May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Read it in contextPrayer and praise
Start reading at Ephesians 3:14 (Ephesians 3:14 to Ephesians 3:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The prayer asks for inward strengthening and knowledge of Christ's love, concluding the first major movement with praise to God.
3:14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
3:18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Prayer and praise. Read Ephesians 3:14 through Ephesians 3:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The prayer asks for inward strengthening and knowledge of Christ's love, concluding the first major movement with praise to God. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Prayer and praise (Ephesians 3:14 to Ephesians 3:21).
Start reading at Ephesians 3:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholeThe prayer asks for inward strengthening and knowledge of Christ's love, concluding the first major movement with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.