Ephesians 5 13

Ephesians 5:13 kjv

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Ephesians 5:13 nkjv

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

Ephesians 5:13 niv

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible?and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

Ephesians 5:13 esv

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,

Ephesians 5:13 nlt

But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 13 Meaning

Ephesians 5:13 states that anything reproved or exposed to light is made manifest, and by definition, that which makes things manifest is light. This means that God's truth, as embodied in Christ and lived out by His followers, inherently exposes the true nature of sin, error, and all the "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (Eph 5:11). The very act of revelation and clarity brought by divine truth identifies it as "light." This process can lead to conviction for those living in darkness, or simply provide discernment and understanding for believers regarding the true character of evil.

Ephesians 5 13 Context

Ephesians chapter 5 calls believers to live a life reflective of their new identity in Christ. Verses 1-7 command them to imitate God, walking in love and purity, shunning immorality, impurity, and covetousness, which are characteristic of those not inheriting God's kingdom. Verses 8-14 emphasize the profound transformation from former spiritual "darkness" to "light in the Lord." Believers are instructed to "walk as children of light" (v. 8), producing "the fruit of the light" (goodness, righteousness, truth, v. 9).Specifically, verse 11 admonishes them: "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them." Verse 12 adds that even speaking of secret deeds done in darkness is disgraceful. This sets the immediate stage for verse 13, explaining how these deeds are exposed. The verse explains that the mere presence and nature of light—truth, holiness, Christ's character—automatically reveal the hidden, unfruitful nature of darkness. It concludes this thought before the admonition to "awake, sleeper" in verse 14. Historically, Ephesian society, like many Greco-Roman cities, was marked by diverse cults, immoral practices often performed in secrecy, and a general pagan worldview which this passage directly counters.

Ephesians 5 13 Word analysis

• But (δὲ - de): A conjunction introducing a contrast or a transition. Here, it shifts the focus from the act of "exposing them" (v.11) to how such exposure occurs or what effect it has.
• all things (τὰ πάντα - ta panta): Refers comprehensively to the "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (v.11) and "the things which are done by them in secret" (v.12). It implies a universal principle about darkness.
• that are reproved (ἐλεγχόμενα - elenchomena): A present passive participle from elegchō. This word is profound. It means more than simply being "identified" or "found out." It signifies "convicted," "rebuked," "shown to be wrong," or "put to shame." When something is elegchomenon, its true, culpable nature is laid bare, leaving no room for denial.
• are made manifest (φανεροῦται - phaneroutai): A present passive indicative from phaneroō. Means "made visible," "disclosed," "revealed," "brought to light," "rendered apparent." The passive voice highlights that the action happens to the "things" by the "light," not by human effort alone.
• by the light (ὑπὸ τοῦ φωτὸς - hypo tou photos): "Light" (φῶς - phōs) here represents divine truth, purity, holiness, righteousness, and most profoundly, Christ Himself who is the "Light of the world" (Jn 8:12). It is not merely human critique, but the objective standard of God's character and Word that exposes sin.
• for (γὰρ - gar): A particle of explanation or cause, introducing the reason for the preceding statement.
• whatsoever doth make manifest (πᾶν τὸ φανερούμενον - pan to phaneroumenon): Literally, "everything that is being made manifest," or more accurately, "whatever makes visible" or "whatever becomes evident." This is a profound, almost tautological, statement.
• is light (φῶς ἐστιν - phōs estin): This declares a defining characteristic. The very nature and function of "light" is to bring things out of hiding, to make them visible, and reveal their true form. If something acts as a revealer of truth, it inherently shares in the nature of "light."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But all things that are reproved": This phrase captures the entirety of moral and spiritual darkness, including both public evil and hidden sins discussed in the preceding verses. The act of "reproving" them implies that these actions are inherently wrong, not just misunderstood. The passive voice points to an external agent doing the reproving.
• "are made manifest by the light": This identifies the agent of exposure: "the light." The truth of God, the character of Christ, and the transparent, holy lives of believers illuminate the deceit and futility of darkness, making its true nature visible and revealing its corruption.
• "for whatsoever doth make manifest is light": This concluding clause is a definitive statement about the nature of light. It affirms that the essence of light lies in its revelatory power. Anything that illuminates, clarifies, or exposes hidden reality shares in the intrinsic quality of "light." It suggests an inherent property: where truth and holiness exist, falsehood and depravity cannot remain concealed without being shown for what they are.

Ephesians 5 13 Bonus section

The passive verbs ("are reproved," "are made manifest") imply that this is an inherent and automatic process when light encounters darkness, rather than necessarily an aggressive human act. Believers' role is not primarily to hunt down sins, but to live lives so filled with God's light that darkness is automatically illuminated by contrast. This resonates with the creation account in Genesis 1 where light brought order out of formlessness and emptiness. God's first command was "Let there be light," establishing light as fundamental to revelation and discerning truth. In the New Covenant, this light is Personified in Christ, who dispels the chaos and spiritual darkness of sin. The exposure is a crucial step towards spiritual awakening (v.14) and repentance, inviting those in darkness to "arise" and be shined upon by Christ.

Ephesians 5 13 Commentary

Ephesians 5:13 succinctly describes the powerful, convicting, and purifying effect of divine light. It is not merely about identifying sinful acts, but about a deeper, transformative exposure. When "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (v.11) are brought into the presence of God's truth—His Word, His Spirit, the life of Christ, or even the radiant lives of believers—their hidden nature and moral corruption are "reproved" (convicted) and "made manifest" (revealed). This light strips away any pretense, exposing sin for what it truly is: dead, unproductive, and abhorrent to God. The second part of the verse, "for whatsoever doth make manifest is light," provides a profound theological truth: the very essence and defining function of "light" is to reveal and clarify. There is an inherent, unyielding opposition between light and darkness, truth and falsehood. Therefore, for those who live as children of light, simply embodying Christ-like goodness, righteousness, and truth in a world of darkness becomes an act of powerful exposure, naturally illuminating the unfruitfulness of hidden deeds without needing harsh condemnation, but aiming ultimately for conviction and a call to wake up from spiritual death (Eph 5:14).