May be able (1840) (exischuo from ek = an intensifies + ischuo = to be strong, able - see related word ischus) means to be eminently able, to have strength enough, to be quite able to do, to be in full strength, to be fully able. This compound word is one of the strongest Greek words for strength and signifies one completely capable of doing or experiencing something.
In the English rendering it is easy to pass over the may be able which is brought out more graphically in other translations like the Amplified which renders it...
That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp
The point is that the preface asking for power to grasp implies that divine enabling is essential. It conveys the ability to attain an objective, in this case to lay hold of.
Vincent writes that exischuo
occurs only here. The preposition ex has the force of fully or eminently. Ischus is strength embodied; inhering in organized power. Hence it is an advance on dunamei or might in Eph 3:16. Paul prays that the inward might or virtue may issue in ability to grasp. Compare Lu 14:30; 16:3; Acts 27:16; Jas. 5:16, and see notes.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)