BEING ENLIGHTENED—Ephesians 1:18a

“[I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” (1:18a NASB).

The translators of our text have added the words, “I pray that,” for the sake of style and clarity. It should be pointed out that NASB translation may or may not be the best translation of the text. There is a debate on how to render this text syntactically. Hoehner boils the controversy down to two major alternatives.[1] One is to take it to part of the request, as does our translation (NASB, NIV, NEB). The second major alternative makes it an ancillary thought to the request, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened” (KJV, NKJV), as a stated fact that has already occurred. Many commentaries opt for the second alternative.[2] Lincoln admits “the syntax is not clear.”[3] Best states the enlightenment is probably another gift (v. 17, give),[4] thus a part of the request.

This phrase best seems to explain the reason Paul prays for this work of the Spirit to be given them; it was for their enlightenment of not just truth, but Christ. Paul is praying not for the emotion by using the word heart, but the enlightenment of the intellect (or mind).  Heart must be taken as the center of personality and the thought process which is to be enlightened. The Greek word means to give light or to illuminate. Revelation is the method used by the Spirit; enlightenment is the fruit of His work. Enlightenment is a perfect participle, indicating a completed act which carries continuing results. This means once the moment of insight comes, it continues. It is not just the insight and enlightenment of facts, but that of insight in knowing Christ personally and intimately as one is enlightened and grows in the knowledge of Him. Thus this enlightenment is that of sanctification, not salvation. Salvation is only the start of this sanctification or enlightenment.  Enlightenment comes not through the facts of the Word, but by the Holy Spirit’s insight and disclosure of the knowledge of the person of Christ.

Lloyd-Jones reminds us that in this prayer three principles can be induced:

1) We in this life shall always need the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit.

2) Spiritual knowledge is progressive.

3) We should always pray for the enlightening of our understanding.[5]

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[1]  Hoehner, EPHESIANS, 261-262 for details and arguments.

[2]  Hoehner, Lincoln, Campbell, Wuest.

[3]  Lincoln, EPHESIANS, 47.

[4]  Best, EPHESIANS, 40.

[5]  Lloyd-Jones, PURPOSE, 366-368.