1:16 1:16

Ephesians 1:17

1:18 1:18

Bible Versions

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
That {G2443} the God {G2316} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, the Father {G3962} of glory {G1391}, may give {G1325} unto you {G5213} the spirit {G4151} of wisdom {G4678} and {G2532} revelation {G602} in {G1722} the knowledge {G1922} of him {G846}:
the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him.
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;

Ephesians 1:17 is a pivotal verse within Paul's profound prayer for the Ephesian believers, revealing his earnest desire for their spiritual enlightenment and deeper communion with God. This verse follows Paul's opening thanksgiving and benediction, where he praises God for the immense spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ, such as election, adoption, and redemption.

Context

The book of Ephesians is a rich theological treatise written by the Apostle Paul, likely during his imprisonment (around A.D. 60-62), to the church in Ephesus, a significant city in Asia Minor known for its temple to Artemis (Diana). The first chapter details the glorious spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ, emphasizing God's eternal plan and the lavish grace poured out upon His people. Following this foundational declaration of blessings, Paul transitions into a fervent prayer for the recipients, asking that they might truly comprehend the magnitude of what they have received. Verse 17 is the opening request of this prayer, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's power and purpose.

Key Themes

  • Prayer for Spiritual Enlightenment: Paul's primary request is not for material wealth or worldly success, but for a profound spiritual understanding. This highlights the supreme importance of spiritual insight in the Christian life.
  • The Source of True Knowledge: The prayer is directed to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory," underscoring that genuine wisdom and revelation come directly from God Himself. He is the ultimate fount of all truth and understanding.
  • The Nature of Spiritual Gifts: The "spirit of wisdom and revelation" refers to a divine endowment or disposition from God, enabling believers to grasp spiritual realities. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a divinely imparted insight into God's character and plan.
  • The Goal of Knowing God: The ultimate purpose of this wisdom and revelation is to grow "in the knowledge of him." This refers to a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge of God, not just factual information about Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spirit of wisdom and revelation" (Greek: pneuma sophia kai apokalypsis) is significant. Sophia (wisdom) implies practical discernment and spiritual insight that guides one's life, while apokalypsis (revelation) refers to an "unveiling" or "disclosure" of divine truth that was previously hidden. This combination suggests a supernatural ability to understand God's purposes and character. The term "knowledge of him" translates the Greek word epignosis, which denotes a full, precise, and experiential knowledge, distinct from mere intellectual acquaintance (gnosis). Paul desires for believers to move beyond basic understanding to a profound, transformative relationship with God.

Related Scriptures

Paul's prayers often emphasize spiritual understanding. For example, he prays for the Colossian believers to be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1:9). This echoes the theme in Ephesians 1:17. The concept of God revealing deep spiritual truths is also seen in 1 Corinthians 2:10, where Paul states that "God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit." The ultimate aim, as in Philippians 3:10, is "that I may know him."

Practical Application

Ephesians 1:17 serves as a powerful model for prayer. It reminds believers to prioritize seeking deeper spiritual understanding and a more intimate knowledge of God. Instead of focusing solely on temporal needs, we are encouraged to ask God for the divine wisdom and revelation necessary to comprehend His will, His character, and the immense riches of our inheritance in Christ. This verse prompts us to move beyond superficial faith to a vibrant, Spirit-led relationship, continually growing in our experiential knowledge of the one true God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 11:2

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  • 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.

  • James 3:18

    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  • 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;

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Proverbs 2:5

    Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

  • 2 Peter 1:3

    According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
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