And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

EPHESIANS 3:19KJV
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Ephesians 3:19 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:19 mean?

Ephesians 3:19 says that knowing the love of Christ goes beyond what anyone can fully understand, and this deep knowledge is meant to fill believers with all the fullness that comes from God. The verse describes a kind of spiritual completeness that results from truly grasping Christ’s love.

Paul, the writer, is praying for the Christians in Ephesus. He wants them to experience Christ’s love in a way that surpasses ordinary knowledge. Paul’s hope is that this experience will so transform them that God’s own fullness—His character and presence—will fill their lives.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:19

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, "love"): This word refers to self-giving, unconditional love. Paul is not talking about ordinary affection but a love that is generous and sacrificial, which is central to Christ’s relationship with believers.
  • ὑπερβάλλω (huperballō, "passeth"): The Greek word means "to surpass" or "to exceed." Paul is saying that Christ’s love is greater than what human minds can fully grasp or measure.
  • πλήρωμα (plērōma, "fulness"): This word means "fullness" or "completeness." Paul’s prayer is that believers would be so filled with God’s presence and qualities that nothing is lacking in their spiritual lives.

Why Ephesians 3:19 matters

  • Ephesians 3:19 clarifies that Christ’s love is not just something to be studied or talked about, but something to be personally experienced in a way that goes beyond intellectual knowledge.
  • The verse emphasizes that the ultimate goal for believers is to be filled with all the fullness of God, showing that Christian faith is about transformation and deep relationship, not just belief or behavior.
  • In the wider context, this verse is part of Paul’s prayer for spiritual strength and maturity, highlighting that understanding Christ’s love is foundational for growing into the life God intends.

Where else these words appear

“passeth” Greek G5235 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

“fulness” Greek G4138 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
  • Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

“knowledge” Greek G1108 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

“filled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.