Living as a New Creation: Ethical Exhortations
Ephesians 4:17-5:21
Eph.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- μαρτυρομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μηκετι: ADV
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- περιπατειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- περιπατει: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- ματαιοτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νοος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:21 (verbal): Paul uses the same language of 'futility/vanity of their thinking' (Greek: ματαιότης τῆς διανοίας) to describe Gentile unbelief—direct verbal parallel to Eph 4:17's characterization of pagan conduct.
- Ephesians 2:1-3 (structural): Within Ephesians Paul elsewhere describes the pre-Christian 'walk' of believers—dead in trespasses, following the course of this world—providing the broader structural contrast between former Gentile ways and Christian living.
- Romans 12:2 (thematic): Contrasts worldly conformity with the call to inner transformation and renewal of the mind—antithetical response to 'walking in the vanity of their mind' in Eph 4:17.
- Colossians 3:2-3 (thematic): Exhorts believers to set minds on things above and to put off the former way of life—another Pauline parallel addressing the reorientation of thought and conduct away from pagan patterns.
Alternative generated candidates
- So I say this, and I testify in the Lord: do not continue to live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds,
- Therefore I say—and I testify in the Lord—that you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds.
Eph.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εσκοτωμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διανοια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- απηλλοτριωμενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ζωης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αγνοιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ουσαν: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- δια: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πωρωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:21 (verbal): Speaks of people whose thinking became futile and whose hearts were darkened—language closely matching 'understanding darkened' and 'hardness of heart.'
- Colossians 1:21 (thematic): Describes believers once 'alienated and hostile in mind'—parallels Ephesians' 'alienated from the life of God' and the state produced by ignorance and hardness.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (verbal): Claims 'the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers,' paralleling the motif of darkened understanding and spiritual ignorance in Ephesians 4:18.
- John 12:40 (cf. Isaiah 6:10) (allusion): Speaks of eyes being blinded and hearts hardened (quoting Isaiah), echoing the twin ideas of blindness/ignorance and hardness of heart found in Ephesians 4:18.
- Hebrews 3:13 (thematic): Warns that 'the deceitfulness of sin hardens the heart,' which corresponds to Ephesians' emphasis on hardness of heart as the cause of ignorance and darkened understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- with their understanding darkened, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, and because of the hardness of their hearts.
- They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardening of their hearts.
Eph.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- απηλγηκοτες: VERB,perf,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- παρεδωκαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ασελγεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- εργασιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ακαθαρσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- πλεονεξια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Romans 1:24 (verbal): Paul speaks of God “giving them up” to impurity/sexual passions (παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς), closely echoing Ephesians’ language of being given over to sensuality and impurity.
- Romans 6:16 (thematic): Contrast of obedience/slavery — if you present yourselves to someone you become slaves of impurity (τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ) — parallels the idea of persons entrusting themselves to practices of impurity.
- Galatians 5:19-21 (thematic): Lists ‘works of the flesh’ including sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality and greed — thematically parallels Ephesians’ description of lives characterized by impurity and covetousness.
- Colossians 3:5 (verbal): Commands believers to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, and passion, and names covetousness — language and vice-pairing closely mirror Ephesians’ pairing of impurity and greed.
- 2 Peter 2:19 (allusion): Speaks of people promising freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption (δεσπόται τῆς διαφθοράς), echoing the paradox of those surrendered to sensuality and enslaved to impurity.
Alternative generated candidates
- They have become callous and given themselves up to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greed.
- Having become callous, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
Eph.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- ουχ: PART,neg
- ουτως: ADV
- εμαθετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:21 (structural): Immediate context/continuation — contrasts 'you have not so learned Christ' with 'if indeed you heard him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,' completing Paul's point about instruction and Christian truth.
- Colossians 3:10 (thematic): Speaks of putting on the new self 'which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator' — parallels the idea that learning Christ results in renewed life and knowledge of Christ.
- Philippians 3:10 (verbal): Paul's desire 'that I may know him' echoes the language of learning/knowing Christ and emphasizes personal, experiential knowledge of Christ referenced in Ephesians.
- Titus 2:11-12 (thematic): Describes how God's grace teaches believers to 'deny ungodliness and worldly lusts' and to 'live soberly' — parallels Ephesians' implication that learning Christ should produce moral and behavioral transformation.
- 1 John 2:6 (thematic): 'Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way he walked' links knowledge/claim of Christ with practical imitation, underscoring Ephesians' contrast between hearing about Christ and actually living as taught by him.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you did not learn Christ in that way,
- But that is not how you were taught Christ—
Eph.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γε: PART
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ηκουσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εδιδαχθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αληθεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:6-7 (structural): Both verses use parallel language about receiving/learning Christ and then ‘walking’ or being rooted in him—emphasizing formation in Christ as the basis for behavior and teaching 'in/with Christ.'
- Philippians 4:9 (verbal): Paul urges readers to practice what they 'learned, received, heard, and saw'—echoing Ephesians’ emphasis on having 'heard' and been 'taught' in Christ and thus following that teaching.
- Colossians 3:16 (thematic): Calls for the word of Christ to dwell richly among believers so they teach and admonish one another—paralleling Ephesians’ focus on instruction 'in him' and the community shaped by Christ’s truth.
- John 14:6 (thematic): Jesus’ self-identification as 'the truth' connects directly to Ephesians’ phrase 'as the truth is in Jesus,' grounding Christian teaching in the person of Christ.
- John 8:31-32 (thematic): Links abiding in Jesus' teaching with knowing the truth (and being set free), mirroring Ephesians’ stress on having 'heard' and been 'taught' with truth located in Jesus.
Alternative generated candidates
- if indeed you heard him and were taught in him, even as the truth is in Jesus.
- if indeed you heard him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.
Eph.4.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αποθεσθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- προτεραν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- αναστροφην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- παλαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ανθρωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- φθειρομενον: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,acc,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- επιθυμιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- απατης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:9-10 (verbal): Uses the same put-off/put-on language about the ‘old self’ and the renewed self, paralleling the idea of discarding former corrupt conduct.
- Romans 6:6 (thematic): Speaks of the ‘old self’ (sinful nature) being dealt with (crucified) so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, echoing the notion of putting off the corrupted old humanity.
- Galatians 5:24 (thematic): Affirms that those in Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, corresponding to putting off the old self corrupted by deceitful lusts.
- Ephesians 2:1-3 (structural): Earlier in the same letter describes believers’ former way of life—dead in transgressions, following sinful desires and passions—providing the larger context for putting off the old self.
- Titus 3:3 (thematic): Describes humanity’s former condition of foolishness and slavery to various passions and pleasures, similar to the portrayal of the old self corrupted by deceitful desires.
Alternative generated candidates
- Put off, with regard to your former conduct, the old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires;
- Put off, in regard to your former way of life, the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful passions.
Eph.4.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ανανεουσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- δε: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νοος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Rom.12:2 (verbal): Uses the same concept of renewal of the mind ( Greek: ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοὸς ὑμῶν) — transformation through the renewing of the mind parallels Ephesians' 'renewed in the spirit of your minds.'
- Titus 3:5 (verbal): Links renewal explicitly with the Spirit (ἡ καθαριζομένη ἀναγέννησις καὶ ἀνακαινώσις πνεύματος ἁγίου) — similar idea of spiritual renewal as the agent of change in the believer.
- Col.3:10 (verbal): Describes putting on the new self 'which is being renewed in knowledge' (ὁ ἀνακαινούμενος) — echoes Ephesians' language of being renewed and the ethical result of that renewal.
- 2 Cor.4:16 (thematic): Speaks of the inner person being renewed day by day (ὁ δὲ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος ἀνακαινοῦται) — thematically parallels Ephesians' emphasis on inward renewal despite outward circumstances.
Alternative generated candidates
- and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
- Be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
Eph.4.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ενδυσασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καινον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ανθρωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- κτισθεντα: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- δικαιοσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- οσιοτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:10 (verbal): Very close language — 'put on the new self' and the theme of renewal into the image of the Creator; a near verbal and conceptual parallel to Ephesians' wording.
- Romans 13:14 (verbal): Uses the same clothing metaphor ('put on') for moral/Christian transformation—'put on the Lord Jesus Christ' echoes the call to clothe oneself with a new, godly identity.
- Galatians 3:27 (verbal): Baptismal imagery 'put on Christ' parallels 'put on the new self,' linking Christian identity and transformation to incorporation into Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (thematic): Declares believers to be a 'new creation' in Christ; thematically parallels the idea of becoming a new person formed in righteousness and holiness.
- Genesis 1:26-27 (allusion): Ephesians' phrase 'created according to God' echoes the Genesis motif of humanity created in God's image, grounding the 'new' person in divine likeness.
Alternative generated candidates
- and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
- and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Eph.4.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- αποθεμενοι: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ψευδος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- λαλειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- αληθειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εκαστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πλησιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- εσμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- αλληλων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- μελη: NOUN,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Colossians 3:9 (verbal): Uses nearly identical command, 'Do not lie to one another,' and situates truth-telling within putting off the old self—close verbal and ethical parallel to Ephesians 4:25.
- Ephesians 4:15 (thematic): Calls for 'speaking the truth in love' as part of corporate spiritual growth—connects truth-telling to the unity and maturity rationale given in 4:25 ('we are members').
- Leviticus 19:11 (allusion): Old Testament legal/ethical background: 'You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another,' which undergirds the NT injunction against falsehood among members.
- Proverbs 12:22 (thematic): Affirms the moral valuation of truth ('Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD') and provides wisdom literature support for the imperative to put away falsehood.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, casting off falsehood, speak the truth—each one to his neighbor—because we are members of one another.
- Therefore, laying aside falsehood, each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Eph.4.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οργιζεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imper,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- αμαρτανετε·ο: VERB,pres,act,imper,2,pl
- ηλιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- επιδυετω: VERB,pres,act,imper,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- παροργισμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Psalm 4:4 (LXX) (quotation): Ephesians 4:26 closely echoes the Septuagint reading of Psalm 4:4 (or LXX Psalm 4:5), literally: “Be angry and do not sin; let not the sun go down upon your anger.” Paul appears to cite or allude to this Psalmal formula.
- Matthew 5:22 (thematic): Jesus warns that anger toward a brother exposes one to judgment, treating anger as a moral problem to be controlled—parallel concern with righteous limits on anger.
- James 1:19 (thematic): James counsels believers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,” a general ethical instruction about restraining and managing anger consonant with Eph. 4:26.
- Ephesians 4:31 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: Paul commands believers to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger and slander—showing Eph. 4:26’s admonition is part of a larger ethic against persistent, destructive anger.
- Colossians 3:8 (verbal): Paul uses similar vocabulary—“anger, wrath, malice”—and urges believers to put these away, reflecting the same pastoral imperative to eliminate sinful forms of anger.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
- Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Eph.4.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μηδε: CONJ
- διδοτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- διαβολω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:26 (structural): Immediate context—the two verses form one admonition: manage anger and 'do not give the devil a foothold.'
- 2 Corinthians 2:11 (verbal): Paul warns that Satan must not gain an advantage over us—language and concern closely parallel 'give no place to the devil.'
- James 4:7 (thematic): Calls believers to submit to God and resist the devil so he will flee—same practical exhortation to deny the devil opportunity.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 (thematic): Urges sober vigilance and resisting the devil steadfastly—echoes the warning against allowing the devil a foothold.
Alternative generated candidates
- and give no opportunity to the devil.
- and give no opportunity to the devil.
Eph.4.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κλεπτων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- μηκετι: ADV
- κλεπτετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- μαλλον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- κοπιατω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- εργαζομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- ιδιαις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- χερσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- εχη: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μεταδιδοναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- χρειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εχοντι: VERB,pres,act,part,dat,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (verbal): Urges believers to 'work with their hands' and live quietly/mind their own affairs—language and practical ethic closely parallel Ephesians' call to labor rather than steal.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (thematic): Declares that those unwilling to work should not eat—reflects the same ethic linking personal labor to provision and responsibility found in Ephesians 4:28.
- Acts 20:33-35 (thematic): Paul describes working to support himself and to be able to help the weak, citing Jesus' words about giving—connects the motive in Ephesians (work so you can give to the needy).
- Exodus 20:15 (allusion): The Decalogue's command 'You shall not steal' undergirds Ephesians' prohibition of stealing; Ephesians develops the command into a positive ethic of honest labor and generosity.
- Ephesians 4:25 (structural): Immediate context within the same passage: a series of ethical imperatives ('put away falsehood,' 'do not steal') framing the Christian's new-life behavior—Eph 4:28 continues this structural pattern with a corrective and constructive command.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let the thief no longer steal; rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
- Let the thief steal no longer; rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need.
Eph.4.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- λογος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σαπρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- στοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μη: PART
- εκπορευεσθω: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- αγαθος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χρειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- δω: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ακουουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Colossians 4:6 (verbal): Commands gracious, seasonable speech ('let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt')—parallels Eph.4:29's insistence that words give grace and suit the occasion.
- James 3:2-10 (thematic): Extended teaching on the power and danger of the tongue—contrasts corrupt/bridled speech with speech that blesses, echoing the warning against 'corrupt talk' and the call to edifying words.
- Romans 14:19 (thematic): 'Pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding' (οἰκοδομή)—shares the same goal of speech and action aimed at building up the community.
- Proverbs 15:4 (verbal): 'A wholesome tongue is a tree of life'—Old Testament proverb that links healthy, healing speech to benefit for hearers, paralleling 'give grace to those who hear.'
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (structural): 'Encourage one another and build one another up'—uses the same notion of edification as the guiding aim of Christian conduct and, by implication, of speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouths, but only such words as are good for building up, as fits the occasion, that they may give grace to those who hear.
Eph.4.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- λυπειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εσφραγισθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- εις: PREP
- ημεραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- απολυτρωσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Eph.1:13-14 (verbal): Same epistolary context: believers are 'sealed with the Holy Spirit' who is described as a guarantee/earnest 'until the redemption' — near-verbal parallels to 'sealed' and 'day of redemption.'
- 2 Cor.1:21-22 (verbal): Paul speaks of God 'making us firm' and having 'sealed us' and 'given the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee' — parallels the sealing function and Spirit as pledge in Eph.4:30.
- Isa.63:10 (verbal): The OT precedent: 'they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit' (or 'vexed his Holy Spirit'), using the same verb‑image of grieving the Spirit that Ephesians echoes.
- 1 Thess.5:19 (thematic): 'Do not quench the Spirit' is a related Pauline injunction about proper treatment of the Spirit — complementing Ephesians' command not to grieve the Holy Spirit.
- Rom.8:23-25 (thematic): Paulic theme of waiting for final 'redemption' and groaning for adoption; links the eschatological horizon (redemption) to the present role of the Spirit in believers' hope.
Alternative generated candidates
- And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
- And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Eph.4.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πασα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- πικρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- θυμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- οργη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- κραυγη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- βλασφημια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αρθητω: VERB,aor,pass,imp,3,sg
- αφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- συν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- κακια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:8 (verbal): Contains a nearly identical catalogue of sins (anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk) and the command to put them away—close verbal parallel.
- 1 Peter 2:1 (verbal): Explicit exhortation to 'rid yourselves' of malice and slander (and related vices); closely parallels the language and moral thrust.
- Ephesians 4:32 (structural): Immediate continuation/contrast to v.31: after putting off these vices believers are told to clothe themselves with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
- James 1:19-20 (thematic): Advises believers to be slow to anger because human anger does not produce God's righteousness—addresses the problem of anger/wrath thematically.
- Romans 12:17-21 (thematic): Commands not to repay evil for evil, to refuse vengeance and to overcome evil with good—practical implications opposing malice, wrath, and revenge.
Alternative generated candidates
- Put away from you all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, along with every form of malice.
- Put away from you all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, along with every form of malice.
Eph.4.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- εις: PREP
- αλληλους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- χρηστοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ευσπλαγχνοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- χαριζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,pl,m
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εχαρισατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Colossians 3:12-13 (verbal): Paul issues nearly identical ethical commands—compassion, kindness, patience—and explicitly: 'forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you,' a close verbal and thematic parallel to Eph 4:32.
- Luke 6:36 (verbal): Jesus: 'Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.' The formula 'be X, as God is X' echoes Eph 4:32's call to imitate God's forgiving character.
- Matthew 6:14-15 (thematic): Jesus teaches that forgiving others is connected to receiving divine forgiveness—a theological principle that undergirds the motive in Eph 4:32 ('as God in Christ forgave you').
- Ephesians 5:1-2 (structural): Within the same letter Paul again urges believers to 'be imitators of God' and to 'walk in love' modeled by Christ's self-giving—paralleling Eph 4:32's call to enact God's forgiving love.
- Ephesians 2:4-5 (allusion): Paul's earlier description of God as 'rich in mercy' who made us alive in Christ supplies the theological ground for Eph 4:32's appeal to God's forgiveness 'in Christ' as the motive for mutual kindness and pardon.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
- Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Eph.5.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- ουν: CONJ
- μιμηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- αγαπητα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Luke 6:36 (verbal): Explicitly calls believers to mirror God's character — 'Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful' — paralleling the command to 'imitate God.'
- Matthew 5:48 (verbal): Imperative to be like the heavenly Father — 'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect' — similar summons to likeness to God.
- 1 Peter 1:14-16 (thematic): Addresses believers as 'children' and commands holy conduct ('be holy… for I am holy'), linking filial status with imitating God's holiness.
- 1 John 3:1-2 (thematic): Affirms believers as 'children of God' and the hope of being like him ('we shall be like him'), connecting identity as children with likeness to God.
- Romans 8:14-16 (thematic): Speaks of those led by the Spirit as sons/children of God (Spirit's witness), grounding the ethical call to reflect God's character in filial identity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,
- Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
Eph.5.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- περιπατειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ηγαπησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- παρεδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,masc,reflex
- υπερ: PREP
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- προσφοραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- θυσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- οσμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ευωδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- John 15:13 (thematic): Expresses the same principle of supreme love shown by laying down one's life for others—'greater love has no one than this.'
- Romans 5:8 (thematic): Affirms Christ's sacrificial love in dying for sinners, underscoring the salvific giving of himself 'for us' as in Ephesians 5:2.
- Philippians 2:5-8 (structural): Parallels the motif of Christ's self-emptying and obedient death—an example for believers to imitate in humble, self-giving love.
- Hebrews 10:12-14 (verbal): Uses sacrificial language about Christ offering one perfect sacrifice for sins, resonating with Ephesians' 'offering and sacrifice' imagery.
- 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (verbal): Employs the 'fragrance/aroma' metaphor for Christ's ministry and its effect, directly echoing Ephesians' 'fragrance of a sweet-smelling sacrifice.'
Alternative generated candidates
- and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us—an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.
- and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.
Eph.5.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Πορνεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ακαθαρσια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- πασα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- πλεονεξια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μηδε: CONJ
- ονομαζεσθω: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- καθως: CONJ
- πρεπει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αγιοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Colossians 3:5 (verbal): Lists the same vices—porneia (sexual immorality), uncleanness, passion/evil desire and covetousness—linking covetousness with idolatry; closely parallels Ephesians' vocabulary and moral command.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (thematic): Commands sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality, urging control of passion and lust ‘as becomes saints,’ echoing Ephesians’ appeal to holy conduct.
- Galatians 5:19-21 (verbal): The catalogue of the 'works of the flesh' includes fornication and uncleanness (and covetousness-related sins), thematically aligning with Ephesians’ prohibition.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (thematic): Exhorts believers to flee sexual immorality and honors the body as belonging to Christ—grounding the moral exclusion of porneia in the believer’s holy status, like Ephesians’ 'as becometh saints.'
- Ephesians 4:19 (structural): Earlier in the same letter Paul condemns 'uncleanness' and greediness as marks of the old life; 5:3 echoes and advances this internal ethical contrast between former conduct and saintly behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
- But among you there must be no hint of sexual immorality, or any impurity, or greed—these are improper for God’s holy people.
Eph.5.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αισχροτης: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- μωρολογια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ευτραπελια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ανηκεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- μαλλον: ADV
- ευχαριστια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:8 (verbal): Explicitly forbids 'obscene talk' and similar vices (Greek: αισχρολογια/αἰσχρολογία), closely matching Ephesians' prohibition of αισχροτης and μωρολογια (obscenity and foolish talk).
- Ephesians 4:29 (thematic): Commands that no 'corrupting talk' proceed from believers but only speech that builds up—same concern for the purity and edification of Christian speech as in Eph 5:4's contrast with thanksgiving.
- Colossians 4:6 (thematic): Urges that speech be 'seasoned with salt' and gracious so one may answer others—offers a positive model of wholesome, thankful-sounding speech as an alternative to coarse jesting mentioned in Eph 5:4.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (thematic): 'Give thanks in all circumstances'—connects with Eph 5:4's positive injunction that thanksgiving, not indecent or foolish speech, belongs to Christians.
- Titus 2:8 (verbal): Paul urges 'sound speech that cannot be condemned' (ὑγιὴς ῥῆσις), paralleling Ephesians' call to avoid indecent or foolish talk and instead cultivate acceptable, thankful speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- nor obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
- Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place; instead give thanks.
Eph.5.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- ιστε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- γινωσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- πορνος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ακαθαρτος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- πλεονεκτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ειδωλολατρης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κληρονομιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- βασιλεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (verbal): Contains a catalogue of sinners including fornicators and idolaters and states that such persons will not inherit the kingdom of God—language and consequence closely parallel Ephesians 5:5.
- Galatians 5:19-21 (thematic): Lists works of the flesh (sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, greed) and warns that those who practice them will not inherit God's kingdom, echoing Ephesians’ moral charge and eschatological consequence.
- Colossians 3:5-6 (verbal): Commands believers to put to death sexual immorality, impurity and greed (identified as idolatry) and warns of divine judgment—reflecting the same vices and theological link between greed and idolatry found in Ephesians 5:5.
- Revelation 21:8 (allusion): Declares that the sexually immoral, idolaters and others will have their portion in the lake of fire—a parallel eschatological condemnation of the same categories of sin addressed in Ephesians 5:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you may be sure of this: no immoral person, no impure or greedy person (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
- For know this: no immoral or impure person, nor one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Eph.5.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μηδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- απατατω: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- κενοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- λογοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- ερχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οργη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- υιους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- απειθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:6 (verbal): Almost identical wording — 'for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience' (Paulic phrase linking specific sins/teachings with divine wrath).
- Colossians 2:8 (verbal): Warning against being deceived by 'empty philosophy'/'empty deceit' — closely parallels the admonition 'Let no one deceive you with empty words.'
- Ephesians 4:14 (thematic): Within the same letter Paul warns against being carried about by every wind of doctrine and deceived by human cunning — similar concern about deception and its effects on believers' stability.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (thematic): Describes people being deceived (refusing the truth) and subsequently receiving judgment/delusion from God — links deception with divine judgment, echoing Eph. 5:6's cause–effect.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.
- Let no one deceive you with empty words; for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Eph.5.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- συμμετοχοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- αυτων·: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 5:11 (structural): Immediate context: expands the same injunction—do not have fellowship/participation with the unfruitful works of darkness but expose them; same paragraph and argument against sharing in darkness.
- 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 (verbal): Paul warns believers they cannot be 'partakers' of the Lord's table and of demons (i.e., share in pagan sacrificial/spirital participation); uses the same idea of not participating with hostile spiritual forces.
- 2 John 1:10-11 (verbal): Do not receive or welcome false teachers, for anyone who welcomes them 'shares in their wicked work' (Greek metecho/μετέχει) — a direct verbal/thematic parallel about sharing in others' evil.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11 (thematic): Paul commands not to associate or keep company with a sexually immoral brother; same ethical concern about refusing fellowship with those persisting in sin.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (thematic): Instruction to note and not associate with anyone who disobeys Paul's teaching—another Pauline formulation of withdrawing fellowship as corrective/protective discipline.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore do not be partners with them.
- Therefore do not become partners with them.
Eph.5.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ητε: VERB,impf,act,ind,2,pl
- γαρ: PART
- ποτε: ADV
- σκοτος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- νυν: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- κυριω·ως: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- φωτος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- περιπατειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 John 1:6-7 (verbal): Direct verbal and conceptual parallel: both contrast walking in darkness with walking in the light and command believers to 'walk in the light' with implications for fellowship and cleansing.
- Colossians 1:13 (thematic): Uses the same cosmic-kingdom language—God 'has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son'—paralleling Eph. 5:8's former state of darkness and new identity as light.
- Acts 26:18 (allusion): Paul's commission to turn people 'from darkness to light' and from Satan to God closely mirrors the conversion imagery in Ephesians of movement from darkness into light.
- Romans 13:12-14 (thematic): Shared moral exhortation and imagery: 'the night is far gone...let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor/works of light,' echoing Eph. 5:8's call to live as 'children of light.'
- 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (verbal): Explicitly calls believers 'children of light' and contrasts them with 'night' and 'darkness,' an expression virtually identical to the filial language of Eph. 5:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
- For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.
Eph.5.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- καρπος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- φωτος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- αγαθωσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- δικαιοσυνη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Gal.5:22-23 (verbal): Uses 'fruit' language and explicitly lists 'goodness' (as part of the fruit of the Spirit), paralleling Eph.5:9's 'fruit of the light' with moral outcomes.
- Phil.1:11 (verbal): Speaks of being 'filled with the fruit of righteousness'—a close verbal/theological link to Eph.5:9's identification of righteousness as fruit of the Christian life.
- Rom.13:12-14 (thematic): Similar light/darkness imagery and ethical exhortation (cast off works of darkness, put on the armor/works of light), aligning the moral imperatives tied to being 'in the light'.
- 1 John 1:7 (thematic): Affirms that 'walking in the light' yields cleansing and right relationship (ethical purity and truth), echoing Eph.5:9's association of light with goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Alternative generated candidates
- for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth,
- For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Eph.5.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δοκιμαζοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ευαρεστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω·: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:2 (verbal): Uses δοκιμάζετε (test/try) to determine τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ — closely parallels Eph. 5:10’s δοκιμαζοντες τι ἐστιν εὐάρεστον τῷ Κυρίῳ (testing what is pleasing to the Lord).
- Colossians 1:10 (verbal): Exhorts believers to walk worthy and to be εὐαρεστείᾳ (pleasing) to the Lord — a direct verbal/thematic overlap with ‘pleasing the Lord’ in Eph 5:10.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9 (thematic): Paul’s stated aim ‘to please the Lord’ (we make it our aim to please him) parallels Eph. 5:10’s concern for acting in ways that are pleasing to the Lord.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Contrasts seeking to please men with seeking to please God — echoes Eph. 5:10’s focus on discerning and doing what is pleasing to the Lord.
- John 8:29 (thematic): Jesus’ claim that he always does what is pleasing to the Father (πάντα ὅσα ποιῶ) reflects the same moral orientation of acting to please the Lord found in Eph. 5:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- trying to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
- Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Eph.5.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- συγκοινωνειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εργοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ακαρποις: ADJ,dat,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σκοτους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- μαλλον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ελεγχετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (verbal): Uses the contrast of fellowship/communion with darkness and light (’What fellowship has light with darkness?’), echoing the prohibition against sharing in works of darkness.
- Romans 13:12-14 (verbal): Urges believers to ‘put on the armour of light’ and to ‘cast off the works of darkness,’ language very close to refusing participation in dark deeds and opposing them.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (thematic): Commands believers to ‘abstain from every appearance of evil,’ a parallel ethical injunction to avoid involvement with works of darkness.
- John 3:19-21 (thematic): Contrasts those who love darkness with those who come to the light so that their deeds are exposed—similar motive for refusing fellowship with dark deeds and for exposing them.
- Ephesians 5:8-13 (structural): Immediate context: believers are called ‘children of light,’ the fruit of light is revealed, and ‘everything exposed by the light is made visible,’ directly supporting 5:11’s command to have no fellowship with and to expose works of darkness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
- Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Eph.5.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- κρυφη: ADJ,nom,pl,neut
- γινομενα: PART,pres,mid/pass,acc,pl,n
- υπ᾽αυτων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,3
- αισχρον: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- λεγειν·: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Eph.5.3 (verbal): Same immediate context and vocabulary: sexual immorality and uncleanness 'let it not even be named among you' echoes 'it is shame even to speak of' (close verbal and ethical parallel).
- Eph.5.11 (structural): Immediate literary context: verse 11 contrasts exposing/reproving darkness with verse 12's claim that the secret deeds of darkness are shameful even to mention—tightly linked in argument and structure.
- Col.3.5-8 (thematic): Parallel moral catalogue and exhortation to put off 'fornication, uncleanness, passion' and 'filthy language'—addresses the same secret/shameful behaviors and the call to cease naming or practicing them.
- 1 Thess.4.3-5 (thematic): Similar ethical injunction concerning sexual purity: believers are to live in sanctification and honor, not in the lusts practiced 'by the Gentiles'—overlaps the concern with shameful, unmentionable conduct.
- Rom.1.29-31 (thematic): Paul's catalogue of shameful deeds done among the Gentiles (unrighteousness, wickedness, sexual sins) and the sense that such actions are disgraceful—provides a broader Pauline comparison for deeds 'done in secret' that are 'shameful to speak of.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For it is shameful even to speak of the things done by them in secret.
- For it is shameful even to speak of the things done by them in secret.
Eph.5.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ελεγχομενα: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl
- υπο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- φωτος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- φανερουται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Luke 8:17 (verbal): Uses nearly identical wording about nothing hidden remaining concealed but coming to light — a close verbal parallel about revelation/exposure.
- John 3:19-21 (thematic): Contrasts light and darkness and explains that deeds done in the light are revealed; those who do truth come to the light so their works are shown.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (thematic): Paul speaks of God bringing to light what is hidden in darkness and revealing the motives of hearts — similar emphasis on future disclosure by divine light.
- 1 John 1:7 (thematic): Links walking in the light with exposure and cleansing of sins; light as moral-revealing and purifying presence, resonant with Ephesians' imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible; for anything that is made visible is light.
- But everything that is exposed by the light becomes visible, for whatever is revealed is light.
Eph.5.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- φανερουμενον: PART,pres,mp,nom,sg,n
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- διο: CONJ
- λεγει·Εγειρε: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- καθευδων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αναστα: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εκ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- νεκρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- επιφαυσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 60:1 (allusion): “Arise, shine” motif — Ephesians’ command to ‘Arise… and Christ will shine on you’ echoes Isaiah’s call to rise because the Lord’s light has come, linking divine light and awakening.
- Romans 13:11 (verbal): Wake-from-sleep language — Paul’s ‘it is high time to awake…’ (γρηγόρατε/ἐγείρε) uses the same wakeful imagery urging Christians to abandon spiritual sleep, parallel in vocabulary and urgency.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (thematic): Light vs. darkness and watchfulness — ‘let us not sleep as others do, but be awake’/children of light theme parallels Ephesians’ call to awaken from darkness into Christ’s light.
- John 11:11-14 (thematic): Death as sleep and resurrection — Jesus’ description of Lazarus as ‘sleeping’ and then raising him resonates with Ephesians’ ‘rise from the dead’ metaphor linking awakening to resurrection.
- Romans 6:4 (structural): Baptismal/resurrection motif — being ‘raised with Christ’ to newness of life echoes Ephesians’ summons to rise from the dead and live in the light of Christ (transformative resurrection theology).
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore he says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
- Therefore it is said, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Eph.5.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Βλεπετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- ουν: CONJ
- ακριβως: ADV
- πως: ADV
- περιπατειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- μη: PART
- ως: ADV
- ασοφοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- αλλ᾽ως: CONJ
- σοφοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Colossians 4:5 (verbal): Uses the same verb 'walk' (περιπατεῖτε/συμπεριπατεῖτε) and calls for wisdom in conduct toward outsiders — 'walk in wisdom' parallels Ephesians' 'not as unwise but as wise.'
- Ephesians 5:17 (verbal): Immediate context in the same letter: both verses contrast foolishness and wisdom and command understanding of the Lord's will (μη ὦν ἀσοφοὶ... vs. μὴ ὦν ἀσοφοὶ· ἀλλὰ συνίετε).
- Ephesians 4:1 (thematic): Paul's broader ethical imperative to 'walk worthy of the calling' (περιπατεῖν ἀξίως) — same metaphor of life as a 'walk' that must reflect Christian identity and wisdom.
- Romans 13:13 (thematic): Calls for proper public behavior — 'let us walk properly, as in the day' (περιπατῶμεν κοσμίως ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ) — similar ethical exhortation about how Christians should conduct themselves.
- Proverbs 4:11 (thematic): Wisdom literature background: 'I have taught you the way of wisdom; I led you in the paths of uprightness' — connects the imagery of walking/paths with the contrast between wisdom and folly underlying Paul's exhortation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Look carefully then how you walk—not as unwise but as wise,
- Be careful then how you live—wise, not unwise—
Eph.5.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εξαγοραζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καιρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- ημεραι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- πονηραι: ADJ,nom,pl,f
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Colossians 4:5 (verbal): Uses the same verb phrase (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν / 'making the most of the time'), an almost identical exhortation to use time wisely toward outsiders.
- Ephesians 5:15 (structural): Immediate context: 5:15–16 form a unit urging wise conduct ('walk as wise' → 'making the most of the time'), so 5:16 completes the admonition begun in 5:15.
- 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 (thematic): Paul stresses the brevity and transitory character of present life ('the appointed time has been shortened' / 'the present form of this world is passing away'), echoing the urgency behind redeeming the time because days are evil.
- Psalm 90:12 (thematic): Wisdom motif: 'Teach us to number our days' — awareness of life's brevity that motivates prudent, timely living, paralleling the call to make the best use of time in an evil age.
Alternative generated candidates
- making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
- making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Eph.5.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- αφρονες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- συνιετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- θελημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:2 (thematic): Both urge believers to abandon worldly patterns and discern/accept God's will; Romans emphasizes testing and knowing God's good, acceptable, perfect will.
- Colossians 1:9 (verbal): Paul prays that the church may be filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual wisdom and understanding—closely parallel to 'understand what the will of the Lord is.'
- Ephesians 5:15 (structural): Immediate literary parallel in the same context: contrasts walking 'not as fools but as wise' and follows the call to discern the Lord's will.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (thematic): States that God's will concerns believers' sanctification—an example of what discerning and doing the Lord's will looks like in ethical life.
- James 4:17 (allusion): Links knowledge and responsibility: if one knows the right (God's will) and fails to do it, that failure is sin—echoing the importance of understanding and acting on God's will.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph.5.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- μεθυσκεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- οινω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ασωτια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- πληρουσθε: VERB,pres,pass,imp,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 2:4 (verbal): Uses the same language of being “filled with the Holy Spirit,” paralleling the positive alternative to drunkenness in Ephesians 5:18.
- Acts 2:13-15 (thematic): Crowd accuses the Spirit‑filled disciples of being drunk; Peter contrasts this appearance with the reality of Spirit‑filling—directly echoes the contrast in Ephesians.
- Galatians 5:16 (thematic): Commands believers to “walk by the Spirit” so they will not gratify the desires of the flesh—similar imperative to be Spirit‑controlled rather than driven by fleshly impulses.
- Romans 13:13 (verbal): Warns against “orgies and drunkenness” as behaviors incompatible with Christian conduct, matching Ephesians’ prohibition of getting drunk with wine.
- Proverbs 20:1 (thematic): Warns about the corrupting effects of wine and drunkenness—an Old Testament ethical precedent for the New Testament prohibition against drunkenness.
Alternative generated candidates
- And do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
- Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery; be filled instead with the Spirit,
Eph.5.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λαλουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,masc
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ψαλμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- υμνοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ωδαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- πνευματικαις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- αδοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ψαλλοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 3:16 (verbal): Near-identical wording—'psalms, hymns, spiritual songs' and singing with the heart—direct verbal parallel in NT exhortation to mutual worship.
- 1 Corinthians 14:15 (allusion): Paul speaks of singing 'with the spirit' (and with the mind), which echoes Ephesians' emphasis on 'spiritual' songs and worship enlivened by the Spirit.
- Acts 16:25 (thematic): Paul and Silas 'singing hymns to God' in a corporate, devotional setting—an enacted example of communal spiritual song directed to the Lord.
- James 5:13 (thematic): Exhorts believers to sing praises when cheerful, linking singing as an appropriate Christian response and form of prayer/worship.
- Psalm 95:1 (thematic): An Old Testament antecedent for corporate singing to the LORD ('Oh come, let us sing to the LORD'), providing the liturgical backdrop for New Testament worship language.
Alternative generated candidates
- addressing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
- speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph.5.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ευχαριστουντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- παντοτε: ADV
- υπερ: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πατρι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 3:17 (verbal): Close verbal parallel: doing all things 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' and 'giving thanks to God the Father' links action, Christ's name, and thanksgiving.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (verbal): Explicit injunction to 'give thanks in all circumstances' echoes Ephesians' continual thanksgiving 'for all things.'
- Philippians 4:6 (thematic): Connects prayer and supplication with thanksgiving ('in everything by prayer... with thanksgiving'), reflecting the practice of continual gratefulness in Christian life.
- Hebrews 13:15 (allusion): Speaks of offering 'a sacrifice of praise' to God 'through Jesus,' paralleling thanksgiving offered to the Father in the name of Christ.
- Psalm 107:1 (thematic): Representative Old Testament foundation for communal and continual thanksgiving to God ('Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good'), which undergirds the New Testament call to thankfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- always giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph.5.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υποτασσομενοι: VERB,pres,mp,part,nom,pl,m
- αλληλοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- φοβω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Philippians 2:3-4 (thematic): Calls believers to humility and to regard others as more important than themselves—parallel motivation and practice to “submit to one another.”
- 1 Peter 5:5 (verbal): Exhorts Christians to clothe themselves with humility toward one another (‘‘toward one another’’ language parallels mutual submission).
- Colossians 3:18-21 (structural): Contains a household-code sequence (wives, husbands, children, fathers) similar to Ephesians 5–6; Ephesians 5:21 functions as the mutual-submission premise for those household instructions.
- Galatians 5:13 (thematic): Urges believers to use freedom to serve one another in love—service in love overlaps with the ethos of mutual submission.
- Philippians 2:12 (verbal): Admonishes believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling—parallels the moral force of doing relationships ‘in the fear of Christ.’
Alternative generated candidates
- submitting to one another in the fear of God.
- And submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
So this I say and solemnly charge in the Lord: Do not continue to walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thinking.
Their understanding is darkened, and they are alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of their hearts.
They have become callous, giving themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But that is not how you learned Christ—
if indeed you have heard him and been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.
Put off your former way of life, the old self, which is corrupt through deceitful desires;
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds;
and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, rejecting falsehood, speak the truth to one another, for we are members of one another.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
and give no foothold to the devil.
Let the thief no longer steal; rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as the occasion requires, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Put away from you all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, along with every form of malice.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us—a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Let there be no sexual immorality or any impurity or covetousness among you, which is unbecoming for God’s holy people.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
For you can be sure of this: no immoral person or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.
Therefore do not become their partners.
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—
for the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true—
and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
For it is shameful even to speak of the things that are done by them in secret. But everything exposed by the light is made visible; for anything that is made visible is light.
Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Be careful then how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
addressing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your hearts,
always giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and submitting to one another in the fear of God.