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;
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's prayer that the Colossians might be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding is the epistle's opening theological petition, setting the agenda of the letter as cognitive and moral formation. The phrase 'epignosis' (full knowledge, as opposed to simple gnosis) suggests not mere intellectual information but participatory, relational knowing — a distinction important in the context of the incipient Colossian proto-gnosticism. The telos of this wisdom (1:10) is walking worthy of the Lord to all pleasing — showing that knowledge in Pauline ethics is always directed toward transformed life. Ephesians 1:17-18 contains a nearly parallel prayer, suggesting this was a characteristic Pauline intercession for his churches.
Other Translations
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Because of this, we also, from the day in which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
For this reason, we, from the day when we had word of it, keep on in prayer for you, that you may be full of the knowledge of his purpose, with all wisdom and experience of the Spirit,
Cross References
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but …
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land …
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether …
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole …
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God …
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may …
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;