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Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,
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And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br /><i>for</i> Christ to dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and being founded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; <i>and</i> that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; <i>and</i> that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; <i>and</i> that you, being firmly rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and that the Messiah would make his home in your hearts through faith. Then, having been rooted and grounded in love, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I pray that Christ may make His home in your hearts through your faith; so that having your roots deep and your foundations strong, in love, you may become mighty to grasp the idea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that the Christ may dwell through the faith in your hearts, having been rooted and founded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br /><i>for</i> Christ to dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and being founded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that the Christ may dwell through the faith in your hearts, in love having been rooted and founded,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For Christ to dwell by faith in your hearts; in love being rendered firm, and the foundation laid,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that Christ may live in your hearts through a faith rooted in, and founded on, charity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That Christ may dwell in you by faith, and in your hearts by love, strengthening your understanding and your foundation;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />The Messiah may dwell by faith, and in your hearts by love, when your root and your foundation shall be confirmed,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through the faith;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />so that your souls may be possess'd with faith in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I pray that Christ may make His home in your hearts through your faith; so that having your roots deep and your foundations strong, in love, you may become mighty to grasp the idea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that ye, having been rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: <i>and be ye</i> rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/3-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=523" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2730.htm" title="2730: katoikēsai (V-ANA) -- To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.">may dwell</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiais (N-DFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith.</a> <a href="/greek/4492.htm" title="4492: errizōmenoi (V-RPM/P-NMP) -- To cause to take root; met: I plant, fix firmly, establish. From rhiza; to root.">Then you, being rooted</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2311.htm" title="2311: tethemeliōmenoi (V-RPM/P-NMP) -- To found, lay the foundation (lit. and met.). From themelios; to lay a basis for, i.e. erect, or consolidate.">grounded</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a></span><br />Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, / rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a></span><br />I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9-11</a></span><br />You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. / But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. / And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-16.htm">1 John 4:16</a></span><br />And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></span><br />Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-23.htm">John 14:23</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16</a></span><br />Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Colossians 1:27</a></span><br />To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-11</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, / filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7-8</a></span><br />But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2-3</a></span><br />But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a></span><br />The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,</p><p class="hdg">Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21</a></b></br> In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></b></br> For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name <i>is</i> Holy; I dwell in the high and holy <i>place</i>, with him also <i>that is</i> of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-56.htm">John 6:56</a></b></br> He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.</p><p class="hdg">being.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Matthew 13:6</a></b></br> And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Romans 5:5</a></b></br> And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a></b></br> Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.</p><p class="hdg">grounded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24,25</a></b></br> Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-48.htm">Luke 6:48</a></b></br> He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Established</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-12.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/luke/6-48.htm">Founded</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-7.htm">Grounded</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Home</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Love</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/luke/17-6.htm">Rooted</a> <a href="/luke/17-6.htm">Roots</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm">End</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Established</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-10.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-10.htm">Founded</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Grounded</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-19.htm">Love</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Rooted</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Roots</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the indwelling presence of Christ in the believer's life, a central theme in Pauline theology. The concept of Christ dwelling in the heart signifies a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, beyond mere intellectual assent. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. This indwelling is made possible "through faith," highlighting the necessity of trust and belief in Jesus for salvation and spiritual growth. The idea of God dwelling among His people has roots in the Old Testament, such as in the tabernacle and temple (<a href="/exodus/25-8.htm">Exodus 25:8</a>, <a href="/1_kings/8-27.htm">1 Kings 8:27</a>), and finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Christ (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). This indwelling is a transformative process, aligning the believer's life with the character and purposes of Christ.<p><b>Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,</b><br>The imagery of being "rooted and grounded" suggests stability and strength, akin to a tree with deep roots or a building with a solid foundation. This metaphor indicates that love is the essential foundation for the Christian life. Love, as described in the New Testament, is selfless and sacrificial, modeled after Christ's love for humanity (<a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13, 1</a> <a href="/john/4-10.htm">John 4:10</a>). The dual metaphor of agriculture and architecture underscores the importance of both growth and stability in the believer's life. This love is not merely an emotion but an active, living principle that influences every aspect of a believer's conduct. The call to be rooted and grounded in love connects to the greatest commandments to love God and love others (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>), and it is through this love that believers reflect the nature of Christ to the world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing to encourage and instruct the church in Ephesus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a></b><br>Central figure in Christianity, whose indwelling presence in believers' hearts is emphasized in this verse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the early Christian church to which Paul writes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a community of believers in Ephesus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_love.htm">Faith and Love</a></b><br>Key themes in this passage, highlighting the means by which Christ dwells in believers and the foundation of their spiritual life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/christ's_indwelling_presence.htm">Christ's Indwelling Presence</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of Christ dwelling in our hearts as a personal and transformative relationship.<br><br>Encourage believers to cultivate a heart where Christ feels at home through faith and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_foundation.htm">Faith as the Foundation</a></b><br>Highlight faith as the means by which Christ dwells in us, urging believers to strengthen their faith through prayer, study, and community.<br><br>Discuss the Greek word "pistis" (faith) as trust and reliance on Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rooted_and_grounded_in_love.htm">Rooted and Grounded in Love</a></b><br>Explain the agricultural and architectural metaphors of being "rooted" and "grounded," signifying stability and nourishment in love.<br><br>Encourage believers to let love be the foundation of all their actions and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_love_in_the_christian_life.htm">The Role of Love in the Christian Life</a></b><br>Discuss how love is both the root and the fruit of a life in Christ, impacting how we interact with others.<br><br>Challenge believers to express love in practical ways, reflecting Christ's love to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_you_grounded_in_love.htm">How are you rooted and grounded in love?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_christ's_infinite_love_possible.htm">Ephesians 3:17–19 speaks of comprehending infinite dimensions of Christ’s love—how is this logically or scientifically possible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_christ_dwelling_in_us.htm">What does it mean for Christ to dwell within us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_inviting_jesus_mean.htm">What does inviting Jesus into your heart mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.</span>--What that indwelling power is he now indicates, so passing to another Person of the Holy Trinity. It is (see <a href="/colossians/1-27.htm" title=" To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:">Colossians 1:27</a>) "Christ in you, the hope of glory." The indwelling of Christ (as here the construction of the original plainly shows) is not a consequence of the gift of the Spirit; it is identical with it, for the office of the Holy Spirit is to implant and work out in us the likeness of Christ. So in <a href="/context/john/14-16.htm" title="And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;">John 14:16-20</a>, in immediate connection with the promise of the Comforter, we read: "I will not leave you orphaned; I will come to you." "Ye shall know that . . . ye are in me and I in you." Hence the life in the Spirit is described as "To me to live is Christ" (<a href="/philippians/1-21.htm" title="For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.">Philippians 1:21</a>); "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (<a href="/galatians/2-20.htm" title="I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.">Galatians 2:20</a>). Faith is simply the condition of that indwelling of Christ (comp. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm" title="For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:">Ephesians 2:8</a>), the opening of the door to Him that He may enter in.<p>The prayer is here complete, all that follows being but consequent from it. In accordance with the universal law of revelation, all is <span class= "ital">from</span> the Father, all is <span class= "ital">through</span> the Son vouchsafing to tabernacle in our humanity, all is <span class= "ital">by</span> the Spirit effecting that indwelling of Christ in each individual soul. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.</span> Reversing the usual order, the prayer begins (ver. 16) by asking the blessing of the Third Person of the Godhead; now we have a cluster of petitions connected with the Second Person. The first of these is for the indwelling of Christ in their hearts, as opposed to mere occasional visits or influences from Christ; the instrument by which this blessing is attained being their faith. Christ exercising a constant power within them, both in the active and passive movements of the heart, giving the sense of pardon and acceptance, molding the will, sweetening the emotions, enlightening and confirming the conscience, purifying the whole springs and principles of action. This to be secured by their faith, opening the door, receiving Christ in all his fullness, resting and living on him, believing his promises, and longing for his appearing the second time. <span class="cmt_word">In order that ye, having been rooted and grounded in love.</span> Two images are combined to make the idea emphatic - that of a tree and that of a building; denoting what is both the starting-point and the support of the Christian's life, viz. love. In what sense? The love of Christ is specified afterwards (ver. 19), but this may be as a pre-eminent branch of that manifold love which bears on the Christian life - the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the love of the brethren to one another; and the reciprocal love evoked from the believer by the reception of this love. Evidently it is implied that the Christian life can begin and flourish only in such an atmosphere of love; as warm sunshine is needed to start and advance the life of a plant, so love is needed to start and carry on the life of the soul. Experience of Divine love is a great quickening and propelling power. "One glance of God, a touch of his love, will free and enlarge the heart, so that it can deny all and part with all and make an entire renunciation of all to follow him" (Archbishop Leighton). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/3-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸν</span> <span class="translit">(ton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστὸν</span> <span class="translit">(Christon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may dwell</span><br /><span class="grk">κατοικῆσαι</span> <span class="translit">(katoikēsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2730.htm">Strong's 2730: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hearts</span><br /><span class="grk">καρδίαις</span> <span class="translit">(kardiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">faith.</span><br /><span class="grk">πίστεως</span> <span class="translit">(pisteōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[And I pray that] you, being rooted</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐρριζωμένοι</span> <span class="translit">(errizōmenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4492.htm">Strong's 4492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cause to take root; met: I plant, fix firmly, establish. From rhiza; to root.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">grounded</span><br /><span class="grk">τεθεμελιωμένοι</span> <span class="translit">(tethemeliōmenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2311.htm">Strong's 2311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To found, lay the foundation (lit. and met.). From themelios; to lay a basis for, i.e. erect, or consolidate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">love,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγάπῃ</span> <span class="translit">(agapē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts (Ephes. Eph. 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