Ephesians 5:11

KJV

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} have {G4790} no {G3361} fellowship {G4790} with the unfruitful {G175} works {G2041} of darkness {G4655}, but {G1161} rather {G3123}{G2532} reprove {G1651} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them,

Berean Standard Bible

Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

American Standard Version

and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:11 issues a profound and urgent call for believers to unequivocally separate themselves from the corrupting influence of the world's sinful practices and, moreover, to actively expose and challenge them. This verse serves as a crucial ethical imperative within Paul's broader exhortation for Christians to live as "children of light," contrasting the barrenness and moral decay of "works of darkness" with the fruitful and illuminating walk of those transformed by Christ. It demands not merely passive avoidance but a proactive stance of discernment and spiritual confrontation against all that is contrary to God's truth and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:11 is strategically placed within a larger section of Paul's letter (Ephesians 4:17-5:21) that transitions from theological exposition to practical ethical instruction. Having established the believer's new identity "in Christ" and the call to "walk worthy" of this calling, Paul provides concrete examples of what this new life entails. The preceding verses (Ephesians 5:3-7) explicitly condemn various forms of sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and coarse language, warning that those who practice such things "have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" ([Ephesians 5:5](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - Warning Against Immorality")). This sets the stage for the powerful antithesis in [Ephesians 5:8-10](/ephesians/5-8-10 "Ephesians 5:8-10 - Walking as Children of Light"), where believers, once "darkness," are now "light in the Lord" and are commanded to "walk as children of light," discerning "what is pleasing to the Lord." Therefore, [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness") serves as a direct, actionable consequence of this transformed identity, demanding active disengagement from the very behaviors just condemned and a positive duty to expose them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus, a major Roman provincial capital, was a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis (Diana), whose cult involved various forms of ritualistic immorality. The prevailing Greco-Roman society often tolerated or even celebrated behaviors that were anathema to Jewish and early Christian ethics, such as sexual promiscuity, idolatry, and a general moral relativism. Believers in Ephesus would have been constantly exposed to these "unfruitful works of darkness" in their daily lives, from public festivals to private social gatherings and commercial dealings. Paul's exhortation was thus a counter-cultural call for a distinct, holy lifestyle that would inevitably set Christians apart from their pagan neighbors. It was a crucial reminder that their new identity in Christ required a radical break from the prevailing societal norms and a commitment to a different moral standard.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **radical transformation** of the believer from darkness to light, a theme central to [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - From Darkness to Light"). Secondly, it emphasizes the necessity of **moral purity and separation** from the world's corrupting influences, echoing the call for holiness found throughout Scripture. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **active witness and spiritual discernment**, moving beyond passive avoidance to a proactive engagement that exposes sin rather than tolerates it. This aligns with the idea that the "fruit of the Light" (as mentioned in [Ephesians 5:9](/ephesians/5-9 "Ephesians 5:9 - The Fruit of Light")) is "goodness, righteousness, and truth," which inherently stand in stark contrast to the barrenness of darkness. The verse thus contributes to the overarching theme of the church as a distinct, holy community called to reflect God's character in a fallen world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fellowship (Greek, _synkoinōnéō'_):** From G4790, meaning "to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in." This word emphasizes a deep partnership, joint participation, or common ground. The command "have no fellowship" therefore prohibits any form of complicity, endorsement, or active sharing in the "unfruitful works of darkness." It goes beyond mere proximity to imply an alignment or participation that is forbidden for believers.
* **unfruitful (Greek, _ákarpos'_):** From G175, meaning "barren (literally or figuratively); without fruit, unfruitful." This term highlights the utter lack of positive outcome, spiritual benefit, or moral good derived from these "works." Sinful actions are depicted as spiritually sterile, producing nothing of eternal value, in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Light" mentioned in the preceding verse.
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** From G4655, meaning "shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)." In this context, "darkness" is a profound metaphor for spiritual ignorance, moral depravity, and the realm of sin and evil, often associated with the dominion of Satan. It represents everything that is hidden from God's light, truth, and holiness.
* **reprove (Greek, _elénchō'_):** From G1651, meaning "to confute, admonish; convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove." This is a strong term implying more than just passive disapproval. It means to expose, to bring to light, to demonstrate the error or sinfulness of something, often with the aim of conviction or correction. It involves shining the light of truth on hidden deeds, revealing their true nature and moral bankruptcy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness":** This initial clause issues a direct, negative command. "Fellowship" (synkoinōnéō) signifies active participation, partnership, or complicity. Believers are strictly forbidden from sharing in, endorsing, or engaging with actions that are "unfruitful" (ákarpos), meaning they yield no good spiritual fruit, and are characteristic of "darkness" (skótos), representing the realm of sin, ignorance, and moral depravity. This is a call for radical separation from the world's corrupt practices.
* **"but rather reprove [them].":** This second clause introduces a positive, proactive command, contrasting with the negative prohibition. "But rather" (dé mâllon) indicates a stronger alternative. Instead of merely avoiding, believers are to "reprove" (elénchō) these works. This verb implies exposing, convicting, or bringing to light the true nature of these dark deeds, revealing their emptiness and destructive power. It is an active engagement that shines the light of truth on sin, not in a spirit of condemnation, but of spiritual illumination and a call to righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically the stark opposition between "darkness" and "light," a pervasive theme throughout Ephesians 5. "Unfruitful works of darkness" are set against the implied "fruit of the Light" (mentioned in [Ephesians 5:9](/ephesians/5-9 "Ephesians 5:9 - The Fruit of Light")), highlighting the barrenness of sin versus the productivity of righteousness. This also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where "darkness" symbolizes the realm of sin, ignorance, and spiritual death, while "light" represents truth, holiness, and the life of God. The phrase "unfruitful works" is an example of **Figurative Language**, depicting sinful actions as barren and unproductive, yielding nothing of value. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imperative Mood** ("have no fellowship," "reprove"), conveying a direct, authoritative command that demands immediate and decisive action from the believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:11 grounds the believer's ethical conduct in their theological identity, asserting that those who have been transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light (as described in [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")) cannot simultaneously participate in the works characteristic of their former state. This command reflects God's own holiness and His absolute separation from evil, calling His people to mirror His character. It underscores the active nature of sanctification, where believers are not just passively cleansed but actively participate in the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ by rejecting sin and promoting righteousness. The church, as the body of Christ and a community of light, is thus mandated to be a moral force in the world, exposing the destructive nature of sin and pointing to the liberating power of truth.

* [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Love Darkness")
* [Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - Cast Off Works of Darkness")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:11 presents a profound challenge for contemporary believers, calling for a radical re-evaluation of our engagement with the world. It is not enough to simply avoid overt sin; we are called to actively disengage from and expose the "unfruitful works of darkness" that permeate culture, media, and even subtle societal norms. This requires profound discernment, cultivated through prayer and the study of God's Word, to identify what truly aligns with the "fruit of the Light." Our lives, lived in integrity and holiness, should serve as a powerful contrast to the emptiness of sin, naturally exposing its folly. Furthermore, "reproving" can take many forms: from speaking truth in love to advocating for justice, from refusing to participate in unethical practices to simply living a life so distinctly Christ-like that it reveals the barrenness of worldly pursuits. This verse compels us to consider how our choices—in entertainment, relationships, work, and consumption—either compromise our witness or courageously illuminate the path of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently having "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness"?**
* **What does "reproving" look like in my daily interactions and spheres of influence, and how can I do so with both truth and grace?**
* **How can my transformed identity as "light in the Lord" actively expose the emptiness and destructiveness of sin in my community or culture?**
* **Am I cultivating enough spiritual discernment to recognize subtle forms of "unfruitful works" that might not be overtly sinful but still detract from God's glory?**

### FAQ

**Does "reprove them" mean I should always confront people directly about their sins?**

Answer: Not necessarily always directly or confrontationally. The Greek word for "reprove" (elénchō) implies bringing to light or exposing. This can certainly involve direct verbal rebuke when appropriate and led by the Holy Spirit, but it also encompasses living a life of such distinct holiness and righteousness that it inherently exposes the emptiness and futility of sinful practices. As [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine") says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Our very presence as "children of light" in a dark world can be a powerful form of reproof, revealing the truth about sin by contrast with God's goodness. It can also involve advocating for truth and justice in broader societal contexts, refusing to participate in unethical systems, or simply speaking the truth in love when opportunities arise, as encouraged in [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of light and truth. He is the "light of the world," and in Him "there is no darkness at all" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"); [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")). Christ perfectly demonstrated what it means to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; though He walked among sinners, He remained utterly pure, never compromising with sin. Moreover, He perfectly "reproved" the works of darkness, not only by His sinless life but also by His words and deeds, exposing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and the destructive power of evil. His death on the cross and resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over the "domain of darkness" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), disarming the powers of evil and bringing their works into judgment ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Believers are now called "children of light" because they are "in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - From Darkness to Light")), having been united with Christ. It is through His indwelling Spirit that we are empowered to live lives that both shun darkness and actively shine His light, thereby fulfilling the command to "reprove" the unfruitful works of darkness by revealing the superior glory and truth of God's kingdom.

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

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 John 1:10

¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

2 John 1:11

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.