Verse 18
18. understanding—The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read "heart." Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault (Ephesians 4:18; Matthew 13:15). Translate, "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened" (Ephesians 5:14; Matthew 4:16). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation (Genesis 1:3; 2 Corinthians 4:6). So THEOPHILUS to AUTOLYCUS (1.3), "the ears of the heart." Where spiritual light is, there is life (John 1:4). The heart is "the core of life" [HARLESS], and the fountain of the thoughts; whence "the heart" in Scripture includes the mind, as well as the inclination. Its "eye," or inward vision, both receives and contemplates the light (Matthew 6:22; Matthew 6:23). The eye is the symbol of intelligence (Matthew 6:23- :).
the hope of his calling—the hope appertaining to His having called you; or, to the calling wherewith He has called you.
and—omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions.
riches of the glory— (Colossians 1:27).
his inheritance in the saints—The inheritance which he has in store in the case of the saints. I prefer explaining, "The inheritance which He has in his saints." (See on Ephesians 1:11; Deuteronomy 32:9).
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