Ephesians 3:18

18. May be able—even still further. Greek, "May be fully able."

breadth . . . length . . . depth . . . height—namely, the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God" ( :-), to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond (compare Ephesians 4:10; Ephesians 4:13) as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's world-wide love, embracing all men: the "length," its being extended through all ages (Ephesians 4:13- :); the "depth," its profound wisdom which no creature can fathom (Romans 11:33); the "height," its being beyond the reach of any foe to deprive us of (Ephesians 4:8) [BENGEL]. I prefer to understand "the breadth," &c., to refer to the whole of the vast mystery of free salvation in Christ for all, Gentile and Jew alike, of which Paul had been speaking (Ephesians 4:8- :), and of which he now prays they may have a fuller comprehension. As subsidiary to this, and the most essential part of it, he adds, "and to know the love of Christ" (Ephesians 4:8- :). GROTIUS understands depth and height of God's goodness raising us from the lowest depression to the greatest height.