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:

EPHESIANS 1:17KJV
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Ephesians 1:17 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 1:17 mean?

Ephesians 1:17 expresses Paul’s prayer that God—the Father of glory and the God of Jesus Christ—would give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so they can truly know Him. Paul is asking that his readers receive deeper understanding and insight into who God is.

Paul is writing this letter to Christians in Ephesus, explaining what he prays for them. He wants them not just to know facts about God, but to have a living, growing relationship with Him, marked by wisdom and new understanding that God Himself gives. This verse sets the tone for the next verses, where Paul describes the kind of knowledge and hope he wants them to experience.

The Greek behind Ephesians 1:17

  • "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma): This word can mean the Holy Spirit, a human spirit, or an attitude. Here, it is often understood as a God-given attitude or disposition of wisdom and revelation, though some see it as the Holy Spirit Himself.
  • "wisdom" (σοφία, sophia): This means practical insight or skill in living. Paul is praying for more than just information; he wants believers to have real, lived understanding.
  • "revelation" (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis): This word means an uncovering or making known of something hidden. Paul is asking for God to make Himself and His ways clear to the believers.
  • "knowledge" (ἐπίγνωσις, epignōsis): This is a strong word for knowledge, often meaning full or deep understanding, not just surface-level awareness.

Why Ephesians 1:17 matters

  • Ephesians 1:17 clarifies that knowing God is not just about learning doctrines, but about receiving wisdom and revelation that only God can give.
  • The verse shows that Paul’s main concern for believers is their relationship with God, not just their behavior or achievements.
  • This prayer connects to the larger theme of Ephesians, which is about the riches believers have in Christ and the importance of truly grasping those riches through God’s help.

Where else these words appear

“revelation” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“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;

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 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.
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,