Bible Strands
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Ephesian believers, addressing them directly after instructing them not to associate with unfruitful spiritual practices. The words — σκότος (skotos, darkness) and φῶς (phōs, light) anchor the verse, contrasting a former state with a present reality established ἐν τῷ κυρίῳ (en tō kyriō, in the Lord). The thread — The contrast between darkness and light appears in John 8:12 and John 12:46, while the instruction to walk in that light corresponds to 1 John 1:7. Why it lands — The text declares a completed change in identity and commands believers to conduct themselves accordingly, with the following verse specifying that this walk produces goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Cross-references
- John 8:12 Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
- John 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
- Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
- Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
- 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
- Isaiah 42:6 “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,
- Ephesians 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.
- John 12:36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.
- Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.