Ephesians 3:20

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} unto him that is able {G1410} to do {G4160} exceeding {G5228} abundantly {G1537}{G4053} above {G5228} all {G3956} that {G3739} we ask {G154} or {G2228} think {G3539}, according to {G2596} the power {G1411} that worketh {G1754} in {G1722} us {G2254},

Complete Jewish Bible

Now to him who by his power working in us is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine,

Berean Standard Bible

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

American Standard 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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:20 is a glorious doxology that concludes Paul’s profound prayer for the Ephesian believers, serving as a triumphant declaration of God’s limitless ability and boundless generosity. It asserts that God is capable of accomplishing far beyond the scope of human imagination, prayer, or comprehension, actualizing this immense power through the active presence of the Holy Spirit at work within believers. This verse powerfully reinforces the themes of divine omnipotence, superabundant grace, and God's sovereign purpose that permeate the entire letter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the magnificent climax and doxological conclusion to Paul's intercessory prayer for the Ephesian church, spanning [Ephesians 3:14-19](/ephesians/3-14-19 "Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians"). Having just poured out his heart, petitioning God to grant them inner strength through the Spirit, to be rooted and grounded in love, and to fully grasp the immeasurable dimensions of Christ's love, Paul naturally transitions to this soaring affirmation. It is as if, having articulated the deepest spiritual desires for the believers, he bursts forth in praise, recognizing that the God to whom he prays is not only capable of answering such a profound request but can do infinitely more than he could ever conceive. This doxology underscores Paul's absolute confidence in God's power to fulfill every aspect of His divine will for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while imprisoned, likely in Rome around 60-62 AD. Ephesus was a prominent Roman city, a bustling port, and a major center for pagan worship, most notably home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ephesian church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, faced significant cultural pressures, including syncretism, idolatry, and the pervasive influence of magic and occult practices (as evidenced in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Burning of Magic Books in Ephesus")). In this environment, Paul's emphasis on God's singular, supreme power, working within believers, would have been a profound counter-cultural declaration. It assured them that the God they served was not merely another deity but the ultimate, sovereign power, far surpassing any perceived spiritual force or pagan god, capable of sustaining and empowering them amidst a hostile and spiritually diverse society.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 3:20 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Ephesians. Firstly, it highlights **God's Boundless Ability**, emphasizing His omnipotence and infinite capacity to act. The phrase "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" underscores that God's power is not constrained by human limitations, imagination, or even our boldest prayers, aligning with the grand scope of God's eternal purpose revealed in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "God's Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Secondly, the verse speaks to **Divine Generosity**, portraying God as one who not only meets needs but far surpasses them with an overflow of grace and power, reflecting the "riches of His glory" mentioned earlier in Paul's prayer in [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Paul's Prayer for Inner Strength"). Finally, and crucially, it emphasizes **The Indwelling Power of the Holy Spirit**, stating that this immense divine power operates "according to the power that worketh in us." This theme is foundational to Christian living, as the Holy Spirit empowers believers for spiritual growth, service, and the realization of God's purposes, as seen in the Spirit's role in building up the church in [Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Built Together for a Dwelling Place of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **able (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This verb signifies inherent capacity or potential. When applied to God, it speaks to His omnipotence – His intrinsic and limitless power to accomplish anything consistent with His divine nature and will. It's not merely a possibility but a certainty rooted in who God is.
* **exceeding abundantly (Greek, _hypér ek perissós'_):** This is an intensely emphatic compound expression. _Hypér_ means "over, beyond, above"; _ek_ means "out of, from"; and _perissós_ means "superabundant, excessive, beyond measure." Together, they form a superlative adverbial phrase that conveys an overwhelming, immeasurable surplus. It means "beyond exceedingly, beyond abundantly, beyond measure." It pushes the limits of language to describe God's capacity to do things that are not just more than we can conceive, but vastly, overwhelmingly, and incomprehensibly more.
* **worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** From this Greek word we derive "energy." It describes an active, effective, and dynamic force at work. When used of God's power, it emphasizes that His power is not static or latent but is actively, powerfully, and efficaciously operating within believers, producing real effects and outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now unto him that is able to do":** This phrase initiates a doxology, shifting focus to God as the ultimate recipient of praise. It immediately establishes God's inherent capability and omnipotence as the foundation for all that follows. He is the one possessing the power to act.
* **"exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think":** This is the core declaration of God's limitless capacity. "Ask" refers to our spoken prayers and petitions, while "think" encompasses our deepest thoughts, imaginations, plans, and even our most ambitious dreams. The phrase "exceeding abundantly above all" uses a triple prepositional emphasis (hyper-ek-perissou) to convey that God's power and generosity far surpass not only our requests but also the very limits of our human comprehension and imagination. He is not limited by our limited scope or vision.
* **"according to the power that worketh in us":** This crucial clause clarifies the mechanism by which God's immeasurable power is manifested. It is not a distant, abstract power, but one that is actively and effectively at work within believers through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling power is the dynamic force that enables God to accomplish His purposes through His people, making the seemingly impossible a reality in their lives and through their ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 3:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." This deliberate exaggeration is used not to deceive, but to impress upon the reader the utterly boundless and immeasurable nature of God's power and generosity, transcending all human limitations. The verse itself functions as a **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise and glory to God, which is a common feature in Paul's epistles, often appearing at the culmination of a theological argument or prayer. Furthermore, the concept of "power that worketh in us" employs **Personification**, attributing active, dynamic agency to God's power as if it were a living force. This also functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying God's spiritual energy as an active, internal mechanism that enables believers. The cumulative effect of these devices creates a powerful and inspiring declaration of God's infinite capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:20 stands as a profound theological statement on God's omnipotence and His character as a lavish giver. It underscores the truth that God's capacity is not merely sufficient but superabundant, always exceeding human expectation and comprehension. This boundless ability is not theoretical; it is actively engaged "according to the power that worketh in us," highlighting the vital role of the Holy Spirit in actualizing God's will and power within believers. The verse beautifully connects God's sovereign might with His intimate involvement in the lives of His people, assuring them that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within them, empowering them for every good work and for the fulfillment of His glorious purposes. It transforms prayer from a mere petition to an act of confident expectation, knowing that we address a God whose resources and capabilities are infinite.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Supplies All Needs According to His Riches")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Greater Works Through the Spirit")
* [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Intercedes for Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:20 offers a profound wellspring of encouragement and challenges for every believer. It calls us to radically re-evaluate the scope of our prayers, moving beyond our limited perspectives and asking God for things that align with His infinite power and glory, rather than our finite understanding. This verse fosters a deep trust in God's provision and solutions, reminding us that even when circumstances seem insurmountable or our vision too small, God is capable of working in ways that utterly transcend our comprehension. It compels us to recognize and yield to the active, dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit within us, understanding that God's incredible work is actualized through His indwelling power, empowering us for Christian living, service, and the advancement of His kingdom. Ultimately, Ephesians 3:20 instills an unshakeable hope, assuring us that God is perpetually at work, performing wonders beyond our wildest imaginings, always for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" challenge your current prayer life and your expectations of God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you consciously or unconsciously limiting God's power by what you believe is possible?**
* **How can you more intentionally yield to and cooperate with "the power that worketh in us" through the Holy Spirit in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" truly mean?**

Answer: This powerful phrase emphasizes the limitless nature of God's power and generosity. It means that God is capable of doing things that are not merely more than we request in prayer ("ask") or conceive in our minds ("think"), but vastly, overwhelmingly, and incomprehensibly beyond our grandest conceptions. The Greek word translated "exceeding abundantly" (hyper-ek-perissou) is a superlative compound, pushing the boundaries of language to convey an immeasurable surplus. It assures us that God's resources, wisdom, and ability are not constrained by our finite human imagination or even our boldest petitions. He operates on a scale that utterly transcends our understanding, always able to surpass our highest hopes and deepest desires with His divine provision and action, as seen in the vastness of His creation and redemptive plan (e.g., [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher")).

**How does the "power that worketh in us" relate to our own efforts or responsibilities?**

Answer: The "power that worketh in us" refers to the active, dynamic, and effective power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within every believer. This does not negate our responsibility or effort; rather, it empowers and enables them. It means that God's immense power is not a distant force but is actively at work within us, transforming us, equipping us, and empowering us to live a life pleasing to Him and to carry out His purposes. It's a divine energy that energizes our faith, strengthens our resolve, and enables us to do what we could not do in our own strength. Our responsibility is to yield to this indwelling power, to walk in step with the Spirit ([Galatians 5:25](/galatians/5-25 "Walk in the Spirit")), and to be obedient to God's leading, allowing His power to work through our yielded lives to accomplish His will (e.g., [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Works in You to Will and to Act")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "power that worketh in us" is intrinsically linked to the power of Christ's resurrection, the same power that God exerted when He "raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "The Exceeding Greatness of God's Power")). Christ Himself is the supreme demonstration of God's ability to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection represent a divine work far beyond human comprehension or expectation, offering salvation and new life that humanity could never have conceived or achieved. Through Christ, believers are not only forgiven but are also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making them recipients and conduits of this very power. The "greater works" Jesus promised His followers would do ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Greater Works Through the Spirit")) are accomplished through the Spirit's power, which is the power of the ascended Christ at work in His church. Thus, this doxology ultimately points to Christ as the one through whom God's boundless power is revealed, experienced, and actively deployed for the glory of God and the building of His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Striving According to His Working")).

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

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

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,

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

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,

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee: