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Journey Through the Bible

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 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,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

A Deep Dive into Ephesians 3:20-21: Meaning and Explanation

Ephesians 3:20-21 is a well-known passage that offers profound insights into God’s boundless power and glory. This passage is often quoted to encourage believers, highlighting the immeasurable capacity of God to exceed our expectations.

Understanding Ephesians 3:20-21

The passage reads: “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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” These verses close Paul’s prayer and express a doxology that emphasizes his faith in God’s omnipotence.

Key Themes and Explanation

  1. God’s Infinite Power
    • The phrase “immeasurably more” underscores that God’s capabilities transcend human understanding. This meaning emphasizes that God’s power is limitless and active in our lives.
  2. His Power Within Us
    • Ephesians 3:20 reveals that this power is “at work within us,” suggesting a personal and transformative engagement with every believer. This explanation highlights that through faith, we can tap into this divine strength.
  3. Glory to God
    • The passage concludes with giving glory to God, illustrating that all miraculous acts and spiritual victories ultimately serve to honor Him.

Summary

Ephesians 3:20-21 reassures believers of God’s limitless power and its active presence in our lives. The passage encourages us to dream big, pray boldly, and trust in the transformative power working within us, all while directing glory to God. It invites us to live a life that reflects faith in His abundance, ensuring His name is glorified across generations.

Cross References for Ephesians 3:20-21

Jeremiah 32:17 - “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretch... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 32:17 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 32:17

1 Chronicles 4:10 - Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Le... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 4:10 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 4:10

Genesis 17:1 - The Covenant of Circumcision When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and... Click to read the verse Genesis 17:1 Click to read the verse Genesis 17:1

Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always li... Click to read the verse Hebrews 7:25 Click to read the verse Hebrews 7:25

Genesis 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sar... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:14 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:14

Genesis 18:4 - Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Click to read the verse Genesis 18:4 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:4

Hebrews 11:19 - Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac... Click to read the verse Hebrews 11:19 Click to read the verse Hebrews 11:19

Matthew 3:9 - And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that ou... Click to read the verse Matthew 3:9 Click to read the verse Matthew 3:9

Romans 4:21 - being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Click to read the verse Romans 4:21 Click to read the verse Romans 4:21

Jeremiah 32:27 - “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Click to read the verse Jeremiah 32:27 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 32:27

Genesis 18:32 - Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can... Click to read the verse Genesis 18:32 Click to read the verse Genesis 18:32

Exodus 34:6 - And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracio... Click to read the verse Exodus 34:6 Click to read the verse Exodus 34:6

2 Chronicles 25:9 - Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite tr... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 25:9 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 25:9

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and ha... Click to read the verse John 10:10 Click to read the verse John 10:10

Daniel 6:20 - When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the l... Click to read the verse Daniel 6:20 Click to read the verse Daniel 6:20

Daniel 3:17 - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he ... Click to read the verse Daniel 3:17 Click to read the verse Daniel 3:17

Isaiah 30:19 - O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when yo... Click to read the verse Isaiah 30:19 Click to read the verse Isaiah 30:19

1 Corinthians 2:9 - However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God h... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 2:9 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 2:9

Jude 1:24 - Doxology To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious pre... Click to read the verse Jude 1:24 Click to read the verse Jude 1:24

Song of Songs 5:1 - Lover I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. ... Click to read the verse Song of Songs 5:1 Click to read the verse Song of Songs 5:1

Genesis 48:11 - Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to ... Click to read the verse Genesis 48:11 Click to read the verse Genesis 48:11

Psalms 79:11 - May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those con... Click to read the verse Psalms 79:11 Click to read the verse Psalms 79:11

1 Chronicles 17:20 - “There is no one like you, O Lord, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own e... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:20 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:20

Job 9:4 - His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? Click to read the verse Job 9:4 Click to read the verse Job 9:4

Ephesians 1:19 - and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his migh... Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:19 Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:19

Isaiah 35:2 - it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 35:2 Click to read the verse Isaiah 35:2

1 Peter 1:3 - Praise to God for a Living Hope Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In hi... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:3 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:3

Psalms 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cu... Click to read the verse Psalms 23:5 Click to read the verse Psalms 23:5

Jeremiah 33:3 - ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Click to read the verse Jeremiah 33:3 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 33:3

2 Corinthians 6:7 - in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and... Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 6:7 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 6:7

Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 55:7 Click to read the verse Isaiah 55:7

2 Samuel 7:19 - And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the ... Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 7:19 Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 7:19

James 4:12 - There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are ... Click to read the verse James 4:12 Click to read the verse James 4:12

2 Kings 3:18 - This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also hand Moab over to you. Click to read the verse 2 Kings 3:18 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 3:18

1 Chronicles 17:17 - And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the ho... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:17 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:17

Deuteronomy 3:21 - Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your o... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 3:21 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 3:21

Hebrews 13:20-21 - May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead ... Click to read the verse Hebrews 13:20-21 Click to read the verse Hebrews 13:20-21

1 Chronicles 29:12 - Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 29:12 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 29:12

Psalms 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortr... Click to read the verse Psalms 59:16 Click to read the verse Psalms 59:16

1 Kings 3:13 - Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lif... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 3:13 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 3:13

2 Chronicles 1:12 - therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and h... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 1:12 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 1:12

1 Kings 10:13 - King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given h... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 10:13 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 10:13

2 Kings 4:4 - Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as e... Click to read the verse 2 Kings 4:4 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 4:4

2 Chronicles 9:12 - King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she h... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 9:12 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 9:12

Colossians 1:29 - To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Click to read the verse Colossians 1:29 Click to read the verse Colossians 1:29

Job 9:10 - He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Click to read the verse Job 9:10 Click to read the verse Job 9:10

Psalms 36:8-9 - They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Click to read the verse Psalms 36:8-9 Click to read the verse Psalms 36:8-9

Romans 16:25 - Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, acco... Click to read the verse Romans 16:25 Click to read the verse Romans 16:25

1 Thessalonians 1:5 - because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit... Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Luke 1:49 - for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Click to read the verse Luke 1:49 Click to read the verse Luke 1:49

1 Timothy 1:14 - The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are i... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:14 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:14

2 Peter 1:11 - and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:11 Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:11

John 10:29-30 - My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Fath... Click to read the verse John 10:29-30 Click to read the verse John 10:29-30

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all... Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 9:8 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 9:8

Ephesians 3:7 - I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of hi... Click to read the verse Ephesians 3:7 Click to read the verse Ephesians 3:7