Colossians 1:9

¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

For {G1223} this cause {G5124} we {G2249} also {G2532}, since {G575} the {G3739} day {G2250} we heard {G191} it, do {G3973} not {G3756} cease {G3973} to pray {G4336} for {G5228} you {G5216}, and {G2532} to desire {G154} that {G2443} ye might be filled {G4137} with the knowledge {G1922} of his {G846} will {G2307} in {G1722} all {G3956} wisdom {G4678} and {G2532} spiritual {G4152} understanding {G4907};

Therefore, from the day we heard of it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all the wisdom and understanding which the Spirit gives;

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Colossians 1:9 is a foundational verse that reveals the heart of the Apostle Paul's prayer for the believers in Colossae. It underscores his unwavering commitment to their spiritual maturity and deep understanding of God's purposes for their lives.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's expression of thanksgiving for the Colossians' faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints, which he heard about (Colossians 1:4). The phrase "For this cause" directly connects to their demonstrated faith and love, indicating that their spiritual vitality spurred Paul's continuous intercession. Paul, along with Timothy, consistently prayed for them, emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer in Christian life, not just for new converts but for established believers to grow deeper in their walk.

Key Themes

  • Unceasing Prayer: Paul's commitment to "not cease to pray for you" highlights the diligence and constancy required in intercessory prayer. This isn't a casual request but a fervent, ongoing desire for their spiritual well-being.
  • Knowledge of God's Will: The central desire is for them to be "filled with the knowledge of his will." This isn't just intellectual assent but a profound, experiential understanding of God's plans and purposes for their lives and for the church. It implies a transformative knowledge that guides behavior and decision-making. Discerning God's will is crucial for Christian living.
  • Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding: This knowledge is not to be gained through human intellect alone but "in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
    • Wisdom (Greek: sophia): Refers to the practical application of divine truth, the ability to live skillfully according to God's principles.
    • Spiritual Understanding (Greek: synesis): Denotes the ability to comprehend, discern, and grasp spiritual realities, often implying insight into complex matters. This understanding comes from the Holy Spirit, not merely human reason. Paul makes a similar prayer in Ephesians 1:17 for a spirit of wisdom and revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "knowledge" used here is epignosis (ἐπίγνωσις), which signifies a full, precise, and accurate knowledge, often implying an experiential or intimate understanding rather than a mere factual acquaintance. It's a deeper, more personal comprehension of God's will. This contrasts with a superficial or incomplete understanding, pointing to a desire for profound spiritual insight.

Practical Application

Colossians 1:9 serves as a powerful model for our own prayers for fellow believers and for ourselves. It encourages us to pray not just for physical needs but primarily for spiritual growth, wisdom, and a deeper comprehension of God's divine will. Such prayers enable believers to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work, as described in the subsequent verses (Colossians 1:10-12). Actively seeking wisdom from God and spiritual understanding is essential for navigating life's complexities and fulfilling our purpose in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  • Philippians 1:9

    ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

  • Philippians 1:11

    Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Ephesians 1:15

    ¶ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

  • Ephesians 1:20

    Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

  • Colossians 4:5

    ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
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