The prayer then names three specific realities the readers are meant to “know” (explicit): (1) the hope tied to God’s calling, (2) the rich glory of God’s inheritance “in the saints,” and (3) the surpassing greatness of God’s power directed “toward us who believe,” described as God’s effective, active strength (explicit).

Where interpretation differs

“A spirit of wisdom and revelation.” Some read this as the Holy Spirit’s work in believers, since the language of “spirit” and the need for divine enlightenment fit that idea. Others read it as a God-given disposition or capacity—an inner attitude or gift of insight—without making a direct identification with the Holy Spirit. The text itself asks God to “give” this and connects it to knowing God (explicit), but does not plainly spell out which option is intended (inference).

“His inheritance in the saints.” Some take this to mean the inheritance God gives to his people (the saints receive it). Others take it to mean God’s own inheritance—his people themselves as what he claims and values—located “in/among the saints.” The wording can point either way because it speaks of “his inheritance” and places it “in the saints” (explicit), leaving the direction of possession and emphasis to interpretation (inference).

Why the disagreement exists

Key phrases are compressed and can be read in more than one direction. The word “spirit” can refer to God’s Spirit or an inner human/spiritual capacity, and “inheritance in the saints” can describe either what believers inherit or what God calls his own among them. The surrounding context (a prayer for insight that leads to knowing hope, inheritance, and power) supports both readings as plausible, even though the text does not stop to explain them.

What this passage clearly contributes

1. Knowing God is portrayed as something that requires God’s own giving and illumination, not just human effort (explicit).

2. Christian hope is not treated as vague optimism; it is tied to God’s “calling,” meaning it is anchored in God’s action and purpose (explicit).

3. God’s relationship to his people is described in high-value terms (“riches,” “glory,” “inheritance”), whether the emphasis is on what they receive or on how God values his people (explicit wording; direction is debated).

4. God’s power toward believers is presented as extraordinarily great and actively effective (“working,” “strength,” “might”), not merely potential or abstract (explicit).

order (eis)