Ephesians 5:6
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Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
vain--empty, unreal words, namely, palliations of "uncleanness," Eph 5:3-4; Isa 5:20 (that it is natural to indulge in love), "covetousness" (that it is useful to society that men should pursue gain), and "jesting" (that it is witty and clever, and that God will not so severely punish for such things). because of these things--uncleanness, covetousness, &c. (Eph 5:3-5). cometh--present, not merely "shall come." Is as sure as if already come. children--rather, "sons of disobedience" (Eph 2:2-3). The children of unbelief in doctrine (Deu 32:20) are "children of disobedience" in practice, and these again are "children of wrath."
Open source ↗We had several important exhortations in the close of the foregoing chapter, and they are continued in this: particularly, I. We have here an exhortation to mutual love and charity (Eph 5:1, Eph 5:2). II. Against all manner of uncleanness, with proper arguments and remedies proposed against such sins: and some further cautions are added, and other duties recommended (v. 3-20). III. The apostle directs to the conscientious discharge of relative duties, from Eph 5:21, throughout this, and in the beginning of the next chapter.
Open source ↗5:6 The anger of God will fall at his final judgment (see Rom 1:18; Col 3:5-6; cp. John 3:36).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you.
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?
This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: