Ephesians 5:11 kjv
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Ephesians 5:11 nkjv
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ephesians 5:11 niv
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ephesians 5:11 esv
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Ephesians 5:11 nlt
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
Ephesians 5 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 5:11 | ...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. | Paul's admonition |
| Rom 12:2 | Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed... | Transformed by renewing mind |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation... | Holy nation distinction |
| John 1:5 | The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. | Light overcoming darkness |
| Gal 5:19-21 | The acts of the flesh are obvious: ...I warn you, as I also warned you, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. | Deeds of darkness |
| Col 1:13 | For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves... | Rescue from darkness |
| 1 Thess 5:5 | ...you belong to the day and to the day, not to the night or to the darkness. | Children of light |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword... | Word as discerner |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. | Word as lamp |
| Prov 3:9-10 | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will fill with plenty... | Obeying God leads to blessing |
| Isa 8:20 | "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no dawn." | Testing by God's Word |
| Eph 4:17-19 | So I tell you this and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do... | Gentiles' futility |
| Titus 2:14 | ...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own... | Redemption from wickedness |
| 2 Cor 6:14-17 | Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?... Come out from among them and be separate... | Separation from unbelievers |
| 1 Cor 10:20-21 | I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too... | No communion with demons |
| 1 Tim 6:12 | Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called... | Fight the good fight |
| Eph 5:6 | Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these the wrath of God will come on those who are disobedient. | Wrath on disobedience |
| 1 John 5:19 | We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the control of the evil one. | World under evil one |
| Jude 1:23 | but on those who doubt, have mercy. Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, blended with fear—hating even the... | Rescuing from judgment |
| Rev 18:4 | Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, my people so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not... | Come out of Babylon |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 11 Meaning
Do not participate in, nor associate yourselves with, the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, you should expose them.
Ephesians 5 11 Context
Ephesians chapter 5 follows Paul's exhortation for believers to imitate God and walk in love. He contrasts the dark, immoral practices of the world with the pure life expected of Christians. Verse 11 directly addresses how believers should respond to the ungodly behaviors prevalent around them. It's a call to active discernment and witness, rather than passive conformity or withdrawal. The broader context of Ephesians emphasizes unity in Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. This verse is a practical outworking of their new identity in Christ.
Ephesians 5 11 Word Analysis
- "Be": Imperative verb, signifying a command or exhortation to action.
- "partakers": (koinonos) Implies sharing in, having fellowship with, or being a companion in something.
- "of": Preposition indicating association.
- "the": Definite article.
- "unfruitful": (akarpos) Literally "without fruit." Metaphorically refers to works that yield no good results in God's kingdom, often implying sin and evil which ultimately lead to death.
- "works": (ergon) Refers to deeds, actions, or activities.
- "of": Preposition indicating origin or source.
- "darkness": (skotos) Primarily refers to literal darkness, but biblically it is a metaphor for spiritual ignorance, sin, evil, and alienation from God.
- "but": Conjunction indicating contrast.
- "rather": (mallon) Signifies "more," indicating a preference or a stronger emphasis on the subsequent action.
- "admonish": (elegcho) To reprove, convict, expose, refute, or rebuke. It implies bringing to light that which is hidden and showing its true character, often with the intent of correction.
Group Analysis:
- "unfruitful works of darkness": This phrase encapsulates the nature of sin and ungodliness. Such deeds are characterized by their lack of positive spiritual fruit, their origin from or association with a realm opposed to God's light and truth.
- "have no fellowship": This commands a decisive separation from and rejection of these works, forbidding any complicity or participation. It’s about avoiding complicity and the contamination of association.
- "but rather expose them": This presents a positive responsibility. It means to confront, reveal, and rebuke these deeds, bringing them into the light. It’s an active witnessing against evil, not passive avoidance. This exposure is not necessarily with harsh judgment, but often with a corrective intent through God's truth.
Ephesians 5 11 Bonus Section
The word "elegcho" (expose) implies a conviction that leads to repentance. It’s a powerful word used elsewhere for the Holy Spirit's work in convicting the world of sin (John 16:8). Thus, believers, filled with the Spirit, are called to reflect His light by exposing darkness, not necessarily through condemnation, but by living righteously and speaking truth in love, thereby drawing attention to sin and offering the true alternative found in Christ. This exposure serves as a warning and can lead others to repentance. The contrast between unfruitful works and fruit bearing is a consistent theme, highlighting the difference between lives lived for self (leading to death) and lives lived for God (leading to righteousness).
Ephesians 5 11 Commentary
Believers are called to a distinct way of life, separating themselves from the corrupting influences and immoral actions prevalent in the world, which are metaphorically described as "works of darkness." This separation is not meant to be isolationist but active. Christians should refuse to be associated with or complicit in sin. Instead, they have a mandate to "expose" these deeds. This exposure means bringing them into the light of truth, often through one's own Christ-like character and by speaking out against injustice and sin, not to condemn people necessarily, but to reveal the true nature and destructive consequence of these acts, thereby warning others and upholding God's standards. This demonstrates a discerning love for God and a commitment to truth.