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 1:9KJV
Know the Bible

Colossians 1:9 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:9 mean?

Colossians 1:9 describes how Paul and his companions have not stopped praying for the Colossian believers since hearing about them, specifically asking that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, along with wisdom and spiritual understanding. Paul’s prayer is that the Colossians would truly grasp what God wants for them, and have the insight to live accordingly.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae, a group he has not met personally but has heard about through others. He wants them to know he is continually praying for them, and his main request is that they grow in understanding God’s desires and purposes. The verse highlights the importance Paul places on knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual insight—not just for information’s sake, but so the Colossians can live in a way that pleases God.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:9

  • ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, “knowledge”): This word often means a deep, thorough, or full knowledge, not just surface-level facts. Paul is praying for more than just information; he wants the Colossians to have a real, personal grasp of God’s will.
  • σοφία (sophia, “wisdom”): This Greek word refers to practical wisdom—knowing how to apply understanding to life’s situations. Paul’s prayer is not just for knowledge, but for the skill to use it well.
  • συνέσις (synesis, “understanding”): This word points to insight or the ability to put things together mentally. Paul is asking for spiritual perception, the kind that helps believers connect the dots and see things from God’s perspective.

Why Colossians 1:9 matters

  • Colossians 1:9 clarifies that Paul’s prayers for others focus on spiritual growth and understanding, not just physical needs or blessings.
  • The verse shows that knowing God’s will is not automatic; it is something believers need to seek and pray for, with God’s help.
  • This prayer sets the tone for the rest of the letter, where Paul will explain what it means to live wisely and with spiritual understanding in everyday life.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Greek G4907 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“do” Greek G3973 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
  • 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“spiritual” Greek G4152 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.