Ephesians 5:8

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Ephesians 5:8 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
English Standard Version (ESV)
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
New Living Translation (NLT)
8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
The Message Bible (MSG)
8 You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it!
American Standard Version (ASV)
8 For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
8 Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
8 For you were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. walk as children of light-
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
8 At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light.

Ephesians 5:8 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness
Not only dark, but darkness itself; exceeding blind, dark, and ignorant, respecting spiritual things; so the Gentiles were wont to be called by the Jews, (Kvwh) , "darkness" F11 itself; of this darkness, (See Gill on Ephesians 4:18).

But now [are ye] light in the Lord;
either in, or by the Lord Jesus Christ, the light of men, from whom all spiritual light comes; or by the Lord the Spirit, by whom the eyes of their understandings were enlightened, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, in heart and life; the insufficiency of their own righteousness and moral virtues, to justify them before God; and the true and right way of righteousness, life and salvation by Christ; and to have some light into the several doctrines of the Gospel, and even a glimpse of the invisible glories and realities of another world: and this light is so great, that they are not only said to be enlightened, but to be light itself; and this they have not of, and from themselves, but the Lord; and therefore should

walk as children of light;
not in sins, which are works of darkness, but in faith, truth, and holiness.


FOOTNOTES:

F11 Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 2.

Ephesians 5:8 In-Context

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Ephesians 2:2
  • 2. John 8:12; S Luke 16:8; S Acts 26:18
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