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,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul piles up Greek synonyms for power — dynamis, energeia, kratos, ischys — in a rhetorical accumulation designed to exceed the grandeur of any competing cosmological power-claim current in first-century Asia Minor, including imperial divine honors. The verse functions as the pivot of Paul's great prayer (Ephesians 1:15–23), linking the power available to believers with the same power that raised Christ from the dead and enthroned him above all principalities. Theologically it establishes that Christian ethics and mission are not self-generated but derived from participation in the resurrection power already operative in Christ. The passage became foundational for charismatic and Pentecostal theologies of divine empowerment, as well as Reformed doctrines of effectual calling.
Other Translations
and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might
and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might,
And how unlimited is his power to us who have faith, as is seen in the working of the strength of his power,
Cross References
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and …
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, …
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, …
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all …
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits …
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of …
The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things …