Ephesians 1:18

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

πεφωτισμένους

G5461

being enlightened

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς

G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς

G3788

The eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

τῆς

G3588

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

διανοίας

G1271

understanding

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

ὑμῶν

G5216

of your

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς

G1519

that

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ

G3588

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

εἰδέναι

G1492

may know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#10

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#11

τίς

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#12

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#13

ἡ

G3588

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

#14

ἐλπὶς

G1680

the hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#15

τῆς

G3588

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

#16

κλήσεως

G2821

calling

an invitation (figuratively)

#17

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

τίς

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#20

ὁ

G3588

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

#21

πλοῦτος

G4149

the riches

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

#22

τῆς

G3588

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

#23

δόξης

G1391

of the glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#24

τῆς

G3588

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

#25

κληρονομίας

G2817

inheritance

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession

#26

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

#27

ἐν

G1722

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

#28

τοῖς

G3588

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

#29

ἁγίοις

G40

the saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation