Ephesians 3:19

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)

Context

Paul writes this verse as the concluding petition of his prayer for believers in Ephesus (Ephesians 3:14-21). He has asked that they be strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner being, that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. Verse 19 then asks that they may know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge.

Meaning

The word “know” here is not merely intellectual but experiential and relational—a deep, intimate knowledge that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ongoing experience of His love and grace. This love is described as surpassing knowledge: it is beyond full human comprehension, yet it can be truly known in experience. The love of Christ is special and peculiar to His own people, free and sovereign, as early as the Father’s love, durable and unchangeable, the greatest love ever heard of, matchless and unparalleled, exceeding strong and affectionate, wonderful and surprising. Its instances include Christ’s engaging as a surety for His people and espousing both their persons and their cause.

The verse concludes with the purpose: “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” This is a prayer that believers may be filled with God’s presence and character to the fullest extent—filled up to all the fullness of God. The fullness of God is not a vague concept but the complete expression of His nature and attributes, imparted to believers through the Spirit. This fullness is not a one-time event but an ongoing filling that comes through knowing Christ’s love more deeply.

Application

Believers are encouraged to pursue a deep and intimate knowledge of the love of Christ, which goes beyond human understanding. By knowing this love, we can be filled with the fullness of God, experiencing His presence, power, and transformation in our lives. This is a prayer for spiritual growth and understanding, emphasizing that the deepest knowledge of God’s love leads to being filled with His fullness.

Reflection

This verse reminds us of the immeasurable love that God has for us and the desire He has to fill our lives with His divine nature. It calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent and into a living, experiential relationship with Christ, where His love becomes the foundation of our being and the source of our transformation.