Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:11

What does Ephesians 5:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:11 means

Christians must refuse partnership with “the unfruitful works of darkness.” Such deeds produce no lasting good; they are sterile of godly fruit. Instead of silent tolerance, believers are to “reprove” them—expose and correct by the light of truth, both through faithful words and exemplary lives. This is not harsh fault-finding, but loving clarity that names sin as sin so that repentance can happen. Complicity with darkness betrays our identity; reproof affirms it. The church’s holy distinctness, lived with humility, becomes a light that both warns and invites. Where light shines, deception loses power, and people can see reality as God sees it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And have no company with the works of the dark, which give no fruit, but make their true quality clear;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of the darkness and rather even convict,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness: but rather reprove them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather also reprove [them],

Context

After urging discernment about what pleases the Lord (v. 10), Paul turns to action: break fellowship with dark works and instead expose them. Verses 12–13 will explain the shameful secrecy of such deeds and the illuminating effect of light. Then verse 14 will issue a wake-up call, promising Christ’s shining to those who arise. Recognizing this pattern shows that walking in light is not passive avoidance; it is active, redemptive exposure that aims at transformation.

v.10proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;

v.11This passage

v.12for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 20:16

    And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and in respect of all thou art righted.

  • 2 Timothy 3:5

    holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2

    preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

  • Titus 2:15

    These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

  • Psalms 141:5

    Let the righteous smite me, it shall bea kindness; And let him reprove me, it shall be asoil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it: For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.

  • Proverbs 9:6

    Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.

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