Eph 3:14-21 | RWP | e4.org | I bow my knees ( καμπτω τα γονατα μου ). He now prays whether he had at first intended to do so at or not. Calvin supposes that Paul knelt as he dictated this prayer, but this is not necessary. This was a common attitude in prayer ( ; ; ; ), though standing is also frequent ( ; , ).

‏ Ephesians 3:14-21

I bow my knees ( καμπτω τα γονατα μου ). He now prays whether he had at first intended to do so at 3:1 or not. Calvin supposes that Paul knelt as he dictated this prayer, but this is not necessary. This was a common attitude in prayer (Lu 22:41; Ac 7:40; 20:36; 21:5), though standing is also frequent (Mr 11:25; Lu 18:11, 13).

Every family ( πασα πατρια ). Old word ( πατρα is the usual form) from πατηρ, descent from a common ancestor as a tribe or race. Some take it here as = πατροτης, fatherhood, but that is most unlikely. Paul seems to mean that all the various classes of men on earth and of angels in heaven get the name of family from God the Father of all.

That he would grant you ( ινα δω υμιν ). Sub-final clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμ, to give. There are really five petitions in this greatest of all Paul's prayers (one already in 1:16-23), two by the infinitives after ινα δω ( κραταιωθηναι, κατοικησα ), two infinitives after ινα εξισχυσητε ( καταλαβεσθαι, γνωνα ), and the last clause ινα πληρωθητε. Nowhere does Paul sound such depths of spiritual emotion or rise to such heights of spiritual passion as here. The whole seems to be coloured with "the riches of His glory."

That ye may be strengthened ( κραταιωθηνα ). First aorist passive infinitive of κραταιοω, late and rare (LXX, N.T.) from κραταιος, late form from κρατος (strength). See Lu 1:80. Paul adds δυναμε (with the Spirit). Instrumental case.

In the inward man ( εις τον εσω ανθρωπον ). Same expression in 2Co 4:16 (in contrast with the outward εξω, man) and in Ro 7:22.

That Christ may dwell ( κατοικησα τον Χριστον ). Another infinitive (first aorist active) after ινα δω. Κατοικεω is an old verb to make one's home, to be at home. Christ ( Χριστον accusative of general reference) is asked to make his home in our hearts. This is the ideal, but a deal of fixing would have to be done in our hearts for Christ.

Being rooted and grounded in love ( εν αγαπη ερριζωμενο κα τεθεμελιωμενο ). But it is not certain whether εν αγαπη should go with these participles or with the preceding infinitive κατοικησα (dwell). Besides, these two perfect passive participles (from ριζοω, old verb, in N.T. only here and Col 2:7, and from θεμελιοω, see also Col 1:23) are in the nominative case and are to be taken with ινα εξισχυσητε and are proleptically placed before ινα. Verse 18 should really begin with these participles. Paul piles up metaphors (dwelling, rooted, grounded).

That ye may be strong ( ινα εξισχυσητε ). Sub-final clause again with ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of εξισχυω, a late and rare compound (from εξ, ισχυω ) to have full strength. Here only in N.T.

To apprehend ( καταλαβεσθα ). Second aorist middle infinitive of καταλαμβανω, old and common verb, to lay hold of effectively ( κατα- ), here with the mind, to grasp (Ac 25:25).

With all the saints ( συν πασιν τοις αγιοις ). No isolated privilege. Fellowship open to all. Paul gives a rectangular (four dimension) measure of love (breadth πλατος, length μηκος, height υψος, depth βαθος, all common enough words).

And to know ( γνωνα τε ). Second aorist active infinitive with εξισχυσητε.

Which passeth knowledge ( την υπερβαλλουσαν της γνωσεως ). Ablative case γνωσεως after υπερβαλλουσαν (from υπερβαλλω ). All the same Paul dares to scale this peak.

That ye may be filled with all the fulness of God ( ινα πληρωθητε εις παν το πληρωμα του θεου ). Final clause again (third use of ινα in the sentence) with first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω and the use of εις after it. One hesitates to comment on this sublime climax in Paul's prayer, the ultimate goal for followers of Christ in harmony with the injunction in Mt 5:48 to be perfect ( τελειο ) as our heavenly Father is perfect. There is nothing that any one can add to these words. One can turn to Ro 8:29 again for our final likeness to God in Christ.

That is able to do ( τω δυναμενω ποιησα ). Dative case of the articular participle (present middle of δυναμα ). Paul is fully aware of the greatness of the blessings asked for, but the Doxology ascribes to God the power to do them for us.

Above all ( υπερ παντα ). Not simply παντα, but υπερ beyond and above all.

Exceedingly abundantly ( υπερεκπερισσου ). Late and rare double compound ( υπερ, εκ, περισσου ) adverb (LXX, 1Th 3:10; 5:13; Eph 3:20). It suits well Paul's effort to pile Pelion on Ossa.

That we ask ( ων αιτουμεθα ). Ablative of the relative pronoun attracted from the accusative α to the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτων. Middle voice ( αιτουμεθα ) "we ask for ourselves."

Or think ( η νοουμεν ). The highest aspiration is not beyond God's "power" ( δυναμιν ) to bestow.

In the church ( εν τη εκκλησια ). The general church, the body of Christ.

And in Christ Jesus ( κα εν Χριστω Ιησου ). The Head of the glorious church.