Ephesians 3:20
«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,»
God’s power is able to accomplish far beyond our boldest prayers and even our best imagination, and He works that power within His people.
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Understand the verse
What this verse is about
Ephesians 3:20 is a doxology—a brief burst of praise—affirming God’s limitless ability. Paul stacks superlatives (“exceedingly abundantly”) to stress that God’s action surpasses both what we ask in prayer and what we can conceive. The verse ties God’s greatness to His active power at work in believers, not merely outside them. It invites confidence in prayer and expectation shaped by God’s character, not our limits.
Context
This verse closes Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14–19, where he asks that believers be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted in love, and filled with all the fullness of God. Chapter 3 reveals the “mystery” now made known: Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ. Paul, writing from imprisonment, prays not for changed circumstances but for deep inner strength and love. The doxology (3:20–21) lifts our eyes from our capacity to God’s power and glory in the church and in Christ.
When people especially turn to it
People turn to this verse when facing overwhelming needs, uncertain decisions, or resources that seem too small. It also comforts in seasons of anxiety or discouragement, reminding us to pray big, trusting God’s wise power at work within.
A short prayer
Father, expand my prayers to match Your goodness, and strengthen me by Your Spirit to receive what You choose to give. Work within me in ways that honor Christ and overflow in love.
Key phrases in Ephesians 3:20
«Now to him who is able»
Affirms God’s constant capability; the Greek dynamenos signals inherent power, not mere possibility.
«to do exceedingly abundantly»
A piled-up Greek intensifier (hyper ek perissou) stressing beyond-measure abundance, more than surplus.
«above all that we ask or think»
God surpasses both articulated prayers and unspoken imaginations; His wisdom is not capped by our horizons.
«according to the power that works in us»
The standard is God’s present energy (energeia) within believers, the same power seen in Christ’s resurrection (cf. Eph 1:19–20).
Historical background of Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul in the mid–first century AD (likely early 60s) to believers in Ephesus and the surrounding churches of Asia Minor. Paul wrote during Roman imprisonment, continuing his ministry through letters and prayer. Ephesus was a major port city known for the Temple of Artemis and for Roman imperial cult practices; public life often blended commerce, magic, and devotion. Converts left occult practices behind; Acts 19 notes the burning of magic scrolls, a costly renunciation in a city of trade and crafts. Under Roman law, civic religion and patronage shaped identity, so Paul emphasizes a new identity “in Christ” and unity of Jew and Gentile. Against a backdrop of visible power—temples, guilds, magistrates—Paul highlights God’s greater, unseen power at work in the church.
Theological themes in Ephesians 3:20
Divine omnipotence
God’s ability is unlimited and not constrained by human request or imagination; His power accomplishes His purposes in and through His people.
Prayer and faith
Prayer is real participation with God’s work; we ask boldly because His capacity exceeds our petitions and thoughts.
Union with Christ and the Spirit
The power “in us” points to life in Christ and the Spirit’s indwelling, the source of inner strength and transformation.
Glory in the church
God displays His glory through the church and Christ across all generations, anchoring hope and mission in worship.
Cross references for Ephesians 3:20
«and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,»
Connection: Shows the same power at work in believers that raised Christ.
«I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.»
Connection: Connects divine empowerment with believers’ lived capacity.
«In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.»
Connection: God exceeds our asking, even when our prayers are weak or wordless.
«Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,»
Connection: Another doxology beginning “to him who is able,” emphasizing God’s preserving power.
«And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.»
Connection: Highlights overflowing divine provision leading to fruitful action.
Other wordings
WEB (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,»
Public-domain modern translation used on this page.
KJV (King James Version)
«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,»
Classic 1611 English translation.
How to apply Ephesians 3:20
- Read Ephesians 3:14–21 aloud, pausing after each phrase to turn Paul’s prayer into your own.
- Write down your biggest need today, then ask God specifically for more than that in line with His will and character.
- Identify one area of weakness and invite the Spirit’s strengthening there this week; set a daily reminder to pray.
- Share one answered prayer story with a friend to build faith in God’s power at work in you.
- Memorize this verse and repeat it before major decisions to shape expectation and humility.
Questions for reflection on Ephesians 3:20
- Where have I limited my prayers to what feels humanly possible?
- What would “exceedingly abundantly” look like in the area I most want God to change?
- How is God’s power already at work within me, and how can I cooperate with it today?
- How might God’s greater-than requests redirect my desires toward His glory in the church?
Memorize Ephesians 3:20
Break the verse into four beats: “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.” Emphasize the anchor words “able,” “exceedingly,” “above,” and “power” as recall hooks.
FAQ
What does “exceedingly abundantly” mean?
It translates a stacked Greek phrase meaning “beyond all measure,” stressing God’s ability to go far past our requests and thoughts.
Who was this verse originally for?
It was written to the believers in and around Ephesus as part of Paul’s prayer and praise for God’s work among them.
How does this fit the chapter’s message?
It concludes a prayer for inner strengthening, love, and fullness, celebrating the God who can achieve that in His people.
How can I apply this verse in prayer?
Ask specifically and boldly, then submit to God’s wisdom, expecting Him to work within you for Christ’s glory.
Is this only about miracles?
Not only; it includes transformation, unity, perseverance, and love—God’s power in everyday obedience as well as extraordinary answers.
Why mention “power that works in us”?
Paul anchors expectation in the Spirit’s present activity within believers, not in external circumstances alone.
Are there translation differences?
Wordings vary (“immeasurably more,” “far more abundantly”), but the core idea—God surpasses our asking and thinking—remains the same.
