ἐξισχύω (exischuō)
exischuō
to have power
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exischuō means to possess full strength or to be completely able to do something. It combines a prefix indicating completeness with a root meaning strength, creating a sense of having sufficient power for a demanding task. The sources note that it is used with an infinitive to describe being "quite able" to achieve a specific goal.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 3:18. Here, Paul prays that believers may have the strength to grasp the dimensions of Christ’s love. The usage emphasizes not just potential capability, but the actual power required for a profound spiritual undertaking. It suggests a robust capacity that matches the magnitude of the task at hand.
Its rarity in Scripture highlights its specific weight. While other words for ability exist, exischuō conveys a sense of thorough readiness. Translators often render it as "have power" or "be able," capturing the idea that the necessary strength is fully present and accessible to those who receive it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Paul uses a rare word in Ephesians 3:18 to describe the strength needed to grasp Christ’s love. The Greek term exischuō implies having full power or being completely able to undertake a task. It suggests that this capability is not just potential, but actual and sufficient for the challenge at hand.
When Paul prays for believers to comprehend the breadth of God's love, he acknowledges that this is a demanding spiritual work. It requires more than human effort. The word points to a divine enablement that matches the magnitude of the mystery. You do not need to muster your own strength alone.
This assurance invites you to rest in God’s provision. The power to understand and experience His love is available to you. It is a gift given through prayer, allowing you to stand firm in the reality of what Christ has done for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may be fully able1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξισχύσητε1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 3:18
may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul prays for believers to have the full power needed to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love.