Devine Scripture

Ephesians 1:17

What does Ephesians 1:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 1:17 means

Paul prays that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,” would give the believers “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” He asks not for new information apart from Scripture but for the Spirit’s work to make God known personally and profoundly. Wisdom applies truth; revelation discloses what we would not perceive unaided. The goal is relational knowledge—knowing God himself, not merely facts about him. This prayer acknowledges that growth in the Christian life depends on God opening our minds and hearts so that Christ becomes clearer and dearer to us.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that theGod of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give you [the] spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of him,

Context

Verse 17 initiates the content of Paul’s intercession. Having praised the triune work of salvation, he now prays to the Father to grant spiritual perception. Verses 18–19 will specify what this enlightened knowledge includes: the hope of God’s calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of his power toward believers. Then verses 20–23 will ground that power in the historical and cosmic exaltation of Christ. The flow tightens theology and experience: what God has done must be spiritually grasped.

v.16cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

v.17This passage

v.18having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 14:17

    even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.

  • Psalms 24:10

    Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of hosts, He is the King of glory. [Selah

  • Romans 15:6

    that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Daniel 10:1

    In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10

    But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

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