Ephesians 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul prays that God would give the believers wisdom and revelation to know Him more deeply.
What Does Ephesians 1:17 Mean?
The heart of Paul's prayer is knowledge -- not bare information, but a deep, personal knowing of God Himself. He asks for 'the spirit of wisdom and revelation,' the inward enabling by which spiritual truth becomes real to the soul. Such knowledge is a gift to be sought, not a feat to be achieved.
He addresses God as 'the Father of glory,' the source of all true splendor. To know this God is the highest aim of the Christian life. Everything Paul has celebrated in the opening verses can only bless us as we come to know the One who gives it, and so he prays first for knowledge of Him.
Ephesians 1:17 in the Original Language
epignosis (ἐπίγνωσις), 'knowledge' -- full, personal, experiential knowing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesians 1:17
What does Ephesians 1:17 mean?
Paul prays that God would give the believers wisdom and revelation to know Him more deeply.