Ephesians 5:1

KJV

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G1096} ye {G3402} therefore {G3767} followers {G3402} of God {G2316}, as {G5613} dear {G27} children {G5043};

Complete Jewish Bible

So imitate God, as his dear children;

Berean Standard Bible

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,

American Standard Version

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:1 serves as a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to actively embody the very character of God in their daily lives. This command is not arbitrary but flows directly from the theological truths established in the preceding chapters, particularly the believer's new identity in Christ and their adoption into God's family. It calls for a life that mirrors the divine nature, motivated by the deep, affectionate relationship believers share with their Heavenly Father as His beloved children.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:1 stands as a pivotal transition from the doctrinal exposition and ethical commands of Ephesians 4. The preceding chapter culminates with a powerful call to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Man")). The conjunction "therefore" (`οὖν`, _oun_) in verse 1 signals a direct logical consequence: because believers have been spiritually transformed and renewed in Christ, they are now obligated to live in a manner consistent with this new identity. This verse sets the stage for the practical instructions that follow, particularly the command to "walk in love" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walking in Love")), which is the primary way believers imitate God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Ephesians was written to a church in a prominent Roman city, a melting pot of various cultures, philosophies, and pagan practices. The concept of imitation (Greek: _mimēsis_) was not foreign to the Greco-Roman world, where philosophical schools often encouraged students to imitate their masters. However, Paul recontextualizes this idea within a distinctly Christian framework. For the early church, living as "followers of God" meant a radical departure from the prevailing moral decay and idolatry of their surrounding culture. It signified a counter-cultural lifestyle, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the distinct ethical demands of their new covenant relationship with the one true God. This imitation was not about becoming divine, but about reflecting divine attributes, particularly love and holiness, in a world that desperately needed to see them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Ephesians and broader Pauline theology. The primary theme is **Divine Imitation**, emphasizing that Christian living is not merely about avoiding sin but actively striving to reflect God's character. This imitation is rooted in the theme of **Beloved Children**, highlighting the intimate, affectionate, and adoptive relationship believers have with God as their Father ([Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - Abba, Father")). This familial relationship provides both the motivation and the framework for imitation. Furthermore, the verse underscores the ongoing process of **Sanctification and Transformation**, where believers, having been made new in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation")), are called to progressively conform their lives to God's moral and relational attributes, particularly His love and holiness, as detailed throughout [Ephesians 4-5](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity and New Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **followers (Greek, _mimētḗs_):** This noun, derived from the verb _mimēomai_ (to imitate), signifies an "imitator." It implies a conscious, active effort to replicate or emulate the actions, character, or qualities of another. In this context, believers are called to be active emulators of God, not merely passive admirers. The English word "mimic" shares this root, highlighting the intentional and observable nature of this following.
* **dear (Greek, _agapētós_):** This adjective, stemming from the verb _agapaō_ (to love), means "beloved" or "dearly loved." Its use here emphasizes the profound, cherished, and unconditional love God has for His children. This deep affection is presented not just as a descriptor of the children, but as the very foundation and motivation for their imitation of God. We are to follow God precisely because we are His beloved.
* **children (Greek, _téknon_):** This noun refers to a "child" in the sense of one who is produced or born, emphasizing a natural, familial relationship. It highlights the spiritual adoption of believers into God's family, granting them the status of His offspring. The combination with _agapētós_ (dear/beloved) underscores the intimacy and security of this relationship, providing the relational context for the command to imitate their Heavenly Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye therefore followers of God":** This is an imperative command, a direct instruction to the believers. The phrase "Be ye" (from _ginomai_) implies a call to "become" or "exist as" followers, suggesting an ongoing state or process of active imitation. The "therefore" connects this command directly to the preceding theological truths of [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity and New Life"), asserting that because believers have been transformed and renewed in Christ, they are now obligated to live in a way that mirrors God's character.
* **"as dear children;":** This phrase functions as a simile, explaining _how_ believers are to be followers of God and providing the profound motivation for such imitation. The term "dear children" highlights the intimate, loving, and secure relationship believers have with God as their Father. Just as natural children often imitate parents whom they love and admire, so too should believers, out of love and gratitude for their adoption and beloved status, strive to emulate their Heavenly Father.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The **Imperative Mood** of "Be ye followers" conveys a direct command, emphasizing the active and volitional nature of this spiritual discipline. The use of **Simile** in "as dear children" provides a powerful analogy, illustrating the manner and motivation for imitation. It evokes the natural inclination of children to emulate beloved parents, thereby grounding the theological command in a relatable human experience. Furthermore, the **Logical Conjunction** "therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, linking the ethical exhortation of this verse to the preceding theological foundations of the believer's new identity in Christ. This structure underscores that Christian ethics are not arbitrary rules but the natural outflow of a transformed spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:1 encapsulates the profound truth that Christian living is fundamentally about reflecting the character of God. This imitation is not a superficial mimicry but a deep, Spirit-empowered transformation that flows from our new identity as God's beloved children. It calls us to embody His love, holiness, righteousness, and compassion in every facet of our lives, recognizing that our actions bear witness to the nature of the Father we serve. This divine imitation is the practical outworking of our adoption and sanctification, demonstrating the reality of God's work within us to a watching world.

* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy")
* [Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect as Your Father")
* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - Love One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
To "be followers of God, as dear children" is a lifelong call to intentional discipleship, inviting us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the divine nature. This means cultivating a heart of love, forgiveness, and compassion, just as our Heavenly Father has demonstrated towards us. It challenges us to pursue holiness, to live with integrity, and to extend grace, reflecting the very attributes that define God. As beloved children, our imitation is not driven by fear or obligation, but by a deep love and gratitude for our Father's boundless affection and redemptive work in our lives. This verse encourages us to constantly ask: "How would God act in this situation?" and then, empowered by the Spirit, to strive to live in a way that honors Him and draws others to His light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to more intentionally reflect the character of God?**
* **How does understanding myself as a "dear child" of God motivate my desire to imitate Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "walk in love" as an imitator of God?**
* **How does my imitation of God serve as a witness to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Does "imitate God" mean we become divine or perfect?**

Answer: No, the command to "be followers of God" does not imply that believers become divine or achieve absolute perfection in this life. Rather, it calls for an ethical and moral imitation of God's character, particularly His attributes of love, holiness, righteousness, and mercy. Just as a child imitates their parent's good qualities, believers are to reflect God's moral nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The goal is to grow in Christlikeness, progressively conforming to the image of God's Son, as described in [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image"). It is a call to sanctification, not deification.

**What specific attributes of God are we primarily called to imitate according to this passage and its context?**

Answer: While God possesses countless attributes, the immediate context of Ephesians 5:1-2 clarifies that the primary attribute believers are called to imitate is **love**. Verse 2 explicitly states, "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us." This love is sacrificial, self-giving, and forgiving, echoing the commands in [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Forgive One Another") to be "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Therefore, the imitation of God is fundamentally expressed through a life characterized by divine love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and practical example in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")), the one who perfectly embodied the Father's character and will. When Paul calls us to "be followers of God," he implicitly points us to Christ, who demonstrated what it truly means to live as God's beloved Son. Jesus' entire life, from His humble service ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")) to His sacrificial death ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice")), is the supreme pattern for our imitation. Furthermore, it is through our union with Christ that we are made "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation")) and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out this divine imitation. The Spirit works within us to produce the fruit of God's character, enabling us to walk in love, joy, peace, and all the virtues that reflect our Heavenly Father ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Christ is both the perfect model to imitate and the divine enabler of our ability to do so.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

1 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Luke 6:36

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.