Ephesians 3:16

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 3:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
Ephesians 3:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, &c.] Or according to, and out of that rich, plenteous, and glorious fulness of grace and strength in Christ Jesus. To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; this is the petition which the apostle puts up on his bended knees to the Father of Christ, that he would strengthen these saints, that so they might not faint at the tribulations which either he or they endured. Believers in Christ need fresh supplies of strength to enable them to exercise grace, to perform duties, to resist Satan and his temptations, to oppose their corruptions, and to bear the cross, and undergo afflictions cheerfully, and to hold on and…”
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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
“according to--that is in abundance consonant to the riches of His glory; not "according to" the narrowness of our hearts. Col 1:11, "Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power." by--Greek, "through"; "by means of His Spirit." in--The Greek implies, "infused into." the inner man-- (Eph 4:22, Eph 4:24; Pe1 3:4); "the hidden man of the heart." Not predicated of unbelievers, whose inward and outward man alike are carnal. But in believers, the "inner (new) man," their true self, stands in contrast to their old man, which is attached to them as a body of death daily being mortified, but not their true self.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“According to the riches of his glory - According to the glorious abundance of his mercy; see Philippians 4:19. Out of those stores of rich grace which can never be exhausted. The word “riches,” so often used by Paul, denotes “abundance,” and the idea here is, that his grace was inexhaustible and ample for all their needs. To be strengthened with might - To be powerfully strengthened. That is, to give you abundant strength to bear trials; to perform your duties; to glorify his name. In the inner man - In the heart, the mind, the soul; see the notes on Romans 7:22. The “body” needs to be strengthened every day. In like manner the soul needs constant supplies of grace. Piety needs to be…”
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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
“The riches of his glory - The immense fulness of his glorious wisdom, power, and mercy. The inner man - The soul. Ephesians 3:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“according: Eph 3:8, Eph 1:7, Eph 1:18, Eph 2:7; Rom 9:23; Phi 4:19; Col 1:27 to be: Eph 6:10; Job 23:6; Psa 28:8, Psa 138:3; Isa 40:29-31, Isa 41:10; Zac 10:12; Mat 6:13; Co2 12:9; Phi 4:13; Col 1:11; Ti2 4:17; Heb 11:34 the inner: Jer 31:33; Rom 2:29, Rom 7:22; Co2 4:16; Pe1 3:4 Ephesians 3:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification