intensifies the description, highlighting the robust and inherent strength of God's power, distinguishing it from any lesser, human, or created power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power":** Paul begins with an interrogative, "what," not to ask for information he doesn't possess, but to express the ineffable, incomprehensible nature of God's power. The phrase "exceeding greatness" (Greek: _hyperballon megethos_) is a superlative expression, indicating a magnitude that surpasses all measure, comprehension, or comparison. It conveys that God's power is not merely great, but overwhelmingly, superlatively, and incomparably great. This power belongs to God ("his power"), emphasizing its divine origin and boundless nature.
* **"to us-ward who believe":** This clause directs the focus of God's immeasurable power. It is not a distant, abstract concept but is specifically directed "to us-ward," meaning towards or for the benefit of believers. The phrase "who believe" identifies the recipients of this power – those who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of God's power; it is actively engaged on behalf of His children, working within them and for them.
* **"according to the working of his mighty power":** This phrase clarifies the *mode* and *source* of God's power. It is "according to" (Greek: _katá_), meaning in conformity with or in proportion to, the "working" (Greek: _enérgeia_)—the active, effective, and dynamic operation—of God's "mighty power" (Greek: _ischýs krátos_). The combination of _ischýs_ (inherent strength) and _krátos_ (dominion, vigor) further amplifies the description of God's power, painting a picture of overwhelming, sovereign, and effective might. This power is not just potential but is actively at work, producing tangible results in the lives of believers, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses regarding Christ's resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse to convey the profound truth of God's power. The initial "And what" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the unquantifiable and awe-inspiring nature of God's power. The phrase "exceeding greatness" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Superlative Language**, stressing that God's power is beyond human measurement or comprehension, reaching an unparalleled magnitude. The use of multiple, strong Greek terms for "power" (_dýnamis_, _enérgeia_, _ischýs_, _krátos_) creates a powerful **Cumulative Effect** or **Pleonasm**, layering meaning upon meaning to underscore the multifaceted and overwhelming nature of God's might. This repetition and intensification serve to deeply impress upon the reader the absolute supremacy and dynamic activity of divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:19 is a cornerstone for understanding the active presence of God in the believer's life. It reveals that the Christian life is not lived by human effort or willpower alone, but by the indwelling and empowering might of God. This power is the same power that conquered sin and death through Christ's resurrection, signifying its ultimate triumph and transformative capacity. Theologically, it affirms God's omnipotence and His willingness to direct that omnipotence towards His children for their spiritual growth, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. It assures believers that they are equipped with divine resources to navigate life's challenges, overcome spiritual opposition, and fulfill God's purposes, grounding their hope and confidence not in themselves but in God's unassailable strength.

* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "God's Power to Do Abundantly More"): "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,"
* [Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Paul's Labor by God's Power"): "To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily."
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "The Power of Christ's Resurrection"): "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:19 invites believers to move beyond a mere intellectual assent to God's power and to seek an experiential knowledge of it in their daily lives. Understanding the "exceeding greatness of His power" at work within us should profoundly impact our perspective on challenges, temptations, and our own perceived weaknesses. It means we are never truly alone or without resource, for the same power that raised Christ from the dead is actively engaged on our behalf. This truth should ignite a deep sense of confidence, not in ourselves, but in God's ability to accomplish His will through us, enabling us to live lives that honor Him, overcome spiritual battles, and pursue the calling He has placed upon us. It compels us to surrender our limitations to His limitless might, trusting that He is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." This understanding should lead to greater boldness in witness, perseverance in trials, and a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit's empowering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most powerless, and how might understanding God's "exceeding greatness of His power" transform your perspective on these areas?**
* **How does the knowledge that God's power is "to us-ward who believe" encourage you in moments of doubt or fear?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully experience and rely on the "working of His mighty power" in your daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "exceeding greatness of his power" truly mean for a believer today?**

Answer: For a believer today, "the exceeding greatness of his power" means that the power available to us is immeasurable, incomparable, and surpasses all human comprehension or limitation. It is not just a great power, but an overwhelmingly, superlatively great power. This power is actively at work in those who believe, enabling spiritual transformation, growth, and the ability to live a life that honors God. It means that we are equipped with divine strength to face life's challenges, overcome sin, and fulfill God's purposes, rather than relying on our own finite abilities. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places, demonstrating its ultimate victory over all opposing forces, as described in [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "God's Power in Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation").

**How does this verse relate to the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life?**

Answer: Ephesians 1:19 is intimately connected to the work of the Holy Spirit. While the verse speaks of God's power, it is the Holy Spirit who is the agent through whom this power is manifested and activated in the believer. Paul has already mentioned that believers are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance" in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit"). The Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them for witness, sanctification, and spiritual growth. The "working of His mighty power" is the Spirit's dynamic operation within us, enabling us to understand spiritual truths, live righteously, and perform God's will. This power is not something we generate, but something we receive and rely upon through the Spirit's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:19 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, which Paul immediately presents in the following verses as the supreme demonstration of God's "exceeding greatness of his power." The power at work in believers is the very same power that "raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation")), establishing Christ's absolute supremacy "far above all principality and power and might and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Christ's Supremacy")). Therefore, the power available to us is not merely a force but a person—the resurrected and glorified Christ, who lives in us through His Spirit. Our ability to live a new life, overcome sin, and endure suffering is not based on our own strength but on the indwelling Christ, who is the embodiment of God's mighty power. Just as Christ was raised by this power, believers are spiritually raised with Him ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5-6 "Raised and Seated with Christ")), empowered to walk in newness of life and to participate in His victory. This connection ensures that all spiritual empowerment flows from and points back to the finished work and ongoing reign of Jesus Christ, making His resurrection the definitive proof and pattern for the power at work in every believer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Ephesians 3:20

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,

Colossians 2:12

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.