Ephesians 3:20
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
American King James Version (AKJV)
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
American Standard Version (ASV)
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,
Basic English Translation (BBE)
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,
Webster's Revision
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
World English Bible
Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
English Revised Version (ERV)
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,
Clarke's Ephesians 3:20 Bible Commentary
Now unto him - Having finished his short, but most wonderfully comprehensive and energetic prayer, the apostle brings in his doxology, giving praise to Him from whom all blessings come, and to whom all thanks are due.
That is able to do exceeding abundantly - It is impossible to express the full meaning of these words, God is omnipotent, therefore he is able to do all things, and able to do ὑπερ εκ περισσου, superabundantly above the greatest abundance. And who can doubt this, who has any rational or Scriptural views of his power or his love?
All that we ask or think - We can ask every good of which we have heard, every good which God has promised in his word; and we can think of, or imagine, goods and blessings beyond all that we have either read of or seen: yea, we can imagine good things to which it is impossible for us to give a name; we can go beyond the limits of all human descriptions; we can imagine more than even God has specified in his word; and can feel no bounds to our imagination of good, but impossibility and eternity: and after all, God is able to do more for us than we can ask or think; and his ability here is so necessarily connected with his willingness, that the one indisputably implies the other; for, of what consequence would it be to tell the Church of God that he had power to do so and so, if there were not implied an assurance that he will do what his power can, and what the soul of man needs to have done?
According to the power that worketh in us - All that he can do, and all that he has promised to do, will be done according to what he has done, by that power of the holy Ghost την ενεργουμενην, which worketh strongly in us - acts with energy in our hearts, expelling evil, purifying and refining the affections and desires, and implanting good.
Barnes's Ephesians 3:20 Bible Commentary
Now unto him - It is not uncommon for Paul to utter an ascription of praise in the midst of an argument; see Romans 9:5; Romans 11:36; Galatians 1:5. Here his mind is full of the subject; and in view of the fact that God communicates to his people such blessings - that they may become filled with all his fulness, he desires that praise should be given to him.
That is able to do - see the notes, Romans 16:25.
Exceeding abundantly - The compound word used here occurs only in this place, and in 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:13. It means, to an extent which we cannot express.
Above all that we ask or think - More than all that we can desire in our prayers; more than all that we can conceive; see the notes on 1 Corinthians 2:9.
According to the power that worketh in us - The exertion of that same power can accomplish for us more than we can now conceive.
Wesley's Ephesians 3:20 Bible Commentary
3:20 Now to him - This doxology is admirably adapted to strengthenour faith, that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has been praying for, as if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect from him. That is able - Here is a most beautiful gradation.When he has given us exceeding, yea, abundant blessings, still we may ask for more. And he is able to do it. But we may think of more than we have asked. He is able to do this also. Yea, and above all this.Above all we ask - Above all we can think. Nay, exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can either ask or think.