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,

EPHESIANS 3:20KJV
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Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:20 mean?

Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do far more than anything people could ever ask for or even imagine, working through the power that is active within believers. This verse highlights the limitless ability of God to surpass human expectations and requests.

Paul, the writer of Ephesians, is speaking to Christians in Ephesus as he wraps up a prayer for them. He wants them to realize that God’s power is not only great, but it is already at work in their lives. The verse comes at the end of a section where Paul has been praying for the believers to be strengthened and to grasp the depth of Christ’s love.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:20

  • δύναμαι (dynamai, G1410) — "able": This word means having the power or ability to do something. Paul is emphasizing that God truly has the capacity to accomplish what he promises.
  • ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (hyperekperissou, G5228 + G4053) — "exceeding abundantly": This phrase stacks two words for "beyond" and "abundance," stressing that God’s actions go far beyond what is normal or expected.
  • δύναμις (dynamis, G1411) — "power": This refers to the active, effective power of God, not just potential. Paul is saying this power is already "working" (ἐνεργέω, energeō, G1754) in believers, not just available in theory.

Why Ephesians 3:20 matters

  • Ephesians 3:20 corrects the idea that God’s help is limited to what people can think to ask for; Paul insists God’s generosity and ability go far beyond human imagination.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s power is not distant or abstract but is already at work within believers, shaping their lives from the inside.
  • This statement connects to Paul’s earlier prayer for spiritual strength and understanding, showing that the resources believers need come from God’s own limitless power.

Where else these words appear

“abundantly” Greek G4053 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

“think” Greek G3539 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
  • Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: