Ephesians 5 6

Ephesians 5:6 kjv

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6 nkjv

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6 niv

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Ephesians 5:6 esv

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6 nlt

Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 6 Meaning

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 5 6 Context

This verse is found within the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically in chapter 5. The preceding verses (Ephesians 5:3-5) warn against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, characterizing them as unfitting for believers. Paul is emphasizing the need for a life that reflects Christ's love and holiness. Therefore, Ephesians 5:6 serves as a strong admonition against any teachings or behaviors that would minimize the seriousness of sin or lead believers astray from righteous living. The cultural context of Ephesus involved various philosophical schools and mystery religions that often blurred moral lines or promoted deceitful practices, making Paul's warning particularly relevant.

Ephesians 5 6 Word Analysis

• Let (English): Expresses a permission or an exhortation, akin to "do not permit" or "do not allow."

• no (English): A definitive negation, emphasizing a complete prohibition.

• one (English): Refers to any individual person, human being.

• deceive (Greek: apataō - ἀπατάω): To lead astray, to delude, to beguile, to cheat. It implies a willful misleading, often through false promises or misleading arguments. This word highlights the danger of being tricked into error.

• you (English): The direct audience of Paul's letter, the believers in Ephesus.

• with (English): Indicates the means or instrument by which the deception occurs.

• empty (Greek: kenos - κενός): Void, hollow, without substance or reality, futile, worthless. This points to words that sound appealing but lack true spiritual or moral grounding.

• words (Greek: logos - λόγος): Speech, discourse, utterances. It encompasses more than just spoken words; it includes rational arguments and teachings.

• for (Greek: gar - γάρ): Introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding prohibition.

• because (Greek: dia - διά): On account of, by reason of. This links the deception to a specific cause or consequence.

• of (English): Denotes origin or association.

• these (English): Refers to the "empty words" and the sins that such words might encourage or excuse.

• things (English): The actions, sins, or concepts associated with the deception.

• the (English): Definite article, specifying the wrath.

• wrath (Greek: orgē - ὀργή): Anger, indignation, God's settled displeasure and active opposition to sin and unrighteousness. It’s a holy anger, a righteous judgment.

• of (English): Denotes possession or source.

• God (Greek: theou - θεοῦ): The Creator and Supreme Being.

• comes (Greek: erchetai - ἔρχεται): Is coming, arrives, descends. Implies an unfolding action or consequence.

• upon (English): Indicating the target or recipient of the wrath.

• the (English): Definite article, specifying the sons.

• sons (Greek: huiōn - υἱῶν): Children, descendants. Used here metaphorically to describe those who exhibit the characteristics of a particular group.

• of (English): Denotes belonging or affiliation.

• disobedience (Greek: apeitheia - ἀπειθεία): Rebellion, stubbornness, failure to obey or to yield to authority. It's a disposition to resist.

• Grouped Analysis:

  • "empty words" (kenois logois - κενοῖς λόγοις): The phrase signifies teachings or arguments that are specious, devoid of truth, and lack spiritual substance. They are often persuasive on the surface but lead to spiritual decay.
  • "sons of disobedience" (huiōn tēs apeitheias - υἱῶν τῆς ἀπειθείας): This is a strong Hebraic idiom for those who habitually and resolutely rebel against God and His will. It describes their character and their inherent disposition.

Ephesians 5 6 Bonus Section

The concept of God's "wrath" (orgē) in the New Testament is not merely an outburst of uncontrolled anger but rather a divine, judicial reaction against sin and rebellion. It is a persistent opposition to what is contrary to His holy character. This wrath is active in judging sin, both now and in the future. The "sons of disobedience" are those who are characterized by a persistent refusal to align their will with God's. This passage underscores the biblical reality that there are severe consequences for actively resisting God's truth and commands, particularly through seductive but false teaching. The danger is not only falling into sin but being deceived into believing that sin is permissible or inconsequential.

Ephesians 5 6 Commentary

Paul issues a stern warning against deception, specifically that which comes through specious reasoning or teaching. Such "empty words" are dangerous because they lead people away from truth and into a state of disobedience. This disobedience is not a one-time act but a character trait that incurs God's righteous judgment. Believers are warned that embracing such empty talk, which often justifies sinful practices like those mentioned earlier in chapter 5, will inevitably bring about the manifest displeasure and judgment of God. True discipleship requires discernment and a firm adherence to God's truth, guarding against any form of teaching that downplays sin or offers license for unholy living.