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:

Ephesians 1:17 nkjv

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Ephesians 1:17 niv

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Ephesians 1:17 esv

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Ephesians 1:17 nlt

asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Ephesians 1 verses

Ephesians 1 17 Meaning

Ephesians 1:17 conveys Paul's earnest prayer for believers, building upon his earlier thanksgiving for their faith and love. He implores God, identified as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father of glory, to grant them an exceptional spiritual endowment. This gift comprises "the spirit of wisdom and of revelation," aimed at enabling a deeper, more profound and personal comprehension of God Himself. This intimate knowledge is essential for believers to fully grasp the spiritual blessings and grand divine plan already detailed in the preceding verses.

Ephesians 1 17 Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening prayer for the Ephesian believers (Eph 1:15-23), following his expansive exposition of spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph 1:3-14). Having declared God's gracious actions in predestination, adoption, redemption, and sealing with the Holy Spirit, Paul now prays that the believers might fully comprehend the magnificent reality of what they have received. The context implies that such profound spiritual truths are not grasped merely by human intellect but require divine enablement. The original audience consisted primarily of Gentile Christians in Ephesus, a prominent city known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis and various mystery cults. While Gnosticism, a later philosophical challenge, wasn't fully developed, there were existing philosophical systems emphasizing special, secret knowledge (gnosis). Paul's prayer for a "spirit of revelation and wisdom in the knowledge of Him" served as a counterpoint, presenting genuine spiritual knowledge as a divine gift focused on understanding God and Christ, not esoteric human speculation. This knowledge is not intellectual assent but an experiential, transformative knowing.

Ephesians 1 17 Word analysis

• that the God: Paul's prayer acknowledges God as the ultimate source of spiritual wisdom and revelation. It emphasizes that this gift must originate from Him.
• of our Lord Jesus Christ: This identifies the specific God to whom Paul prays—the God revealed supremely in Jesus Christ. It underscores the Christocentric nature of salvation and understanding.
• the Father of glory: (Greek: patēr tēs doxēs - πατὴρ τῆς δόξης). This majestic title highlights God's inherent nature as the source and possessor of all glory, honor, and radiant splendor. It speaks to His divine majesty, greatness, and light, indicating that any true revelation and wisdom derive from His glorious being.
• may give: (Greek: dō - δῷ). This is an optative mood, indicating a fervent prayer request or a wish that God would grant. It highlights the divine prerogative and grace in imparting these spiritual gifts; they are not earned but bestowed.
• to you: Specifically directed at the Ephesian believers, indicating that these gifts are for all believers, not just an elite few. It emphasizes the personal appropriation of spiritual truths.
• the spirit: (Greek: pneuma - πνεῦμα). This crucial term has led to scholarly discussion. It is most profoundly understood here as referring to the Holy Spirit as the active agent who bestows "wisdom and revelation." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to understand spiritual realities that are otherwise inscrutable to the natural mind. It's the divine enabler for supernatural insight, not just a human disposition.
• of wisdom: (Greek: sophia - σοφία). This refers to divine wisdom, which is not merely intellectual knowledge or cleverness but a deep, spiritual understanding of God's ways, His purposes, and the practical application of His truth in life. It's knowing things from God's perspective.
• and of revelation: (Greek: apokalypsis - ἀποκάλυψις). This means "an unveiling" or "disclosure." It signifies a divine act of making known what was previously hidden or obscured. In this context, it refers to God illuminating the truths about Himself and His eternal plan through His Spirit, moving believers beyond a superficial understanding to profound insight.
• in the knowledge: (Greek: en epignōsei - ἐν ἐπιγνώσει). The preposition "in" denotes the sphere or outcome. Epignōsis implies not merely intellectual knowing (gnōsis - γνῶσις) but a deep, accurate, full, and experiential acquaintance or intimate understanding. It's knowledge gained through relationship and spiritual insight, leading to transformed living.
• of Him: This "Him" refers primarily to God, the Father, but implicitly encompasses Jesus Christ (the God "of our Lord Jesus Christ") whom God has fully revealed. The ultimate purpose of this spiritual endowment is to know God Himself more intimately and experientially, understanding His character, will, and vast purposes revealed in Christ.

Ephesians 1 17 Bonus section

The sequence in Ephesians 1 (from blessing to prayer for understanding) is instructive. Paul first lays out the magnificent spiritual blessings God has already lavished on believers in Christ (Eph 1:3-14). He then immediately prays for believers to understand these truths (Eph 1:15-23). This suggests that intellectual assent to doctrine is good, but deep spiritual apprehension is essential for true Christian living and for appreciating God's goodness. It's not enough to be blessed; one must deeply grasp the blessings. This prayer indicates that a mere rational grasp of divine truth is insufficient; a supernatural endowment is required for a truly profound, transforming understanding of God.

Ephesians 1 17 Commentary

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17 is a profound request for a spiritual upgrade in the Ephesian believers, building upon the rich doctrinal exposition of the preceding verses. He recognizes that while salvation is God's gift, comprehending its magnificent depth and scope requires an additional, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. This is not a prayer for more information, but for enlightened insight into existing truths.

The "Father of glory" is majestic, signifying God's boundless power and resplendent majesty from whom all light and understanding emanate. The "spirit of wisdom and of revelation" is key. While some see it as a human disposition endowed by God, the weight of biblical evidence and the immediate context (Eph 3:16, 1 Cor 2:10-12) strongly points to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who unveils God's truth (revelation) and grants the ability to discern and apply it appropriately (wisdom). This contrasts with human speculation or intellectual pursuit; true spiritual knowledge is a divine impartation.

The ultimate goal of this spiritual wisdom and revelation is "the knowledge of Him" – not just about God, but an intimate, accurate, and experiential knowing of God Himself, particularly as revealed in Jesus Christ. This deep knowledge leads to recognizing God's immense power working in believers and understanding the hope of their calling, as Paul explains in the subsequent verses (Eph 1:18-20). It empowers believers to live out their identity and calling in Christ effectively. This kind of knowing transforms character, reorients priorities, and inspires a life commensurate with their divine calling.