may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
Truth to Learn
Christian lives must be based on and rooted in Jesus Christ.
Behind the Words
“May be able” is translated from the verb exischuō, a compound word made up of ex, used as an intensifier and ischuō, meaning “to have strength.” Exischuō means “to be in full strength” or “to be abundantly able.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of this happening.
The word “comprehend” is from the Greek verb katalambanō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Thus, katalambanō means “to completely take” or “to firmly take hold of.” The context indicates that it is a “taking to one’s mind,” that is, “completely understanding” or “fully comprehending.”
“Saints” is from the Greek word hagios, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.” Therefore, hagios is sometimes translated “holy” or “sanctified.” All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God, which is precisely the meaning of the word “saint.” In the Bible this term does not refer to someone who has been declared to be a saint by the church, but someone who has been declared righteous by God.
The word translated “width” is platos, which refers to the breadth or width of something.
“Length” is from the Greek word mēkos, which refers to the length of an object.
Hupsos, which is derived from hupsi (meaning “high”), refers to the height of something.
Finally, the Greek word translated “depth” is bathos, from bathus (meaning “deep”).
Meaning Explained
In our discussion of yesterday’s verse, we mentioned that the end of that verse belongs with this verse. When we put them together we read:
that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
So, what does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? This could be taken to mean that as Christians all of our actions and deeds spring forth from the ideal of perfect love. Or, it could be taken to mean that all of our deeds and actions spring forth from God who is love according to the Apostle John:
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
Paul uses two separate metaphors to express the source of our knowledge of His love. The first is a botanical metaphor: the source of our understanding is that into which our roots are sunk for nourishment. The second is an architectural metaphor: the base on which we build our understanding is the foundation of our lives – Christ.
Now Paul tells us that as we derive our spiritual nourishment from Him and as we build our life and service on Him, we will understand the width, length, depth, and height of … We will find out “of what” in tomorrow’s verse.
Application
Is your life built upon the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ? Are your roots daily getting nourishment from God? Are your deeds based on the foundation that has been laid for us by Jesus, the Apostles, and Prophets? If not, you won’t really understand what God is doing with and to you, and your trials and tribulations will seem difficult. You may even doubt God’s love for you. If so, you will more fully understand God, His love for you, and how He is working in you to make you more like Jesus Christ.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved