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and what<\/strong> is<\/em><\/strong> the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n God has already demonstrated how valuable we are to Him.<\/p>\n \u201cExceeding<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek verb huperball\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of huper<\/em><\/span> (hyper), meaning \u201cabove\u201d or \u201cbeyond\u201d and ball\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto throw.\u201d Thus huperball\u014d<\/em><\/span> literally means \u201cto throw beyond;\u201d that is, \u201cto go beyond\u201d or \u201cto exceed.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cgreatness<\/span>\u201d is from megethos<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cmagnitude\u201d or, as in this verse, \u201cgreatness.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cpower\u201d is dunamis<\/em><\/span> (from which we get our English word dynamite). This word refers specifically to having the capability or authority to do something. So \u201cpower<\/span>\u201d is a good translation it as it is used here.<\/p>\n \u201cBelieve<\/span>\u201d is from pisteu\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which we saw back in verse thirteen. It means \u201cto be firmly persuaded regarding some truth\u201d or \u201cto believe.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cworking<\/span>\u201d is translated from energeia<\/em><\/span> (from which we get our English word energy). It refers to \u201cactive power\u201d or \u201cpower in action.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMighty<\/span>\u201d is from kratos<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201cdemonstrated power,\u201d that is, \u201cvigor or might.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, the word \u201cpower<\/span>\u201d is from ischus<\/em><\/span>. This is made up of is<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cstrength\u201d and echo<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto have.\u201d Thus, ischus<\/em><\/span> refers to someone \u201chaving strength.\u201d<\/p>\n First of all, notice how many words Paul used in this one verse to express God\u2019s strength and power. Each of these words can have a number of subtle nuances that produce very similar meanings. It is as if Paul is trying to use every word he can think of to describe the exceeding greatness and magnitude of God\u2019s almighty power at work.<\/p>\n One of the difficulties in understanding the Apostle Paul is the fact that he writes such lengthy, complex sentences. This particular sentence takes up seven verses and it contains almost 140 words! He started out this thought in verse fifteen by expressing his thanks for the growing faith and demonstrated love of the Christians in the church in Ephesus. Then he expresses the content of his prayers for these believers and, by extension, for all Christians. He prayed that the Father would have the Holy Spirit impart wisdom and reveal truths to us. The first of these truths is that we might understand the hope and assurance we have in God\u2019s inviting us to have eternal life. The second truth is the magnificence of the inheritance that Jesus will receive from the Father. We, the church, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, are that marvelous inheritance.<\/p>\n In the current verse Paul tells us about the third truth which he prays will be revealed to us. It is the incredible greatness of God\u2019s active and demonstrated power, which is mighty in strength. The greatest part is that His powerful strength is displayed toward us, we who believe in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n Listen, God has demonstrated His incredible power for your sake because He loves you and wants to spend eternity with you. Yes, you! You are incredibly valuable to Him!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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