Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:10

What does Ephesians 5:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:10 means

Believers are to “prove” or discern what is “well-pleasing unto the Lord.” This implies thoughtful testing, not impulsive living. The goal is not to satisfy self or culture but to delight the Lord who redeemed us. Such discernment applies Scripture’s principles to concrete situations, weighing options by the fruit they bear in goodness, righteousness, and truth. It also assumes humility: we seek God’s pleasure, not our own agenda. As children of light, we learn by practice, growing in wise judgment. The Lord’s will is not hidden capriciously; He makes it known in His word and by His Spirit, so that believers can walk confidently in His paths.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Testing by experience what is well-pleasing to the Lord;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Proving what is well pleasing to God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

proving what is agreeable to the Lord;

Context

Just after describing the fruit of light (v. 9), Paul calls believers to active discernment—testing what pleases the Lord. Immediately, verse 11 will command separation from and exposure of the unfruitful works of darkness, and verses 12–13 will explain why: those deeds are shameful but are brought to light through reproof. The flow indicates that discernment is not merely inward; it leads to action—rejecting and correcting what contradicts God’s pleasure, while embracing what delights Him.

v.9(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

v.10This passage

v.11and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:10

    so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Isaiah 58:5

    Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah?

  • 1 Timothy 5:4

    But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

  • Romans 12:1

    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:

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