King James Version

What Does Ephesians 1:17 Mean?

Ephesians 1:17 in the King James Version says “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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: in: or, for the acknowledgement

Ephesians 1:17 · KJV


Context

15

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17

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: in: or, for the acknowledgement

18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, his mighty power: Gr. the might of his power


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 1:17 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 1 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 1 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 1:17 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἵνα1 of 21

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

2 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸς3 of 21

the God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ4 of 21
G3588

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

κυρίου5 of 21

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν6 of 21

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ7 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ8 of 21

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

9 of 21
G3588

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

πατὴρ10 of 21

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τῆς11 of 21
G3588

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

δόξης12 of 21

of glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

δώῃ13 of 21

may give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν14 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

πνεῦμα15 of 21

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

σοφίας16 of 21

of wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

καὶ17 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἀποκαλύψεως18 of 21

revelation

G602

disclosure

ἐν19 of 21

in

G1722

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

ἐπιγνώσει20 of 21

the knowledge

G1922

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

αὐτοῦ21 of 21
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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Ephesians 1:17 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 Ephesians 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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