Ephesians 3:20
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,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's doxology — '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' — uses an accumulation of superlatives (literally 'hyper above all things beyond what we ask or think'). The phrase 'according to his power at work within us' grounds the extravagant claim not in abstract divine omnipotence but in the same Spirit-power already operative in the believer. The doxology closes the first half of Ephesians (chapters 1-3) before the ethical instructions of chapters 4-6, suggesting that a vision of God's lavish capability grounds the demanding call to unity and holiness. The verse is a favorite in contexts of prayer and intercession where the human petition falls short of conceiving what God can do.
Other Translations
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,
and to Him who is able above all things to do exceeding abundantly what we ask or think, according to the power that is working in us,
Now to him who is able to do in full measure more than all our desires or thoughts, through the power which is working in us,
Cross References
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am …
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant …
And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy …
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall …
And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have …
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river …
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have …
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, …