Ephesians 5:17 kjv
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 nkjv
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 niv
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Ephesians 5:17 esv
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 nlt
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 5:15 | Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise people, | Eph 5:15 (context) |
| Romans 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed | Rom 12:2 (renewal) |
| Colossians 1:9 | we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may | Col 1:9 (wisdom) |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | Test everything; hold fast to what is good. | 1 Thess 5:21 (discern) |
| Proverbs 2:1-6 | My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments | Prov 2:1-6 (wisdom) |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord," | Jer 29:11 (plans) |
| John 7:17 | If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know of the | John 7:17 (willingness) |
| Philippians 1:9 | It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, | Phil 1:9 (love) |
| James 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives | James 1:5 (asking) |
| 1 Corinthians 2:10 | for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of | 1 Cor 2:10 (Spirit) |
| Psalm 119:125 | I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may | Ps 119:125 (understanding) |
| Isaiah 40:13 | Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what | Isa 40:13 (spirit) |
| Acts 16:7 | And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go | Acts 16:7 (spirit) |
| Genesis 1:26 | Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our" | Gen 1:26 (God's image) |
| Matthew 6:10 | your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in | Matt 6:10 (God's will) |
| Romans 8:27 | and he who searches hearts knows what the mind of the | Rom 8:27 (Spirit knows) |
| 1 John 2:17 | And the world is passing away along with its desires, | 1 John 2:17 (world's desire) |
| 2 Corinthians 3:18 | And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of | 2 Cor 3:18 (glorification) |
| Ephesians 1:17 | that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory | Eph 1:17 (spirit of wisdom) |
| Romans 10:17 | So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word | Rom 10:17 (hearing word) |
| Ephesians 4:17 | Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no | Eph 4:17 (former conduct) |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 17 Meaning
Understand and discern the Lord's will. This isn't about passively receiving knowledge, but actively comprehending God's divine purpose and plan for life, particularly as it relates to wisdom and righteous living. It's an ongoing, intentional effort.
Ephesians 5 17 Context
This verse is situated within a section of Ephesians (chapters 4-6) where Paul instructs believers on how to live a life worthy of their calling in Christ, emphasizing the transformation from old sinful ways to new, godly ones. Specifically, in chapter 5, he contrasts the wisdom of God with the folly of the world and urges believers to live as children of light, walking wisely and understanding the Lord's will, especially in their relationships and the use of their time. This call to wisdom is placed immediately after an exhortation against foolishness and the command to redeem the time because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5 17 Word Analysis
mē (G3361): Particle of prohibition; "not". Indicates a negative command.
sphygkōs (G4576): Adverb from sphygō, meaning "tightly," "closely," "earnestly." Here, it implies making an effort to be insightful.
kathistēmi (G2578): Verb meaning "to set," "to constitute," "to appoint," "to put." In the passive voice here, it signifies "to be constituted," "to be made." The meaning leans towards becoming, or being found to be, something.
peripatein (G4043): Verb meaning "to walk," "to conduct oneself," "to live." It's a common metaphor in Pauline literature for the overall manner of life.
mē (G3361): Particle of prohibition; "not."
hōs (G5613): Adverb meaning "as," "like," "in what manner."
apharôn (G878): Adverb from aphrōn, meaning "senseless," "foolish," "unwise." Refers to those lacking understanding or prudence, often leading to immoral conduct.
all’ (G235): Conjunction, short for alla, meaning "but."
hōs (G5613): Adverb meaning "as," "like," "in what manner."
sophoi (G4680): Adjective meaning "wise," "prudent," "sensible." It describes those possessing practical wisdom and discerning judgment.
katalambanesthe (G2608): Verb from katalambanō, meaning "to seize," "to grasp," "to comprehend," "to understand." In this context, it carries the sense of seizing an opportunity or firmly grasping something intellectually and practically.
ti (G5101): Neuter singular indefinite pronoun, meaning "what," "anything."
to (G3588): The definite article.
thelēma (G2307): Noun meaning "will," "desire," "purpose." Refers to the will of God, His intention and plan.
tou (G3588): The definite article.
kuriou (G2962): Noun, genitive case of kyrios, meaning "Lord." Refers to God the Father or the Lord Jesus Christ.
Words Group Analysis:
- "not as unwise but as wise": This contrasts two fundamental ways of living – a life guided by folly versus one guided by God's wisdom. The former is characterized by thoughtlessness and ignorance of divine standards, while the latter is marked by thoughtfulness, discernment, and adherence to God's truth.
- "understanding what the will of the Lord is": This phrase encapsulates the practical outcome of wise living. It's not merely about abstract knowledge, but about discerning God's specific purpose and intentions for one's life and circumstances. This involves actively seeking to know and align with God's plans.
Ephesians 5 17 Bonus Section
The concept of "understanding the will of the Lord" connects to the gift of the Holy Spirit who reveals God's mind (1 Cor 2:10-16). True wisdom, as sought here, leads to a Christ-like character and a life that reflects God's glory, a transformation described as becoming more like Him (2 Cor 3:18). The wisdom referred to is not worldly cleverness but God's divine, holistic understanding.
Ephesians 5 17 Commentary
This verse is a pivotal exhortation for believers to live with intention and divine awareness. It calls us to move beyond aimless existence and embrace a life characterized by discerning God's will. This discernment isn't an intellectual exercise alone, but a transformed understanding that guides actions and decisions, especially in how we conduct our lives. It's an antidote to foolishness, a directive to seize the wisdom God offers, and a continuous pursuit to grasp His purpose for us, which enables us to live rightly, especially when opportunities are fleeting or difficult circumstances arise. This requires active engagement, like a scholar diligently studying, rather than passive observation.