Ephesians 5:1 kjv
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Ephesians 5:1 nkjv
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Ephesians 5:1 niv
Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children
Ephesians 5:1 esv
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Ephesians 5:1 nlt
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Ephesians 5 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 5:2 | And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. | Echoes God's sacrificial love |
| 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. | Love as evidence of new birth |
| 1 John 4:16 | And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. | God is the essence of love |
| Col 3:12 | Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; | Attributes mirroring God's love |
| 1 Pet 1:15 | But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; | Call to holiness |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. | Christ's example of love |
| John 15:12 | This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. | The new commandment reiterated |
| Phil 2:5 | Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: | Emulating Christ's mindset |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. | Paul as an imitator of Christ |
| Heb 6:12 | That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. | Following faith examples |
| Matt 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; | Extent of Christian love |
| Luke 6:27-36 | ...Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you... | Command to love universally |
| 1 Thess 5:16 | Rejoice evermore. | Continuous joy reflects God |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. | Fruit of the Spirit |
| Rom 8:29 | For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. | Conformed to Christ's image |
| Eph 1:4 | According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: | Chosen in love |
| Col 1:13-14 | Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: | Deliverance and forgiveness |
| Eph 4:1-3 | I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; | Walk worthy, bearing with love |
| 1 John 2:6 | He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to so walk, even as he walked. | Walking as Christ walked |
| 1 Tim 4:16 | Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. | Saving oneself and others |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 1 Meaning
This verse exhorts believers to become imitators of God, specifically following His pattern of love. It underscores the supreme importance of love as the defining characteristic of a Christian life, reflecting God’s own nature and character.
Ephesians 5 1 Context
Ephesians 5:1 follows a section in chapter 4 where Paul outlines the practical implications of the believer’s new identity in Christ. He discusses the importance of unity, putting off the old self, and putting on the new self with its attendant virtues like truthfulness, controlled anger, honest work, and encouraging speech. Chapter 5 begins by urging the church to transition from these new life practices to a deeper imitation of God, with love as the paramount directive. The preceding verses establish the foundation for this command: the believer has been redeemed, forgiven, and indwelt by God. This context highlights that imitation of God is not merely an external effort but flows from an internal transformation and a secure relationship with God. The historical setting is that of the early church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, striving to live out their faith in a predominantly pagan world. Paul is providing foundational instruction for ethical and spiritual living for these communities.
Ephesians 5 1 Word Analysis
Be (γίνεσθε - ginesthai): Imperative, present, middle/passive deponent verb. It signifies "to become," "to be made," or "to be." In this context, it's a command, urging an ongoing state or process of becoming. It’s not a passive reception but an active participation in becoming like God.
Therefore (οὖν - oun): A conjunctive particle indicating a logical consequence or result. It links the exhortation to imitate God directly to the preceding discussion of God’s actions and the believer’s new identity in Christ. It’s a strong transitional word.
Imitators (μιμηταί - mimētai): Noun, nominative plural, masculine. Derived from the verb mimeomai (to imitate, mimic). It refers to those who follow or copy the example of someone else. Paul is calling believers to actively and consciously emulate God's character and actions.
Of (τοῦ - tou): Genitive definite article.
God (θεοῦ - theou): Genitive noun, meaning "God." It signifies the source or model of imitation.
Beloved (ἀγαπητοί - agapētoi): Adjective, nominative plural, masculine. This term means "loved," specifically with the divine love denoted by agape. It's a term of endearment and recognition of their status as cherished by God, underscoring the intimacy and affection they share with Him, which should be reflected.
Ephesians 5 1 Bonus Section
The Greek word agapētoi used here for "beloved" is a term of profound affection, particularly when applied to believers by God. It's not mere fondness, but a deep, committed, and active love, the same kind of love that compels God to send His Son. This familial term emphasizes that our relationship with God is one of intimacy and deep connection, which is the bedrock upon which our imitation of Him rests. Paul’s use of mimētai suggests that imitation is a discipline that requires active attention, learning, and practice, not a passive outcome. It’s about cultivating a disposition and behavior that consistently reflects the divine nature.
Ephesians 5 1 Commentary
The command to "be imitators of God" is foundational to the Christian walk. It’s a call to consciously reflect God’s own nature and actions in our lives. This isn't a task we achieve by self-effort alone, but empowered by the Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ and understand His love for us. The epithet "beloved" is crucial; it reminds believers that this call to imitate is rooted in God's initiative and their privileged relationship with Him as His cherished children. It’s the natural response of one who has experienced divine love. This imitation will primarily manifest in how we love others, mirroring the self-sacrificing, unconditional love demonstrated by God through Christ.
- Practical Usage:
- When facing a difficult person, ask, "How would God show love to this individual through me?"
- In moments of injustice or offense, recall God's forbearance and extend grace.
- When making decisions, consider if the action aligns with God's character as revealed in Christ.