Ephesians 1:19

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Ephesians 1:19 is part of a profound prayer offered by the Apostle Paul for the Ephesian believers, beginning in Ephesians 1:15. After extolling God's glorious plan of salvation and the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers, Paul shifts to praying that they would truly *know* and *experience* the spiritual realities he has just outlined. This verse focuses specifically on their understanding of the immense, active power of God at work within them.

Key Themes

  • The Immeasurable Nature of God's Power: The phrase "exceeding greatness" (Greek: hyperballon megethos) emphasizes that God's power is not merely great, but overwhelmingly, superlatively, and incomparably great. It defies human measurement or comprehension.
  • God's Power Directed Towards Believers: This immense power is not a distant, theoretical concept, but is actively at work "to us-ward who believe." It is a personal, present reality for those who have put their faith in Christ Jesus.
  • The Working of His Mighty Power: The verse uses "working" (Greek: energeia, from which we get "energy") to denote an active, effective, and dynamic operation. It's not passive strength, but power in action. This active power is immediately clarified in the subsequent verses as the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "power" here is dynamis, the root of English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite," implying inherent ability and miraculous strength. The "exceeding greatness" is rendered by hyperballon megethos, highlighting an extraordinary, surpassing magnitude. The term "working" is energeia, signifying an effective and active operation, emphasizing that God's power is not static but constantly at work. This combination of terms paints a vivid picture of God's active, overwhelming, and life-changing power available to those who believe.

Strategic Cross-References & Internal Links

Paul's prayer here is for spiritual revelation, echoing his desire for believers to gain a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The "mighty power" described here is the same power that later empowers believers to live a life worthy of their calling (Ephesians 3:20) and to overcome spiritual challenges (Ephesians 6:10).

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 1:19 is a powerful reminder that the same divine power that resurrected Christ is at work within them. This understanding should foster:

  • Confidence: We do not face life's challenges in our own strength, but by God's "exceeding greatness of his power."
  • Hope: This power enables transformation, spiritual growth, and the overcoming of sin and weakness.
  • Praise: A true comprehension of this power should lead to awe and worship of God for His incredible might and His willingness to apply it on our behalf.

It encourages believers to continually seek a deeper experiential knowledge of God's active presence and strength in their daily lives, trusting in His ability to accomplish His purposes through them.

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Cross-References

  • Philippians 2:13 (31 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:20 (20 votes)

    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 (19 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7 (16 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:7 (13 votes)

    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.