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

EPHESIANS 1:16KJV
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Ephesians 1:16 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:16 mean?

Ephesians 1:16 shows Paul telling the believers in Ephesus that he never stops giving thanks for them and always mentions them in his prayers. Paul is expressing his ongoing gratitude and regular prayer for these people, highlighting how much he values them.

Paul, the letter’s author, is writing to Christians in the city of Ephesus. He wants them to know that he remembers them constantly, not just with thankfulness but also by specifically bringing up their needs and lives when he talks to God. This verse shows the close, caring relationship Paul has with the church and sets the tone for the rest of his letter.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:16

  • "Cease" (παύω, pauō): This word means to stop or leave off. In this verse, Paul is saying he does not stop giving thanks, showing his thankfulness is ongoing and not just a one-time event.
  • "Thanks" (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō): This word means to give thanks or express gratitude. Paul is not just remembering the Ephesians but actively thanking God for them.
  • "Mention" (μνεία, mneia): This word means a remembrance or mention. Paul is not just generally praying; he is specifically bringing up the Ephesians in his prayers, showing intentional care.

Why Ephesians 1:16 matters

  • Ephesians 1:16 clears up any idea that Paul’s prayers for others were occasional or impersonal; he is persistent and specific in praying for people he cares about.
  • This verse highlights the importance of gratitude and prayer in relationships among believers, showing that thankfulness and intercession go hand in hand.
  • Ephesians 1:16 connects to the wider passage by setting up Paul’s following prayer for the Ephesians, showing his deep investment in their spiritual growth and well-being.

Where else these words appear

“mention” Greek G3417 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
  • 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

“Cease” 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.

“prayers” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.