Ephesians 5:15 kjv
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Ephesians 5:15 nkjv
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
Ephesians 5:15 niv
Be very careful, then, how you live?not as unwise but as wise,
Ephesians 5:15 esv
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Ephesians 5:15 nlt
So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Ephesians 5 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 4:1 | Walk in a manner worthy of the calling. | Admonition for holy conduct |
| Col 1:10 | Walk worthy of the Lord. | Fruitful living |
| Phil 1:27 | Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. | Unified witness |
| 1 Thes 2:12 | Walk worthy of God. | Pastoral exhortation |
| Heb 12:1 | Run with endurance the race set before us. | Faithfulness under trial |
| 1 Cor 7:17 | Walk in the same manner as God has assigned each person. | Living out one's calling |
| 1 Pet 1:15 | Be holy in all you do. | Call to holiness |
| Rom 12:2 | Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. | Godly transformation |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | New creation in Christ. | Reconciling men to God |
| Gal 5:25 | If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. | Living by the Spirit |
| Eph 2:10 | Created in Christ Jesus for good works. | New life in Christ |
| Eph 4:14 | No longer children, tossed by waves, carried by every wind. | Maturity in doctrine |
| Eph 5:8 | Walk as children of light. | Former darkness, present light |
| Eph 5:10 | Find out what pleases the Lord. | Discernment and pleasing God |
| Eph 5:11 | Do not participate in fruitless deeds of darkness. | Contrasting behavior |
| Eph 4:22 | Put off your former way of life, your old self. | Old vs. New Self |
| Eph 4:23 | Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. | Renewal of mind |
| Eph 4:24 | Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness. | New Self's nature |
| Eph 5:22-33 | Mutual submission and love in marriage, mirroring Christ/Church. | Household codes |
| Eph 4:17-19 | Futility of Gentile thinking and conduct. | Description of the unregenerate |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 15 Meaning
Be diligent, then, to walk exactly, with great care, considering deeply, paying close attention, and observing precisely how you ought to walk.
Ephesians 5 15 Context
Ephesians 5:15 instructs believers to live a life of careful discernment, recognizing the gravity of their calling and the surrounding influences. This follows the previous verses (5:8-14) which urge believers to live as children of light, distinguishing themselves from the darkness and exposing its futility through their godly living. The apostle Paul is emphasizing the practical outworking of this new life in Christ, urging a constant examination of behavior. The passage connects this careful walk to living "not as unwise but as wise," highlighting the wisdom that comes from understanding God's will and acting upon it. This admonition is within the broader context of Ephesians, which details God's eternal plan of salvation through Christ, the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church, and the transformed life that believers are called to live in love and holiness.
Ephesians 5 15 Word Analysis
Therefore ( dió - διό ): A conjunctive particle, indicating consequence or reason. It links this command to the preceding exhortations about walking in the light and understanding God's will. It signifies that because of what has been established about salvation and God's will, this instruction naturally follows.
Be ( eisthe - εἰσθε ): The second-person plural imperative of 'to be'. This is a command, not a suggestion, directing the recipients to actively "be" or "walk" in this manner.
careful ( akribōs - ἀκριβῶς ): Adverb meaning precisely, accurately, meticulously, diligently, with exactness. It emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail required in one's walk. It's about leaving nothing to chance, but acting with deliberate precision. This word suggests a scrutiny that goes to the very roots of action.
how ( hōs - ὡς ): An adverb or conjunction, here signifying the manner or way. It points to the method and mode of their conduct.
to walk ( peripatein - περιπατεῖν ): Literally, "to walk around," "to conduct oneself," "to live." It's a metaphor for one's entire way of life, their daily conduct, and the sum of their actions and habits. The aorist infinitive suggests a continuous action.
not as ( mē hōs - μὴ ὡς ): A negative particle introducing a comparison that is to be avoided. This prohibits living like those who are not wise.
unwise ( aphrōn - ἄφρων ): Adjective meaning senseless, foolish, unthinking, without understanding. It describes those who lack moral or spiritual intelligence, whose actions are not governed by God's wisdom. It suggests a mind devoid of understanding God's truth.
but as ( all' hōs - ἀλλ' ὡς ): A conjunction introducing a contrasting positive alternative. It highlights what the believer should be.
wise ( sophoi - σοφοί ): Adjective meaning wise, sensible, prudent. It refers to those who understand and apply God's truth, living according to His principles. This wisdom is spiritual, not worldly. It is about making discerning choices in light of eternal realities.
Ephesians 5 15 Bonus Section
The Greek word "akribōs" also carries the connotation of investigating thoroughly, like a detective examining a case. This suggests that believers should not just be generally careful, but actively investigate and understand the specific requirements of righteous living in every situation. The contrast with "aphron" (foolish) underscores that true wisdom is not mere intellect but spiritual understanding, an apprehension of divine reality that guides practical behavior. This concept of careful walking is echoed throughout Scripture, urging believers to be blameless and pure in a crooked generation (Phil 2:15). The spiritual discipline involved here is crucial for effective testimony and avoiding the compromise that dulls one's witness for Christ.
Ephesians 5 15 Commentary
This verse serves as a vital exhortation for every believer. It calls for a disciplined and conscious effort in living out our faith, reflecting a profound understanding of our redemption and calling. The word "akribōs" (careful, precise) demands a level of mindfulness and intentionality in our daily actions, avoiding the careless living often seen in the world. We are to walk with the precision of one who is carefully navigating dangerous terrain, constantly aware of pitfalls. This precision is rooted in the "wisdom" that comes from God, enabling us to discern His will and live in a manner pleasing to Him, rather than exhibiting the "foolishness" of those who disregard His ways. This isn't about legalistic adherence, but about a deep, reasoned engagement with God's truth, transforming our every step.