Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:17

What does Ephesians 5:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:17 means

Foolishness is living without reference to God’s revealed purposes. Paul urges believers to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” This involves more than abstract knowledge; it is grasping and embracing God’s desires so as to do them. Scripture reveals the Lord’s will, centered on Christ, and the Spirit grants insight to apply it wisely. Understanding guards against impulsiveness, conformity to the age, and misplaced zeal. It transforms decision-making—from relationships to work to worship—so that believers align their plans with the Lord’s. True wisdom is receptive and obedient, seeking what pleases Him rather than asserting autonomy. This verse calls for teachable hearts tuned to God’s voice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason, then, do not be foolish, but be conscious of the Lord's pleasure.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because of this become not fools, but--understanding what <FI>is<Fi> the will of the Lord,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, become not unwise: but understanding what is the will of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For this reason be not foolish, but understanding what [is] the will of the Lord.

Context

This verse completes a triad: walk carefully (v. 15), redeem the time (v. 16), and understand the Lord’s will. It prepares for the key contrast in verse 18 between drunkenness and Spirit-filling. Knowing the Lord’s will sets the direction; the Spirit provides the power. Then verses 19–21 describe the communal outflow of Spirit-filled life—worshipful speech, heartfelt singing, constant thanksgiving, and mutual submission. Seeing this structure prevents treating God’s will as mere information; it is lived in the Spirit-formed community.

v.16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

v.17This passage

v.18And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

  • Colossians 1:9

    For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

  • Colossians 4:5

    Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • John 7:17

    If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

  • 1 Peter 4:2

    that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

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