Colossians 1:9
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;
Original Language Analysis
Διὰ
For
G1223
Διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 28
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφ'
since
G575
ἀφ'
since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἧς
G3739
ἧς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 28
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡμέρας
the day
G2250
ἡμέρας
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
7 of 28
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
παυόμεθα
cease
G3973
παυόμεθα
cease
Strong's:
G3973
Word #:
10 of 28
to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
11 of 28
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πληρωθῆτε
ye might be filled
G4137
πληρωθῆτε
ye might be filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
17 of 28
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπίγνωσιν
with the knowledge
G1922
ἐπίγνωσιν
with the knowledge
Strong's:
G1922
Word #:
19 of 28
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θελήματος
will
G2307
θελήματος
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
21 of 28
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 28
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
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.1 Peter 2:15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:1 Samuel 12:23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:Psalms 143:10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy prized knowledge (gnōsis) as the path to virtue and enlightenment. Gnostic systems (developing in this era) taught that secret knowledge released initiates from material bondage. Paul redefines true knowledge as knowing God's will through Spirit-illumined Scripture, accessible to all believers, not elite mystics. This democratizes spirituality while maintaining high standards.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you pursue knowledge of God's will—through Scripture study and prayer, or through subjective experiences and feelings?
- What's the difference between accumulating biblical information and gaining Spirit-illumined wisdom for life application?
- Where might you be seeking 'deeper' knowledge beyond Scripture instead of deepening understanding of revealed truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul's intercessory prayer begins with epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις, "full knowledge"), contrasting the false teachers' gnōsis (γνῶσις, "knowledge"). Epignōsis implies complete, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual grasp—knowing God's will personally through relationship, not secret formulae.
"In all wisdom and spiritual understanding" pairs sophia (σοφία, "wisdom") with synesei pneumatikē (συνέσει πνευματικῇ, "spiritual comprehension"). Wisdom applies knowledge practically; understanding grasps connections. Both are "spiritual"—produced by the Spirit, not human intellect. This directly counters the Colossian heresy's claim that special revelation beyond Scripture was needed for spiritual maturity.