Ephesians 5:8

8 for ¹you were formerly ²darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as ³children of 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 2.

Ephesians 5:8 In-Context

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

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;

8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord ; walk as children of Light

9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth ),

10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord .

Cross References

• 1. Ephesians 2:2
• 2. Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:12
• 3. John 12:36; Romans 13:12