Colossians 1:9

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

Διὰ

G1223

For

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο

G5124

this cause

that thing

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφ'

G575

since

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἧς

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡμέρας

G2250

the day

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

ἠκούσαμεν

G191

we heard

to hear (in various senses)

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

παυόμεθα

G3973

cease

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

#11

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"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

#12

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#13

προσευχόμενοι

G4336

to pray

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

αἰτούμενοι

G154

to desire

to ask (in genitive case)

#16

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#17

πληρωθῆτε

G4137

ye might be filled

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#18

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ἐπίγνωσιν

G1922

with the knowledge

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

#20

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

θελήματος

G2307

will

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

#22

αὐτοῦ

G846

of his

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

#23

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#24

πάσῃ

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#25

σοφίᾳ

G4678

wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#26

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

συνέσει

G4907

understanding

a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect

#28

πνευματικῇ

G4152

spiritual

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?