Ephesians 5:16

16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:16 in Other Translations

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

16 Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time
Or "buying time"; a like expression is used in ( Daniel 2:8 ) , which we render, gain time: but in the Chaldee text it is, "buy time": and so Jacchiades, a Jewish commentator on the place, renders it, (Myrkmn Mta tazh teh) , "ye buy this opportunity"; and the Septuagint version uses the same phrase the apostle does here; but there it seems to signify a study to prolong time, to put off the business to another season; but here taking time for a space of time, it denotes a careful and diligent use of it, an improvement of it to the best advantage; and shows that it is valuable and precious, and is not to be trifled with, and squandered away, and be lost, as it may be; for it can neither be recalled nor prolonged: and taking it for an opportunity of doing good to ourselves or others, it signifies that no opportunity of discharging our duty to God and man, of attending on the word and ordinances of the Gospel, and to the private and public exercises of religion, of gaining advantage to our own souls, or of gaining the souls of others, and of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men, should be neglected; but even all risks should be run, and means used to enjoy it: in the Syriac and Chaldee languages, (anmz) , "time", comes from (Nbz) , "to redeem": the reason the apostle gives for the redemption of time is,

because the days are evil;
as such are, in which iniquity abounds, and many wicked men live, and errors and heresies prevail, and are days of affliction or persecution; see ( Genesis 47:9 ) .

Ephesians 5:16 In-Context

14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Cross References

• 1. Colossians 4:5
• 2. Ephesians 6:13