Ephesians 1:17

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:17 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's fervent prayer for the believers in Ephesus, articulating his profound desire for their spiritual enlightenment and a deeper, experiential knowledge of God. Following a rich exposition of the spiritual blessings believers possess in Christ, Paul transitions from doxology to intercession, seeking that God, as the Father of glory, would grant them a supernatural impartation of wisdom and revelation. This divine insight is presented as essential for truly comprehending the immense spiritual inheritance and the glorious power available to those who believe in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:17 marks a significant shift in Paul's opening address to the Ephesian church. The preceding verses (Ephesians 1:3-14) are a grand theological doxology, a single, flowing sentence in the Greek, celebrating God's redemptive plan from eternity past to its eschatological consummation. Paul meticulously outlines the spiritual blessings believers have received in Christ, including election before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Election in Christ")), adoption as sons ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")), redemption through His blood ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption and Forgiveness")), and the sealing of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Sealing of the Spirit")). Having established the objective reality of these divine provisions, Paul now turns to prayer, asking that the believers might subjectively grasp and experientially know the magnitude of these truths. Verse 17 initiates a series of petitions (Ephesians 1:17-23) that seek spiritual understanding, not material gain, for the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a bustling metropolitan center in Asia Minor, renowned for its immense temple dedicated to Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Idolatry, magic, and various pagan cults were deeply entrenched in the city's fabric, presenting a challenging spiritual environment for the nascent Christian community. Paul had spent a significant period in Ephesus (Acts 19), establishing a strong church. His letter, likely written from prison (circa A.D. 60-62), addresses a church that, while established, needed deeper grounding in theological truth to withstand the pressures of their culture and to fully appropriate their identity in Christ. The emphasis on "wisdom and revelation" was particularly pertinent in a city steeped in mystery religions and esoteric knowledge, contrasting worldly wisdom with divine illumination. The concept of "glory" (doxa) would have resonated with a culture that valued public honor and divine manifestation, but Paul redefines it in terms of God's inherent splendor and redemptive work in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy of spiritual understanding** over worldly knowledge or material possessions. Paul's prayer prioritizes a deep, transformative knowledge of God, underscoring that true spiritual growth stems from divine revelation. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Trinitarian nature of God**, addressing "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory," which points to the distinct yet unified roles within the Godhead in salvation and revelation. Thirdly, the theme of **divine enablement** is prominent, as Paul prays for God to "give" the spirit of wisdom and revelation, indicating that such profound insight is a gift from God, not something achievable through human intellect alone. This ties into the broader theme of God's **grace** and the **Holy Spirit's role** in illuminating truth, a concept woven throughout Paul's letters (e.g., [1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")). Finally, the ultimate goal of this spiritual enlightenment is **"the knowledge of him,"** pointing to the profound, intimate, and experiential relationship with God that is the pinnacle of the Christian life, echoing themes found in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb, G1325, signifies a bestowal or granting, often implying a free and unmerited act. In this context, it emphasizes that the "spirit of wisdom and revelation" is not earned or achieved by human effort but is a divine gift from God. It highlights God's initiative and generosity in imparting spiritual understanding to His children, underscoring the gracious nature of divine illumination.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** G1391, derived from the idea of "appearing" or "being apparent," refers to God's inherent splendor, majesty, and honor. When Paul refers to God as "the Father of glory," he is describing God as the source, possessor, and ultimate manifestation of all glory. This title elevates the prayer's recipient, emphasizing the infinite majesty and power of the one who is being petitioned for wisdom and revelation. It suggests that the wisdom and revelation sought are themselves glorious, reflecting the nature of their divine source.
* **knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis'_):** G1922, this term denotes a full, precise, and experiential knowledge, going beyond mere intellectual acquaintance (gnosis). It implies a deep, intimate, and transformative understanding that affects one's entire being. Paul desires that believers move from a superficial understanding to a profound, personal, and ever-deepening relationship with God, characterized by full discernment and acknowledgement of His character and purposes. This is not just knowing *about* God, but truly knowing *Him*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,"**: Paul addresses God in a specific, relational way, emphasizing His unique relationship with Jesus Christ. This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God and acknowledges Jesus as the mediator through whom believers approach the Father. It also sets the stage for the Christ-centered nature of the wisdom and revelation being sought.
* **"the Father of glory,"**: This majestic title emphasizes God's supreme majesty, inherent splendor, and the source of all divine manifestation. It underscores the infinite power and majesty of the One from whom all true wisdom and revelation flow, assuring the believers that they are praying to a God fully capable of granting such profound spiritual gifts.
* **"may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation"**: This is the core request of the prayer. Paul asks for a divine impartation – a "spirit" (pneuma), which can refer to a disposition, an attitude, or even the Holy Spirit Himself as the agent of this spiritual gift. "Wisdom" (sophia) implies practical discernment and spiritual insight for living, while "revelation" (apokalypsis) refers to the unveiling or disclosure of divine truth previously hidden. This combination suggests a supernatural ability to understand God's purposes, character, and the mysteries of His will.
* **"in the knowledge of him:"**: This clause states the ultimate purpose and sphere of the wisdom and revelation. The Greek word for "knowledge" (epignosis) signifies a full, precise, and experiential understanding. The goal is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, intimate, and transformative relationship with God, where believers increasingly know Him in a personal and profound way, leading to a life lived in accordance with His will.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Apostolic Prayer**, a common feature in Paul's epistles where he intercedes for his readers, often revealing his theological priorities and the spiritual needs of the church. This prayer functions as a model for believers, demonstrating what truly matters in the Christian life. The phrase "Father of glory" is an example of a **Genitive of Source** or **Quality**, emphasizing that God is the origin and embodiment of all glory. There is also a subtle **Parallelism** between "wisdom" and "revelation," suggesting two complementary aspects of divine insight: wisdom for practical living and revelation for understanding divine mysteries. Furthermore, the entire verse is part of a larger **Doxology** (Ephesians 1:3-14) that transitions into **Intercession** (Ephesians 1:15-23), showcasing Paul's characteristic movement from praising God for His actions to praying for the spiritual growth of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:17 is a profound theological statement on the necessity of divine illumination for spiritual growth. It underscores that true spiritual understanding is not merely intellectual but a gracious gift from God, mediated by the Holy Spirit. This verse connects the objective reality of God's blessings in Christ (as detailed in Ephesians 1:3-14) with the subjective appropriation of those blessings through spiritual insight. It emphasizes that a deep, experiential knowledge of God is the ultimate goal of the Christian life, enabling believers to live in accordance with their high calling. This knowledge transcends mere facts about God; it is a transformative, relational knowing that empowers believers to grasp the "hope of His calling," the "riches of His glory," and the "exceeding greatness of His power" (Ephesians 1:18-19).
* [Colossians 1:9](/colossians/1-9 "Colossians 1:9 - Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - The Goal of Knowing Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:17 provides a powerful blueprint for our own prayer lives and spiritual aspirations. It challenges us to re-evaluate what we prioritize in our petitions to God. Instead of primarily seeking material blessings or worldly success, Paul models a profound desire for spiritual enlightenment – a deeper, more intimate, and transformative knowledge of God Himself. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of our faith to actively seek the "spirit of wisdom and revelation" that enables us to truly comprehend the immense spiritual riches we possess in Christ. It reminds us that such wisdom is a divine gift, not a human achievement, fostering humility and dependence on God. As we pray this verse for ourselves and for others, we are invited into a journey of continuous growth, where the Holy Spirit unveils more of God's character, His purposes, and the glorious power available to us, leading to a life lived in greater alignment with His will and for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17 reveal about his priorities for the believers, and how do these compare to your own prayer priorities?**
* **In what ways do you currently seek "wisdom and revelation" in your knowledge of God? Is it primarily through intellectual study, or do you actively pray for divine insight?**
* **How might a deeper, experiential "knowledge of him" (epignosis) transform your daily walk, your understanding of your identity in Christ, and your engagement with the world?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "wisdom" and "revelation" as mentioned in Ephesians 1:17?**

Answer: While closely related and often working in tandem, "wisdom" (Greek: _sophia_) and "revelation" (Greek: _apokálypsis_) have distinct nuances in this context. "Revelation" refers to the unveiling or disclosure of divine truth that was previously hidden or unknown. It is the act of God making Himself and His purposes known to humanity, often through direct spiritual insight or prophetic utterance. "Wisdom," on the other hand, refers to the spiritual discernment and practical understanding that enables one to apply revealed truth to life. It's not just knowing _what_ God has revealed, but knowing _how_ to live in light of that truth, making godly choices and understanding divine principles. So, revelation provides the truth, and wisdom provides the spiritual capacity to grasp and apply that truth effectively, leading to a deeper "knowledge of him" ([Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, for it is "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ" who grants this spiritual enlightenment. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge, as [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge") declares, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He is the ultimate "revelation" of God, for as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Revealed Him") states, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." Therefore, to receive the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" is to be increasingly conformed to the image of Christ, to understand God through the lens of His Son, and to grasp the profound mysteries of God's redemptive plan unveiled in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit, the "spirit of wisdom and revelation," guides believers into all truth, which is ultimately truth about Christ ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit Will Guide You Into All Truth")). Thus, Paul's prayer is a Christ-exalting petition, seeking that believers would increasingly know the Father through the Son, by the power of the Spirit, leading to a life that reflects the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

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.

Cross-References

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: