Ephesians 1:16

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐ

G3756

not

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

παύομαι

G3973

Cease

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

εὐχαριστῶν

G2168

to give thanks

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

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

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

μνείαν

G3417

mention

recollection; by implication, recital

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

ποιούμενος

G4160

making

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

τῶν

G3588

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

#11

προσευχῶν

G4335

prayers

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

#12

μου

G3450

of me

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 divine revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation