Ephesians 3:18
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Ephesians 3:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the New Testament book of Ephesians is often interpreted as a call to believers to strive for a deep understanding of God's immeasurable love and power. The verse encourages Christians to seek a comprehensive knowledge of the vastness of God's attributes - his breadth, length, depth, and height. This can be seen as a metaphor for exploring the limitless nature of God's love, mercy, and greatness. By meditating on these dimensions, believers can gain a fuller appreciation of the immense scope of God's character and his work in the world. The phrase "with all saints" emphasizes the communal aspect of this pursuit, suggesting that understanding the depth of God's love is a shared journey that all believers are called to embark on together. In essence, this verse reminds Christians of the never-ending depths of God's mysteries and encourages them to continue seeking a deeper relationship with Him alongside their fellow believers.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Ephesians is that it speaks to the vastness and completeness of God's love and grace. The words 'breadth, length, depth, and height' are often seen as representing the all-encompassing nature of God's love for all believers. Each of these dimensions signifies a different aspect of God's love, with breadth representing its inclusiveness, length signifying its enduring nature, depth symbolizing its profoundness, and height representing its exalted and transcendent quality. This verse emphasizes the unity of believers in understanding and experiencing the fullness of God's love together, as 'all saints' are called to comprehend these dimensions collectively. Through theological study and reflection on these dimensions, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the immeasurable love and grace that God bestows upon them.
Ephesians 3:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
World English Bible
may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Douay-Rheims
You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Geneva Bible (1599)
That ye, being rooted and grounded in loue, may be able to comprehend with al Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height: