19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
The third area for which Paul prayed was that the saints might know the exceeding greatness of God’s power.
and what is the exceeding [hyperballon, surpassing, immeasurable, incomparible] greatness [megethos, magnatude] of His power [dunamis, residual power];
Believers need to know something about the magnitude of God’s power toward us in the present time. His residual power exercised on our behalf surpasses or exceeds what Christians might anticipate.
“Exceeding” means to throw beyond, carrying the ideas of excellence or superiority. God’s power is beyond measure; it is surpassing operating power. This power defies definition.
Paul used four different Greek words for power in this verse:
Dunamis is not explosive power like dynamite but residual power like a dynamo. This is the word in “greatness of His power.”
Energeia, energizing power. This word is in the word “working.”
Ischus, endowed power or ability. This word is translated by “power” in “mighty power.”
Kratos, dominion power, authoritative power. This word is translated as “mighty” in this verse.
Paul did not pray that power be given to believers but that they recognize God’s power in them. We have the power in us to function as Christians and evangelize (2 Co 4:7; Eph 3:20; Phil 2:13; 1 Th 1:5).
toward us who believe,
God directs His power toward believers. Believers are agents of God’s power.
according to
The words “according to” qualifies the immeasurable greatness of God’s power. The nature of who He is manifested in what He does on our behalf.
the working [energeia, energy or operation] of His mighty [ischus, endowed or controlling power] power [kratos, authoritative power or capacity]
“Working” is inherent strength, energetic power, a power that works on the inside (Eph 3:7). The New Testament only uses this word for supernatural power. God operates with energetic or active power toward us according to the standard of His great endowed being. His “mighty” power is endowed in Him, which He uses authoritatively. God is in the business of elevating our conception of what He can do for us.
Thus, in this verse, Paul used the superlatives “exceeding greatness” and three terms referring to power: power, strength, and might, indicating the resources He provides for us in grace.
PRINCIPLE:
God turns His surpassingly great power toward our feeble nature.
APPLICATION:
Christians should never underestimate God’s power in our lives. We have it for trials, temptations, and testimony. It is a power that God exercises. This is delegated power from God out of His unadulterated grace. Believers need to operate within the sphere of God’s power for our lives. We cannot function in that power without a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Scripture and applying them to experience.
Note the implications of power in verse 19: God’s omnipotent or residual power (dunamis) of supplying grace to believers and His operational power (energeo) in us are provided by His ruling or controlling power working in us (kratos). Once we come to grips with this, God gives us His inner power (iskuos) to form momentum for spiritual maturity.
Possessing this kind of power should prevent us from being immobilized by fear. Power from God allows us to look fear in the face and move on with confidence. No matter what situation or pressure may come upon us, we have the power of God to address it. We must not lose sight of the power of God in our lives.
In studying this verses I notices everywhere else I looked that “Ischus” comes before “Kratos” in the verse. I think these may have been accidenlty switched above.
Thank you Matt. I did not try to keep them in order, but to avoid confusion, I switched them now. Appreciate your suggestion.
I have been studying these verses in Ephesians chapter 1 for a while now. I have asked the Holy Spirit for more illumination as I was not satisfied with what I had discovered so far.
Can I give thanks for your life, as these commentary from you have satisfied my thirst, just as a man in the desert craves for cold refreshing and energising water.
Honestly I am proud of you and give praise for God’s grace in your life!
Thank you
Thanks for the blessing Charles.
Thanks for this great teaching. I pray that it’s ok to utilize your wisdom about power in my teaching others the unadulterated Word of God.
Treed, feel free to use my material. However, I ask that you do not charge for it except for printing and other costs. My desire is to offer these material freely.
So I am confused, so is it: “And what is the exceeding dunamis to us who believe, according to the energeia of His Kratos Ischus?” Or is it, “And what is the exceeding dunamis to us who believe, according to the energeia of His Ischus Kratos?” I am asking because in the comments it’s stated that the two are mixed.
Danelea, I have made changes based on your suggestion. Does it clarify the verse for you?
Hello Grant, thanks for the response. The short answer is yes and no. I think you may need to reflect the changes throughout your entire study. I have literally been studying in various different places all day today (when not distracted by real life) this verse.
Using the KJV translation of the verse and blueletterbible.org as the source, here is what I found that helped me tremendously: “And (Kai) what (tis) is the (ho) exceeding (hyperballo) greatness (megethos) of His (autos) power (dunamis or dynamis) to (eis) us-ward (hemas) who (ho) believe (pisteuo) according to (kata) the (ho) working (energeia) of His (autos) mighty (ischys) power (kratos).
After my study, I see you pretty much defined each of the four powers correctly but it appears ischus and kratos are mixed up definition wise. Also greatness is megethos and not ischus. As far as the other changes, yes this helped and confirmed my study from other sources that you are correct.
Sir, let me end by saying you are a Godsend and have an amazing gift for breaking down scripture and I am eternally grateful for what you are doing. Your studies are expanding my vocabulary and for the most part are easy to understand. I am understanding God’s word more because of your breakdowns. In the past, I was skittish about Bible studies because I couldn’t understand some scripture and most commentaries were too complex for me to understand, but you are keeping things simple for two year olds like myself lol. Keep up the good work and I hope to see more. Finally, understanding scripture is making me hunger for more, it’s helping me understand God better and myself as a Christian, and brings joy and excitement to my spiritual walk with Christ. God bless you sir!
P.S. I will have to meditate on the four different power to make sure I keep an understanding of them.