Ephesians 5

Passage overview

Ephesians 5 unfolds with a focus on practical lessons for the Christian life. Paul urges believers to live by imitating God—walking in love (vv. 1-2), conduct as children of light in contrast to the deeds of darkness (vv. 3-14), living wisely (vv. 15-21), and instruction about the husband-and-wife relationship centered on Christ (vv. 22-33).

  • Verses 1-2: Imitating as God’s children
  • Verses 3-14: Living as children of light, freed from the deeds of darkness
  • Verses 15-21: A wise life, filled with the Holy Spirit
  • Verses 22-33: Instruction on the husband-and-wife relationship through the analogy of Christ and the church

1verseBe therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

2verseWalk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

3verseBut sexual immorality, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;

4versenor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate, but rather giving of thanks.

5verseKnow this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

6verseLet no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7verseTherefore don’t be partakers with them.

8verseFor you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

9versefor the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

10verseproving what is well pleasing to the Lord.

11verseHave no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

12verseFor it is a shame even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.

13verseBut all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.

14verseTherefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15verseTherefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise,

16verseredeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17verseTherefore, don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18verseDon’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19versespeaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20versegiving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

21versesubjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

22verseWives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23verseFor the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.

24verseBut as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

25verseHusbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her,

26versethat he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

27versethat he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without defect.

28verseEven so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

29verseFor no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly,

30versebecause we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.

31verse“For this cause a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife. Then the two will become one flesh.”

32verseThis mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and the assembly.

33verseNevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Summary of Key Points

  • Imitate God’s love: You are encouraged to live by following the love with which Christ gave himself for us.
  • Leave the deeds of darkness: Stay away from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and the like; instead, you should pursue goodness, righteousness, and truth—the fruit of light.
  • Live wisely: Treasure time and opportunities, and discern God’s will. Emphasis is placed on being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than getting drunk.
  • Submit to one another: In the Spirit, respect one another and be encouraged to adopt an attitude of humble service.
  • A model for the husband-and-wife relationship: You are encouraged to emulate the relationship between Christ and the church: the husband should love his wife, and the wife should respect her husband, and the “mystery” of marriage is explained.

Points for Reflection

  • What does the love of Christ—something I should imitate—look like?
  • In my life, what are the “deeds of darkness” and the “fruit of light”? It’s worth reflecting on that.
  • How is everyday life of discerning God’s will and living wisely showing itself?
  • What changes is a life filled with the Holy Spirit bringing within my relationships?

Applying It to My Life

  • Today, even with a small act, begin in the heart of love.
  • Let’s look for parts where we act as children of light instead of darkness and apply it to everyday life.
  • In relationships I’m part of—such as family, friends, and coworkers—practice humility and respect within those relationships.
  • In the relationship of married life (or within the community), set aside time to renew your commitment and understanding.