Ephesians 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's prayer that 'Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love' applies botanical and architectural metaphors simultaneously — roots deep in earth, foundations laid in stone — to describe the stable base from which the ascending knowledge of Christ's dimensions (3:18) can be comprehended. The indwelling of Christ 'in your hearts' (katoikēsai ton Christon) uses the stronger verb katoikeō (permanent settlement, not temporary sojourn) as opposed to the lighter paroikeō, insisting on substantial, enduring presence. The verse functions as the theological foundation for the crescendo of 3:18-19 — knowing the breadth, length, depth, and height of Christ's love and being filled with 'all the fullness of God' — linking mystical participation with ethical rooting. The passage has shaped both Catholic mystical theology and evangelical understandings of progressive sanctification.
Other Translations
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
that the Christ may dwell through the faith in your hearts, in love having been rooted and founded,
So that Christ may have his place in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and based in love,
Cross References
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high …
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth …
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he …
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will …
And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell …
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built …
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and …
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.