Ephesians 1:18
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,
Study Note
Study Note
The three-part content of Paul's prayer for enlightenment — what is the hope of his calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of his power toward those who believe — systematically describes the believer's past election, future glory, and present empowerment. The phrase 'eyes of your hearts enlightened' draws on Psalm 119:18 ('open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law') and implies that the truths described require divine illumination, not merely information. The prayer models a pastoral concern that doctrinal content not remain intellectual but transform the affective and volitional dimensions of Christian life. It anticipates the structure of Colossians 1:9-12, where Paul similarly prays for knowledge leading to fruitful living.
Other Translations
having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
And that having the eyes of your heart full of light, you may have knowledge of what is the hope of his purpose, what is the wealth of the glory of his heritage in the saints,
Cross References
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out …
And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall …
For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets …
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with …
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for …
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye …
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye …
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us …