Ephesians 5:8

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


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 on those who are disobedient.
7 Therefore do not be associated with them.
8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—
9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.
10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.