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    Knowing Love That Outruns Knowing

    Ephesians 3:19 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
    — Ephesians 3:19 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse before the great doxology about God doing 'exceeding abundantly above' (v. 20), Paul prays we would know a love we cannot fully know — and be filled with a fullness we cannot fully measure.

    Historical Context

    Paul prays this on his knees (v. 14) for Gentile believers — proof that the love which once felt exclusive was always wide enough for them.

    Original Language Insights

    'Passeth knowledge' (hyperballousan tes gnoseos) — overshoots what knowing can hold. The love of Christ is known truly, never exhaustively.

    'Filled with all the fulness of God' — the highest petition in the New Testament: every believer is the temple God means to fill.

    Theological Significance

    Christian knowing is not less than facts but more — it is relational reception of a love whose dimensions only eternity will trace. The prayer is impossibly large because the God it addresses is impossibly generous.

    Practical Application

    Don't shrink your prayers to fit your imagination. Pray Paul's prayer back to God — He delights to answer it.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Ephesians 3:20

    "Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

    The next verse — the answer to v. 19 cannot help but be more than we asked.

    Colossians 2:9-10

    "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him."

    Same fullness, now lodged in believers united to Christ.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, let me know the love that outruns my knowing, and fill me with the fullness only You can give. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can finite people really be 'filled with all the fulness of God'?

    Not by capacity, but by union with Christ. We are filled as a glass is filled in an ocean — full to our limit while the ocean remains itself.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Ephesians 3 verse by verse:

    After · Ephesians 3:20Exact verse

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

    Theme: God's Power

    After · Ephesians 3:21Exact verse

    Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

    Theme: Endless Glory Through the Church

    Nearest commentary in Ephesians

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Ephesians 2:8-9Nearest chapter

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Theme: Salvation & Grace

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Ephesians 2:8Nearest chapter

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    Theme: Salvation & Gospel

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Ephesians 2:9Nearest chapter

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Theme: Salvation & Gospel

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Ephesians 2:10Nearest chapter

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Theme: Workmanship & Good Works

    Read Ephesians 2Commentary: Ephesians 2:10
    Read Ephesians 3 (full)Nearest commentary: Ephesians 3:20
    Read Ephesians 4Commentary: Ephesians 4:31-32
    Previous commentary: Ephesians 2:10Next commentary: Ephesians 3:20

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Eternal Life?

    Eternal life is the free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ — not merely endless existence but knowing God personally.

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    What Is Love in the Bible?

    Biblical love is self-giving, sacrificial commitment to the good of another — supremely displayed in God's love for sinners through Christ.

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    What Is Eternal Life in the Bible?

    Eternal life is the gift of knowing God and Jesus Christ personally — a quality of life that begins at conversion and continues forever in fellowship with God.

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    Who Was Bezaleel in the Bible?

    Bezaleel was the chief artisan of the tabernacle, filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to design and construct the sanctuary and its furnishings.

    Read answer

    How to Share the Gospel?

    Share the gospel by speaking the truth in love, relying on the Holy Spirit, knowing the core message — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again — and living a life that validates your words.

    Read answer

    How to Evangelize Effectively?

    Effective evangelism combines a clear gospel message, prayer for the lost, genuine love for people, a Christ-like life, and bold yet gracious speech — entrusting the results to God.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Ephesians 2:8-9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

    Ephesians 6:10-11 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

    Ephesians 3:20 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Provision
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    Feeding the Five Thousand

    Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed a crowd of more than five thousand.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    New Testament

    The Miraculous Catch of Fish

    After a fruitless night, Peter let down the nets at Jesus' word and caught so many fish the nets began to break.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Pentecost — Tongues of Fire

    The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    New Testament

    Feeding of the 4,000

    Jesus feeds 4,000 men with seven loaves and a few small fishes, with seven baskets left over.

    Read the miracle

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