Ephesians 5:12

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

For {G1063} it is {G2076} a shame {G149} even {G2532} to speak {G3004} of those things {G2931} which are done {G1096} of {G5259} them {G846} in secret {G2931}.

for it is shameful even to speak of the things these people do in secret.

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 5:12 (KJV)

Ephesians 5:12 serves as a stark continuation of Paul's exhortation to believers regarding purity and separation from the world's sinful practices. This verse emphasizes the extreme depravity of certain hidden acts, declaring that they are so vile it is shameful even to mention them in detail.

Context

This verse comes directly after Paul's strong admonition in Ephesians 5:11 to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The preceding verses (Ephesians 5:3-5) explicitly list various forms of sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, and coarse speech that are utterly unfitting for saints and disqualify one from the kingdom of Christ and of God. The "things which are done of them in secret" refer to these very vices, often committed in hidden places, away from public scrutiny, by those who remain in spiritual darkness. Paul's point is that the very nature of these sins is so repugnant that merely discussing their specifics is inappropriate for those who are called to be children of light.

Key Themes

  • The Repugnance of Hidden Sin: The verse highlights that sins committed in secret are not merely hidden from human eyes, but are inherently shameful and morally abhorrent in God's sight. The desire to conceal them often stems from a recognition of their wickedness.
  • Separation from Darkness: Believers are called to a life of purity and holiness, distinct from the corrupt practices of the world. This separation extends even to the language used, avoiding any speech that might glorify or dwell on the sordid details of sin.
  • The Nature of Reproof: While Ephesians 5:11 commands believers to "reprove" works of darkness, verse 12 clarifies that this reproof is not about a morbid fascination with sin's details, but rather about exposing its true nature by the light of truth and righteousness. Reproving means exposing the spiritual darkness of these actions, not detailing their lurid specifics.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "shame" is aischron (Ξ±αΌ°ΟƒΟ‡ΟΟŒΞ½), meaning "shameful," "base," "disgraceful," or "repulsive." It conveys a strong sense of moral ugliness. The phrase "in secret" (κρυφῇ - kryphe) emphasizes the hidden nature of these acts, often performed surreptitiously to avoid judgment or exposure, reinforcing the idea that those who practice them love darkness rather than light.

Practical Application

For Christians today, Ephesians 5:12 provides a powerful guide for conduct and communication:

  • Guard Your Speech: We should be mindful of what we discuss, avoiding conversations that linger on or glorify sinful acts, even in casual or humorous ways. This includes being discerning about media consumption and online content.
  • Live Authentically: True Christian living is not about hiding sin but about walking in integrity and holiness. The secrecy of sin indicates its opposition to God's light.
  • Expose Sin with Light, Not Lure: When confronting or addressing sin, the goal is to expose its darkness and call people to repentance, not to sensationalize or dwell on its depraved aspects. Our lives, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, serve as a reproof to the unfruitful works of darkness (Romans 13:12).
  • Recognize True Shame: The shame associated with these hidden deeds is not merely social embarrassment, but a deep spiritual disgrace before God. Ultimately, what is done in darkness will be brought to light.
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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:3

    ΒΆ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

  • Romans 2:16

    In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:14

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

  • Jeremiah 23:24

    Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 12:12

    For thou didst [it] secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

  • Romans 1:24

    Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

  • Romans 1:27

    And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
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