Bible Strands
Ephesians 3:19
of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing from prison to the church at Ephesus, closes a prayer (3:14–19) asking that believers comprehend the breadth of Christ's love.
The words — ὑπερβάλλουσαν (huperballousan), present participle of ὑπερβαίνω, "to go beyond, to exceed," modifies ἀγάπην (agapēn, love): this love is actively surpassing knowledge (τῆς γνώσεως).
The thread — "Filled with all the fullness of God" echoes Ephesians 1:23 (the fullness of Him who fills all in all) and Colossians 2:9 (in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form).
Why it lands — The purpose clause (ἵνα) makes the endpoint not comprehension but indwelling: the reader is to be filled with the fullness of God, not merely to know about it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
- Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.
- Colossians 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
- 1 John 4:9 This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
- John 1:16 From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.
- Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
- Revelation 7:15 For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.
- Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him.