Ephesians 5:7
What does Ephesians 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 5:7 means
Because God’s wrath comes on the disobedient, believers must not join them in their deeds. “Partakers” suggests sharing in practices and outcomes; partnership implies approval. Separation here is ethical, not geographic: live differently, even while remaining present in the world. The church is not called to contempt but to distinction. This command also protects fellowship: unrepentant complicity in darkness erodes the church’s witness and unity. Paul does not forbid association with unbelievers; he forbids endorsing or imitating their sins. Believers belong to another kingdom, so their choices, alliances, and celebrations should reflect allegiance to the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be not ye therefore partakers with them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be not ye therefore partakers with them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have no part with such men;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862become not, then, partakers with them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be ye not therefore partakers with them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be not ye therefore fellow-partakers with them;
Context
Following a warning about deceptive words and God’s wrath (v. 6), Paul draws a practical line: do not participate in the deeds of those under judgment. The very next verse (v. 8) gives the theological reason—believers have moved from darkness to light in the Lord—and calls them to walk accordingly. Verses 9–14 will unpack what light produces and how it exposes darkness. Seeing this structure shows that separation is not isolation but identity-driven living: we refrain from sharing in darkness because we belong to the light.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 16:26
And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
- Psalms 50:18
When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him, And hast been partaker with adulterers.
- Ephesians 5:11
and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;
- Ephesians 3:6
to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
- Proverbs 13:20
Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
- Proverbs 9:6
Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.
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