King James Version

What Does Ephesians 1:18 Mean?

Ephesians 1:18 in the King James Version says “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches ... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Ephesians 1:18 · KJV


Context

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

20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 1:18 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 1:18 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 · 29 words
πεφωτισμένους1 of 29

being enlightened

G5461

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς2 of 29
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς3 of 29

The eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

τῆς4 of 29
G3588

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

διανοίας5 of 29

understanding

G1271

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

ὑμῶν6 of 29

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς7 of 29

that

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ8 of 29
G3588

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

εἰδέναι9 of 29

may know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὑμᾶς10 of 29

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τίς11 of 29

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν12 of 29

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

13 of 29
G3588

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

ἐλπὶς14 of 29

the hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

τῆς15 of 29
G3588

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

κλήσεως16 of 29

calling

G2821

an invitation (figuratively)

αὐτοῦ17 of 29

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

καὶ18 of 29

and

G2532

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

τίς19 of 29

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

20 of 29
G3588

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

πλοῦτος21 of 29

the riches

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

τῆς22 of 29
G3588

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

δόξης23 of 29

of the glory

G1391

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

τῆς24 of 29
G3588

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

κληρονομίας25 of 29

inheritance

G2817

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession

αὐτοῦ26 of 29

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

ἐν27 of 29

in

G1722

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

τοῖς28 of 29
G3588

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

ἁγίοις29 of 29

the saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 1:18 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 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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