3:20a
Now: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now simply connects 3:20 to the preceding verses. It is not a time word. Some of the more modern English versions do not translate it.
to Him: The pronoun Him refers to God. Even though Paul did not mention God by name, you may want to say “God” explicitly in your translation. For example:
Glory belongs to God (God’s Word)
3:20b
who is able to do so much more: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as so much more literally means “super-abundantly above.” So, the clause who is able to do so much more means that God has power to do much, much more than we can ever ask of him.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
who can do far more
-or-
He has power to do immeasurably more
3:20c
than all we ask or imagine: Paul is saying that God is able to do infinitely more than he or the Ephesians could ask or think to ask.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
than we could possibly think of to ask
-or-
than is even possible to request or even think of
General Comment on 3:20
Commentators are divided over whether Paul was referring to his requests in 3:16–19 or to requests in general.
Translations leave the reference here ambiguous and it is recommended that you translate this verse the same way.
3:20d
according to His power that is at work within us: God does more than people can ask or think. He does this according to or by the power of his Holy Spirit who works in the hearts of his people.
In some languages it may not be possible to say that God’s power “works” in us. You may have to say that God’s power “acts” or “moves” in us. Use whichever verb goes with power. Or you may have to say that God is working powerfully/mightily in us.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: (Good News Translation)
General Comment on 3:20a–d
It may be more natural in your language to change the order of 3:20a–d. For example:
20a Glory belongs to God, 20d whose power is at work in us. 20b–c By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine (God’s Word)
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