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G1840 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξισχύω
exischuo
Verb
to be fully able; to be strong enough; to prevail

Definition

Exischuo intensifies ischuo (to be strong/able) with ex (fully/out). It appears once — Ephesians 3:18 — in Paul's great prayer that believers may 'have strength [exischusete] to comprehend... what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.' The word implies that the comprehension of divine love requires a capacity beyond ordinary human strength — a divinely empowered ability.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul prays for exischuo because the love of Christ requires more than ordinary human cognition. To grasp what cannot be fully grasped — to 'know the unknowable' — requires the Spirit's empowerment. The four dimensions of love (breadth, length, height, depth) are not geometrical; they signal infinity. No finite mind can contain the infinite love of God unaided. Yet Paul prays that they would grasp it — because in the Spirit, the incomprehensible becomes experienced truth. The prayer is the answer: ask for strength to know the love that surpasses knowledge.

Key Verses

Ephesians 3:18 ...may have strength [exischusete] to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth.
Ephesians 3:16 That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

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