Ephesians 1:19

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 1:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might
Ephesians 1:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, &c.] The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath, which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith, and in the continuance of it, and in the finishing of that work; and that this is a great power, an exceeding great one, a super eminent one; which is attended with energy and efficacy, and is irresistible and insuperable: the greatness of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“exceeding--"surpassing." power to us-ward who believe--The whole of the working of His grace, which He is carrying on, and will carry on, in us who believe. By the term "saints" (Eph 1:18), believers are regarded as absolutely perfected, and so as being God's inheritance; in this verse, as in the course of fighting the good fight of faith. according to--in accordance wit,h, what might be expected from. working--Greek, "the energizing"; translate, "the effectual working" (Eph 3:7). The same superhuman power was needed and exerted to make us believe, as was needed and exerted to raise Christ from the dead (Eph 1:20). Compare Phi 3:10, "the power of His resurrection" (Col 2:12; Pe1 1:3-5). of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power - On the language used here, compare the notes at 2 Corinthians 4:17. There is much emphasis and energy of expression here, as if the apostle were laboring under the greatness of his theme, and wanted words to express the magnitude of his conception. This is the “third” thing which he was particularly desirous they should know - that they should be fully acquainted with the “power” of God in the salvation of people. He refers not merely to the power which he had evinced in their salvation, but also to what the gospel was “able” to accomplish, and which they might yet experience. The “power” referred to here as exercised toward believers does…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And what the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe - Both in quickening our dead souls, and preserving them in spiritual life. According to the power which he exerted in Christ, raising him from the dead - By the very same almighty power whereby he raised Christ; for no less would suffice. Ephesians 1:20”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:19-20 God’s power for us who believe him is the power of his Spirit at work in and through his people, because they are joined to the resurrected Christ (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12). Paul longed to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in his own life (Phil 3:10). • In biblical times, the place of honor was always at a person’s right hand (Ps 110:1; Acts 7:56).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“exceeding: Eph 2:10, Eph 3:7, Eph 3:20; Psa 110:2, Psa 110:3; Isa 53:1; Joh 3:6; Act 26:18; Rom 1:16; Co2 4:7, Co2 5:17; Phi 2:13; Col 1:29, Col 2:12; Th1 1:5; Th2 1:11; Jam 1:18 his mighty: Gr. the might of his Ephesians 1:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification