King James Version

What Does Colossians 1:9 Mean?

Colossians 1:9 in the King James Version says “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 w... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 1:9 · KJV


Context

7

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

8

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

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;

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;

11

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul's intercessory prayer begins with epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις, "full knowledge"), contrasting the false teachers' gnōsis (γνῶσις, "knowledge"). Epignōsis implies complete, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual grasp—knowing God's will personally through relationship, not secret formulae.

"In all wisdom and spiritual understanding" pairs sophia (σοφία, "wisdom") with synesei pneumatikē (συνέσει πνευματικῇ, "spiritual comprehension"). Wisdom applies knowledge practically; understanding grasps connections. Both are "spiritual"—produced by the Spirit, not human intellect. This directly counters the Colossian heresy's claim that special revelation beyond Scripture was needed for spiritual maturity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy prized knowledge (gnōsis) as the path to virtue and enlightenment. Gnostic systems (developing in this era) taught that secret knowledge released initiates from material bondage. Paul redefines true knowledge as knowing God's will through Spirit-illumined Scripture, accessible to all believers, not elite mystics. This democratizes spirituality while maintaining high standards.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you pursue knowledge of God's will—through Scripture study and prayer, or through subjective experiences and feelings?
  2. What's the difference between accumulating biblical information and gaining Spirit-illumined wisdom for life application?
  3. Where might you be seeking 'deeper' knowledge beyond Scripture instead of deepening understanding of revealed truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Διὰ1 of 28

For

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 28

this cause

G5124

that thing

καὶ3 of 28

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς4 of 28

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφ'5 of 28

since

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἧς6 of 28
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡμέρας7 of 28

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἠκούσαμεν8 of 28

we heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

οὐ9 of 28

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

παυόμεθα10 of 28

cease

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

ὑπὲρ11 of 28

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν12 of 28

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

προσευχόμενοι13 of 28

to pray

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

καὶ14 of 28

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αἰτούμενοι15 of 28

to desire

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

ἵνα16 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πληρωθῆτε17 of 28

ye might be filled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὴν18 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπίγνωσιν19 of 28

with the knowledge

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

τοῦ20 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θελήματος21 of 28

will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

αὐτοῦ22 of 28

of his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν23 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ24 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σοφίᾳ25 of 28

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

καὶ26 of 28

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνέσει27 of 28

understanding

G4907

a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect

πνευματικῇ28 of 28

spiritual

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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