Colossians 1: 9 – Realization, wisdom and spiritual understanding

Therefore we also, from the day on which we hear, do not cease praying for you and requesting that you may be filled full with the realization of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

From the elements that make up the Greek word ‘epi-gnosis’, we should render it ‘on-knowledge’. This literal rendering sheds a lot of light on the meaning of the word. ‘Epi-gnosis’ is based on knowledge, but goes beyond it. Our word ‘realization’ comes very close to that. One can know something, but awareness is more. Whoever realizes the secret that God wants to make known (1:27) realizes “the glorious riches of the secret”.

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians begins with knowledge. Without first having acquired knowledge of God’s will, one cannot of course have any awareness of it. Let alone be filled with this realization. But even there Paul’s prayer does not stop. For he prays that the Colossians would also be endowed “in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

He who is wise (Gr. sofia > Heb. tsafah = watchtower), has been informed and has a view. Insight (Gr. sun-esis = letting together) refers to the ability to see connections and coherence. This is what Paul prays for the Colossians. What an example!

Delen: