Ephesians 5 7

Ephesians 5:7 kjv

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:7 nkjv

Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:7 niv

Therefore do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 5:7 esv

Therefore do not become partners with them;

Ephesians 5:7 nlt

Don't participate in the things these people do.

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 7 Meaning

Do not associate with or participate with those who practice certain behaviors; instead, be unlike them. The instruction is clear: avoid participation and do not be partners with those engaged in these actions.

Ephesians 5 7 Context

This verse is part of Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 5 on how believers should live. Following the commands to "imitate God" (v. 1) and "walk in love" (v. 2), Paul specifically warns against the ungodly behaviors prevalent in the Gentile world, such as sexual immorality and impurity (vv. 3-6). Chapter 5 builds on chapter 4's call to live a life worthy of the calling (Eph 4:1). The immediate context is a stark contrast between the "fruitless deeds of darkness" and walking as "children of light" (v. 8). The verse serves as a direct application of being imitators of God and walking in love by avoiding any partnership or association with sin.

Ephesians 5 7 Word Analysis

• ouden (οὐδὲν) - "not even", "nothing." This emphatic negative underscores the absolute prohibition.
• symphyzētai (συμφυῆται) - "to grow together," "to be closely united," "to have fellowship with," "to associate with." It implies a deep, inherent connection or partnership.
• asōtias (ἀσωτίας) - "licentiousness," "profligacy," "debauchery," "reckless excess." It refers to uncontrolled behavior, especially in a moral sense, often associated with excessive indulgence.
• hoi (οἱ) - "the." Plural definite article.
• ganōte (γανωθέντες) - A passive participle from "ganoō" (γανόω) - "to make bright," "to polish," "to adorn," "to beautify." In a figurative sense, it means to be stained or tinged, implying being infected or tainted by association. It's used here negatively, indicating not to be tainted by these works of darkness.
• ergois (ἔργοις) - "works," "deeds." Refers to actions, manifestations of one's inner state or way of life.
• tou skotous (τοῦ σκότους) - "of the darkness." Darkness is a recurring biblical metaphor for sin, ignorance, evil, and separation from God.
• Legontes (λέγοντες) - "saying," "speaking." Present participle, indicating the ongoing speech or confession of those involved in darkness.
• hoti (ὅτι) - "that." Introduces the content of what is said.
• autois (αὐτοῖς) - "to them," "with them." Dative plural pronoun.
• Mē synanalōmai (Μὴ συναναλώμαι) - A double negative prohibition. "Mē" is a particle of negative prohibition. "Synanalōmai" (συναναλίσκω) means "to consume together," "to spend or waste away together." It signifies wasting one's life, time, or resources in partnership with others in sinful pursuits. It's a strong call not to participate in the dissipation that characterizes life in darkness.

Group of words analysis:

• ouden symphyzetai tois ergois tou skotous: "nothing associated with the works of darkness." This phrase emphasizes avoiding any intimate participation or fellowship with deeds done in a state of spiritual darkness, which are unfruitful and sinful.
• Mē synanalōmai autois: "Do not waste away together with them." This extends the idea, forbidding a shared, common existence or co-destruction with those who engage in such deeds. It implies a consequence of perishing or being consumed alongside them if such partnership exists.
• ganōte autois: "tainted by them" (rendered here with emphasis on the negative context). The passive participle suggests that engaging in these works will taint, corrupt, or stain the believer. It’s a warning against the contaminating effect of sinful company.

Ephesians 5 7 Bonus Section

The word "ganōte" is an interesting passive participle, typically meaning to be polished or made bright. However, in this context, its use suggests being made something other than what God intended – to be stained, corrupted, or given a false brilliance by the works of darkness. It implies that participation in sin has a distorting effect on the believer's true nature, like tarnishing fine metal. The term "synanalōmai" further emphasizes a shared expenditure or consumption that leads to loss, underscoring the futile and destructive nature of unregenerate human pursuits when Christians participate in them. The underlying thought is that association with evil is costly and ultimately leads to spiritual decay and ruin.

Ephesians 5 7 Commentary

This verse acts as a crucial boundary marker for the believer's life in Christ. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative derived from our new identity as children of light (v. 8). Paul’s command is multifaceted: first, to completely abstain from any partnership ("ouden symphyzetai") with the ungodly actions ("ergois tou skotous"). This involves not only participation but also close association. Second, it forbids co-destruction or wasting life alongside those engaged in sin ("Mē synanalōmai autois"). The prohibition is against being influenced and tainted ("ganōte autois") by these "works of darkness." The implication is that ungodly actions will ultimately lead to ruin, and believers are called to separate from that trajectory of destruction. It echoes Old Testament principles of separation from pagan practices and New Testament teachings on distinctiveness and purity, such as not being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14) and avoiding being conformed to the world (Rom 12:2). True fellowship with God requires a practical separation from the unfruitful works of darkness.

Practical examples:

• Avoiding participation in morally corrupt activities, even if others are doing them.
• Not lending support or approval to sinful lifestyles through close association.
• Being discerning about the media consumed and conversations engaged in to prevent being morally tainted.