Ephesians 5:9
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for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
fruit of the Spirit--taken by transcribers from Gal 5:22. The true reading is that of the oldest manuscripts, "The fruit of THE LIGHT"; in contrast with "the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph 5:11). This verse is parenthetic. Walk as children of light, that is, in all good works and words, "FOR the fruit of the light is [borne] in [ALFORD; but BENGEL, 'consists in'] all goodness [opposed to 'malice,' Eph 4:31], righteousness [opposed to 'covetousness,' Eph 5:3] and truth [opposed to 'lying,' Eph 4:25]."
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 ↗5:9 God’s people are to do what is good and right and true, in harmony with God’s light (cp. Rom 12:2; some early manuscripts read Spirit instead of light; cp. Eph 4:22-24; Matt 7:16-20; Gal 5:22-23).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,
If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.