Ephesians 3:20-21 — New International Version (NIV) (2026-07-31)

Historical lead-up

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers. He emphasizes the mystery of the Gospel, which reveals that all people are united in Christ. Leading up to this verse, Paul has been discussing the incredible grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of believers. He encourages them to understand the depth of God’s love and the vastness of His plans for them.

Why this verse was written

This passage was written to inspire and strengthen the faith of the Ephesians. Paul wants them to grasp the greatness of God’s power and His ability to work beyond what they can imagine. His audience includes both new believers and those who have been following Christ for some time, and he aims to remind them of the limitless possibilities that come from a relationship with God.

True meaning

In Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul speaks of God as the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. This emphasizes God’s omnipotence and His willingness to work in our lives. The key words here are “immeasurably more,” which highlight that God’s plans exceed our expectations. Paul concludes by giving glory to God, affirming that all power and glory belong to Him, both in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations. This is a reminder that our lives and the church are meant to reflect God’s greatness.

Living it today

This verse encourages us to approach God with boldness in our prayers, knowing that He can do far more than we can envision. In our daily lives, we can trust God with our dreams, challenges, and relationships, believing that He is capable of bringing about change and growth. It invites us to live with expectation, looking for ways God might work in our circumstances. We can also reflect on how we can glorify God in our actions and decisions, ensuring that our lives point others to His greatness.

What follows

Following this passage, Paul continues to encourage the Ephesians to live in unity and maturity as the body of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of living out their faith in practical ways, which aligns with the theme of God’s power at work within them.