Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:13

What does Ephesians 5:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:13 means

Light has a double effect: it exposes and transforms. When anything is reproved—brought under the truth—it becomes visible for what it is. “Everything that is made manifest is light” suggests that what comes into the light can share in its character, no longer hiding but being redeemed. At minimum, Paul asserts that truth ends secrecy; at best, exposure leads to conversion and new obedience. This verse encourages believers that faithful reproof is not futile. God uses the shining of His light, through Scripture and Spirit-filled people, to turn darkness into clarity and to reclaim what was hidden for His holy purposes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But all things, when their true quality is seen, are made clear by the light: because everything which is made clear is light.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and all the things reproved by the light are manifested, for everything that is manifested is light;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for all that is made manifest is light.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest; for that which makes everything manifest is light.

Context

After warning against speaking of secret shame (v. 12), Paul insists that reproof brings matters into the open by the light. This sets up verse 14’s exhortation—an apparent hymn or saying—calling sleepers to awake so that Christ will shine on them. The movement from exposure to awakening shows Paul’s redemptive goal: light does not merely condemn; it invites resurrection life. From there, verses 15–17 will call for wise, careful walking, fitting for people awakened into the day.

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

v.13This passage

v.14Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

Cross references

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

  • Lamentations 2:14

    Thy prophets have seen for thee false and foolish visions; And they have not uncovered thine iniquity, to bring back thy captivity, But have seen for thee false oracles and causes of banishment.

  • Hosea 7:1

    When I would heal Israel, then is the iniquity of Ephraim uncovered, and the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief entereth in, and the troop of robbers ravageth without.

  • Hosea 2:10

    And now will I uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of my hand.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.

  • Micah 7:9

    I will bear the indignation of Jehovah, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

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