Ephesians 1:19 - and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might

Generated Verse: Ephesians 1:19

What does "Ephesians 1:19" mean?


Ephesians 1:19 is a powerful statement about the immense power available to believers in Christ. Let's break it down:

"and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe...": This is the core idea. Paul is praying that the Ephesians (and, by extension, all believers) would truly grasp how incredibly vast and surpassing God's power is. This isn't just any power; it's "exceeding greatness" - a superlative. It's directed specifically "toward us who believe," meaning it's accessible and operative in the lives of those who trust in Jesus. It emphasizes that faith is the key to unlocking this power.

"...according to that working of the strength of his might": This explains the source and nature of that power. It's not a weak or limited power. It's "according to" or "in line with" the very same power that accomplished the greatest feat ever. The phrase is deliberately emphatic and redundant to drive the point home:

"working": This suggests active, energetic force. It's not static. It's a continuous and effective operation of divine energy.
"strength": Emphasizes inherent ability and capacity.
"might": Underscores the irresistible force and dominion of God. It's the ultimate power, beyond human comprehension.

In essence, the verse means:

Paul is praying that believers would understand the limitless, immeasurable power of God that is actively working for them because they believe. This power isn't just some abstract concept; it's the very same power that raised Christ from the dead (as the following verses elaborate). It's a force that overcomes obstacles, transforms lives, and accomplishes God's purposes in and through believers. It's not just a little bit of help; it's the same power that created and sustains the universe, now accessible to those who trust in Jesus.

Key takeaways:

It's available to believers: Faith is the crucial element.
It's immense and unparalleled: "Exceeding greatness" is emphasized with repetitive wording to stress its magnitude.
It's an active and ongoing force: Not just a one-time event.
It's rooted in God's omnipotence: The same power that raised Jesus is at work in us.
It's transformative: Understanding and experiencing this power can change our lives and how we live them.

This verse serves as an encouragement to believers to embrace the reality of God's power and to live in the confidence that He is working mightily on their behalf.

What categories does "Ephesians 1:19" have?