Ephesians 3:20 Text
King James Version (KJV)
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,
World English Bible (WEB)
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,
What Ephesians 3:20 Means
This verse is the turning point of a prayer, and it describes God's ability rather than a promise of specific outcomes. Paul piles up superlatives: God can do more than we ask, and even more than we imagine. The Greek behind the phrase 'exceeding abundantly above' stacks several intensifying words together, as if ordinary language ran out. The WEB says 'exceedingly abundantly', which carries the same sense in slightly smoother English. Notice the hinge at the end: this happens 'according to the power that works in us'. The power is not far away; Paul says it is already active inside believers. A common misreading treats the verse as a guarantee that God will grant any large request. In context, the prayer just before it asks for inner strength, a deeper experience of Christ's love, and spiritual fullness, so the 'more' is mostly about those things.
Context of Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul, written while he was in prison, probably in Rome around the early 60s AD. Some scholars debate his authorship, though the letter itself names him. It is addressed to Christians in and around Ephesus. This verse closes the prayer of chapter 3, which asks that the readers be strengthened and grounded in love. Immediately afterward, Paul gives glory to God and then, in chapter 4, turns to practical teaching on unity. To read the whole book, see random verse from Ephesians.
How to Apply Ephesians 3:20
When you pray, try asking for the things the surrounding prayer asks for: steadiness, love, and a clearer sense of Christ's presence. Let the verse loosen the habit of praying only for small, safe outcomes. It also asks for patience, because the verse says nothing about timing. Hold your requests openly, and notice where God may already be at work in you.
Related Verses
- Ephesians 3:16-19 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
- Jeremiah 32:17 – Ah Lord GOD ! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
- Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing shall be impossible.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work:
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Faith, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ephesians 3:20 mean?
It says God is able to do far more than people ask or imagine, and that his power is already working within believers. It is a statement about God's capacity, written at the end of a prayer for spiritual strength and love, and it is often used as encouragement to pray boldly.
Does Ephesians 3:20 promise God will give me whatever I ask?
No. The verse speaks of what God is able to do, not a guarantee of every request. The prayer around it is about inner strength and love, so the 'more' is best read in that spiritual setting, trusting God's wisdom over our own wishes.
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