Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:16

What does Ephesians 5:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:16 means

To be wise is to “redeem the time,” seizing opportunities for good as if buying them back from waste. Time is precious and limited; the days are “evil,” marked by opposition to God and by distractions that devour attention. Paul calls believers to urgency and intentionality—align schedules, priorities, and responses with the Lord’s purposes. This does not mean frantic busyness but purposeful living, using every season for the kingdom. Evil days can tempt to despair or indulgence; instead, Christians invest time in what bears eternal fruit. The Spirit helps believers spot and grasp openings for witness, service, and growth before they slip away.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Making good use of the time, because the days are evil.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

redeeming the time, because the days are evil;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Context

After urging careful walking (v. 15), Paul focuses on time stewardship, explaining the need: the days are evil. Next, verse 17 will ground this urgency in knowing the Lord’s will, so activity is not aimless. Then verses 18–21 will show the positive power-source and atmosphere of such living: being filled with the Spirit, resulting in worship, thanksgiving, and mutual submission. The progression suggests that redeeming time is not merely a tactic; it flows from spiritual understanding and empowerment.

v.15Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

v.16This passage

v.17Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 1:4

    who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father:

  • Ecclesiastes 12:1

    Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

  • Romans 13:11

    And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when wefirstbelieved.

  • Ephesians 6:13

    Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

  • Acts 11:28

    And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

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