Ephesians 1:18 - Spiritual Wisdom (2024)

Verse (Click for Chapter)

New International Version
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,New Living Translation
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.English Standard Version
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,Berean Standard Bible
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,Berean Literal Bible
the eyes your of heart being enlightened, in order for you to know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,King James Bible
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,New King James Version
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,New American Standard Bible
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,NASB 1995
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,NASB 1977
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,Legacy Standard Bible
so that you—the eyes of your heart having been enlightened—will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,Amplified Bible
And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people),Christian Standard Bible
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,Holman Christian Standard Bible
I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, American Standard Version
having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And that the eyes of your hearts would be enlightened, that you will know what is the hope of his calling and what is the wealth of the glory of his inheritance in The Holy Ones,Contemporary English Version
My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people. Douay-Rheims Bible
The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. English Revised Version
having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that he calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God's people will inherit.Good News Translation
I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, International Standard Version
Then, with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the confidence that is produced by God having called you, the rich glory that is his inheritance among the saints, Literal Standard Version
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the holy ones,Majority Standard Bible
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,New American Bible
May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,NET Bible
--since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened--so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,New Revised Standard Version
so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,New Heart English Bible
having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Webster's Bible Translation
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,Weymouth New Testament
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened so that you may know what is the hope which His call to you inspires, what the wealth of the glory of His inheritance in God's people,World English Bible
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Young's Literal Translation
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,Additional Translations ...

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) The eyes of your understanding.--The true reading is of your heart, for which the words "of your understanding" have been substituted, so as to yield a simpler and easier expression. The heart is similarly spoken of in relation to spiritual perception in Romans 1:21; 1Corinthians 2:9; 1Corinthians 4:5; it signifies the inner man in his entirety; and the phrase here used seems to convey the all-important truth, that for the knowledge of God all the faculties of understanding, conscience, and affection must be called into energy by the gift of the light of God.

That ye may know.--The knowledge which St. Paul here desires for the Ephesians, in accordance with the whole tone of this Epistle, is a knowledge of heavenly things, only experienced in part upon earth--with an experience, however, sufficient to be an earnest of the hereafter. The succession of ideas follows the order of conversion--first, "calling;" then acceptance to "inheritance;" lastly, "inward working of divine power" in the accepted. To each the conception of looking onward is attached; to the "calling" "hope," to the "inheritance" "glory," to the "power" the exaltation of Christ (and of us with Him; see Ephesians 2:6) to the right hand of God.

The hope of his calling.--(See Ephesians 4:4.) That is, probably, "the thing hoped for," because promised, at our calling (as in Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:3; Hebrews 6:18; and perhaps 1Timothy 1:1), for the other objects of knowledge with which it is here joined are certainly objective or external to ourselves. This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. "The eyes of your heart" is an unusual expression, but it denotes that to see things clearly there is needed, not merely lumen siccum, but lumen madidum (to borrow terms of Lord Bacon), not merely intellectual clearness, but moral susceptibility and warmth - a movement of the heart as well as the head (compare the opposite state, "blindness of the heart," Ephesians 4:18). Ye may know what is the hope of his calling; the hope which he calls you to cherish. The glory which he invites you to look forward to, when Christ shall come again, how sure it is and how excellent! How infinitely it surpasses all earthly glory! How it at once ravishes and satisfies the heart! And what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. If the saints form God's heritage (see ver. 11), it may be asked Where are the riches of God's glory in them? But it is not necessary to take the ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις so literally. It may be rendered, "in reference to the saints." The riches of the glory of his inheritance in reference to the saints is the riches of the glory of their privileges as the Lord's heritage, or people; that is, their privileges are glorious. But this glory is not limp, limited - it is wonderfully rich, full, abundant. God gives liberally - gives as a King, gives glory to all Christ's people. "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4); "The glory which thou gavest me I have given them." The difference between this glory and ether glory is, human glory is often unjustly accorded, it passes away with wonderful quickness; but this glory is real and everlasting. "When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[ I ask that ] the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

eyes
ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

heart
καρδίας (kardias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

may be enlightened,
πεφωτισμένους (pephōtismenous)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5461: From phos; to shed rays, i.e. To shine or to brighten up.

so that
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

may know
εἰδέναι (eidenai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hope
ἐλπὶς (elpis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

calling,
κλήσεως (klēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2821: A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

riches
πλοῦτος (ploutos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

glorious
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

inheritance
κληρονομίας (klēronomias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2817: From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. a patrimony or a possession.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

saints,
ἁγίοις (hagiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

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Ephesians 1:18 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. Eph. Ep)

Ephesians 1:18 - Spiritual Wisdom (2024)

FAQs

What does Ephesians chapter 1 verse 18 mean? ›

Paul's prayer moves from wisdom and revelation in 1:17 to add enlightenment and knowledge in this verse. The emphasis in this context is on understanding what God has already done and provided. This is not referring to new insights or predictions of future events.

What is the Spirit of wisdom in Ephesians? ›

In Ephesians 1:15-19, the apostle Paul prays for “the Spirit of wisdom” for the Christian community in Ephesus. We see the good news that God the Father gives us His Holy Spirit who enlightens our hearts to know Jesus Christ. This wisdom is expressed in knowledge and revelation, faith and love, and hope and power.

What is spiritual wisdom? ›

Spiritual wisdom can be defined as the understanding and knowledge that comes from a deep connection to one's inner self and the divine. It is the ability to see beyond the material world and to understand the interconnectedness of all things.

What is the Holy Spirit wisdom? ›

Wisdom is a gift that allows a person to understand things from God's point of view. In other words, Wisdom allows a person to recognize truth. A person with the Gift of Wisdom is able to take this truth and use it to glorify God by choosing Godly solutions to problems.

What is the significance of the Word enlightenment in Ephesians 1:18? ›

“Having been enlightened” rests on the observation that you can't see in the dark and implies that the addressees used to live in mental darkness but that at conversion they were transferred into the realm of mental light, so that now they can see what the Spirit reveals to them (Eph 4:17–18; Eph 5:8; Colossians 1:13).

What is the hope in Ephesians 1 18? ›

The "hope of His calling" refers to the assurance and certainty we have in our salvation by God's effectual calling. This is opposed to the general call of the gospel that goes out to all. We should rest in Christ's unchanging grace, even when we can't see or feel Him. Our hope is in His oath, covenant, and blood.

What does the Bible say about spiritual wisdom and understanding? ›

Colossians 1:9-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.

What is the word of wisdom spiritual meaning? ›

It is a wisdom that speaks of those things that God has prepared for those who love him. These emphases from the broader context of the Corinthian letter could imply that the word of wisdom involves insight into God's plan of salvation and the proclamation of Christ crucified.

Is the Spirit of God that gives wisdom? ›

We know that wisdom in the Bible comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-14 NIV). That means the God gives us wisdom when He sends His Holy Spirit onto us.

How to attain spiritual wisdom? ›

How to Gain Spiritual Wisdom: 3 Key Things to Do
  1. Spend consistent time in prayer. Life is busy for us all, but spiritual wisdom cannot be gained without spending consistent time in prayer. ...
  2. Get in the Bible. God has already given us instructions on how to live our life and honor HIm in our decisions. ...
  3. Join a community.
Nov 16, 2023

What is the difference between human wisdom and spiritual wisdom? ›

It is maintained that human wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic in orientation. In contrast, divine wisdom is Bible-based, Christ- centered, and Spirit-led. It seeks to glorify the Lord, not oneself, by focusing on the eternal sagacity of Jesus' atoning sacrifice.

How to grow in spiritual wisdom? ›

Some other ways we can promote spiritual growth include:
  1. Connecting with other Christians.
  2. Studying the Bible.
  3. Forming prayer habits.
  4. Showing love to others.
  5. Obeying the Word of God.

How do you ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom? ›

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I ask You to give me the insight and wisdom I need for this moment in my life. There is so much I need to know, but I am unable to figure it all out by myself. Today I ask that the Holy Spirit would take away the veil that has obscured my view.

What does wisdom mean in the Bible? ›

Let me start with a definition: "Wisdom," in the Bible, "is knowing the greatest goal in any situation, and the best way to achieve that goal." (Sermon by John Piper, "The Great Work of the Only Wise God", based on Romans 16:25-27) Wisdom sees the big picture, in focus, each part in its proper relationship to rest.

How can a believer receive wisdom? ›

Here are four ways to get wisdom:
  1. True wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6 ).
  2. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5 ).
  3. Desire wisdom with all of your heart (Proverbs 2:3-5 ).
  4. Study and learn God's Word (Psalm 19:7 ).
Jun 20, 2023

What is the prayer for Ephesians 1 18? ›

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when ...

What is 1 Ephesians 18? ›

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

What does the eyes of your heart may be enlightened mean? ›

To have the eyes of our hearts opened means that we are given wisdom and revelation pertaining to the riches of the glorious inheritance we have in Christ. ( Ephesians 1:18) It means that we understand the hope and assurance of our salvation.

What does it mean that the unbelieving husband is sanctified? ›

The Greek term "is sanctified" referring to the unbelieving spouse is simply the verb form of the adjective "holy" that refers to the children.

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