Ephesians 5:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:12 serves as a profound indictment of the extreme depravity of sins committed in secret, asserting that the very act of detailing such "unfruitful works of darkness" is shameful for those called to walk as children of light. Paul's statement underscores the inherent moral ugliness of these hidden deeds, emphasizing that their nature is so repugnant that even their verbal articulation is inappropriate for believers, who are to live in transparency and holiness before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows Paul’s emphatic command in [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness") to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The preceding verses, specifically [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Forbidden Sins and Kingdom Inheritance"), provide a clear list of the "unfruitful works" Paul has in mind: sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, and coarse speech. These vices are explicitly declared unfitting for saints and are said to disqualify individuals from [inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - Inheritance in God's Kingdom"). Therefore, "those things which are done of them in secret" refer to these very practices, often carried out surreptitiously by those who remain spiritually darkened. The progression from avoiding fellowship, to reproving, and then to the shame of even speaking of such acts, highlights the escalating intensity of Paul's call for radical separation from pagan immorality and for a life consistent with being [children of light](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walking as Children of Light").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus, like many major Roman cities, was a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and moral standards. Immorality, idolatry, and various mystery cults (some involving secret, often licentious, rituals) were prevalent. The "unfruitful works of darkness" mentioned by Paul were not abstract concepts but common practices within the pagan society surrounding the Ephesian believers. These acts were often performed "in secret" not merely for privacy, but to evade social censure or legal repercussions, and because their inherent wickedness made them unsuitable for public display. Paul's exhortation thus stands in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural norms, calling believers to a counter-cultural purity and transparency that would have been profoundly distinctive in their environment. The shame associated with these hidden deeds reflects a divine moral standard that transcends human social conventions.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:12 contributes significantly to several major themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores **The Repugnance and Exposure 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, a truth that will ultimately be revealed, as Jesus taught that [nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Hidden Things Revealed"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Radical Separation from Darkness and Purity of Speech**. Believers are called to a life of purity and holiness, distinct from the corrupt practices of the world, a separation that extends even to the language used, avoiding any speech that might glorify, sensationalize, or dwell on the sordid details of sin. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on renewing the mind and transforming one's conduct to reflect Christ's character, as seen in [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New"). Thirdly, the verse clarifies **The Nature of Reproof**. While [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Reproving Works of Darkness") commands believers to "reprove" works of darkness, [Ephesians 5:12](/ephesians/5-12 "Ephesians 5:12 - Shameful Secret Deeds") clarifies that this reproof is not about a morbid fascination with sin's details. Instead, it is about exposing the true nature of darkness by the light of truth and righteousness, allowing the believer's very life to serve as a contrast, as [the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true](/ephesians/5-9 "Ephesians 5:9 - The Fruit of Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shame (Greek, _aischrón'_):** From G149, this neuter adjective means "a shameful thing," "indecorum," or "moral ugliness." It conveys a strong sense of disgrace, baseness, or moral repulsiveness. In this context, it emphasizes that the very nature of these secret acts is inherently disgraceful and morally offensive, not merely socially embarrassing.
* **speak (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, this verb means "to lay forth," "relate in words," or "to mean." It refers to systematic or set discourse, implying a deliberate act of verbal articulation. Paul uses it here to forbid the detailed or approving discussion of these secret sins, not merely a casual mention. The shame is not just in doing, but in the detailed recounting of such deeds.
* **secret (Greek, _kryphē'_):** From G2931, this adverb means "privately" or "in secret." It highlights the hidden, clandestine nature of the acts. This secrecy often stems from a recognition of their wickedness and a desire to avoid exposure, reinforcing the idea that those who practice them [love darkness rather than light](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Love Darkness"). The fact that they are done in secret further compounds their shamefulness, as they cannot bear the light of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it is a shame":** This opening clause establishes the core assertion of the verse. The Greek word *aischrón* (shame) signifies not just social embarrassment but deep moral disgrace and repugnance. Paul is declaring that the very essence of these hidden deeds is morally ugly and offensive to God. This shame is inherent to the acts themselves, regardless of whether they are exposed.
* **"even to speak of those things":** The addition of "even" (Greek *kai*, G2532) intensifies the statement, emphasizing the extreme nature of the shame. It's not just shameful to *do* them, but so utterly depraved that it's shameful *even to articulate* their details. This prohibits not only participation but also any form of verbal glorification, detailed description, or casual discussion that might normalize or sensationalize these "unfruitful works of darkness." It calls for a purity of speech that reflects the purity of life.
* **"which are done of them in secret":** This final clause identifies the specific actions being condemned. "Them" refers to those who are "children of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6), those still walking in darkness. The phrase "in secret" (Greek *kryphē*) underscores the clandestine nature of these acts, often performed surreptitiously to avoid judgment or exposure. This secrecy itself is a mark of their wickedness, as they cannot withstand the light of truth. The implication is that what is hidden from human eyes is still fully known and repugnant to God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** to convey the gravity of his message. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, where the statement "it is a shame even to speak of those things" exaggerates the repugnance of the sins to emphasize their extreme depravity. This is not a literal prohibition against ever mentioning sin (as Paul himself lists them elsewhere), but a rhetorical device to underscore the moral revulsion believers should feel. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, implicitly contrasting the "unfruitful works of darkness" done "in secret" with the life of "children of light" who are called to walk in transparency and truth. The secrecy of the deeds highlights their opposition to God's light, which exposes all things. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Aposiopesis** (a sudden breaking off in speech), where by *not* detailing the sins, Paul implies their unspeakable nature, allowing the reader's imagination to grasp the depth of their vileness. This rhetorical choice serves to protect the audience from the corrupting influence of dwelling on such details, while simultaneously condemning the acts themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:12 deeply connects to the biblical theology of light and darkness, holiness, and the nature of sin. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). Therefore, any act committed in "darkness" or "secret" stands in direct opposition to His holy character. The shame associated with these deeds is not merely a social construct but reflects their inherent moral corruption in God's sight. For believers, who have been called out of darkness into God's marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")), there is a radical imperative to shed the practices of their former lives and to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. This includes not only abstaining from such acts but also maintaining a purity of speech and thought that does not entertain or glorify them, recognizing that true holiness permeates every aspect of life, even our words.

* [Luke 12:3](/luke/12-3 "Luke 12:3 - Hidden Things Revealed")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light")
* [Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - Cast Off Works of Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:12 provides a powerful and enduring guide for Christian conduct and communication in every age. In a world increasingly saturated with explicit content and casual discussions of immorality, this verse calls believers to a radical counter-cultural purity. It challenges us to not only abstain from sinful acts but also to guard our minds and mouths, avoiding conversations, media, or online content that sensationalizes, glorifies, or dwells on the lurid details of sin. Our speech should reflect our new nature in Christ, being wholesome and edifying, rather than contributing to the darkness we are called to expose. True Christian living is characterized by integrity and holiness, where there is no need for secrecy, because our lives are lived openly before God. When confronting sin in the world, our aim should be to expose its darkness by the light of truth and call people to repentance, not to indulge in its depraved aspects. Our transformed lives, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, serve as the most potent reproof to the unfruitful works of darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently "speaking of" or dwelling on "things done in secret" through my media consumption, conversations, or online habits?**
* **How can my life, lived in the light, serve as a more effective "reproof" to the works of darkness than any verbal condemnation?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater purity in my speech and thought life, aligning them more closely with the values of the kingdom of light?**
* **How does the shame associated with secret sins in God's eyes motivate me to pursue greater transparency and integrity in all areas of my life?**

### FAQ
**What specific sins is Paul referring to when he says "those things which are done of them in secret"?**

Answer: While Paul does not explicitly list them in this verse, the immediate literary context in [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Forbidden Sins") makes it clear he is referring to all forms of sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, and coarse or foolish talk. More broadly, it encompasses any "unfruitful works of darkness" (as mentioned in [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness")) that are hidden from public view because of their inherent wickedness and shamefulness. These are acts characteristic of those who do not yet walk in the light of Christ.

**Does this verse mean Christians should never discuss sin or expose evil?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Paul himself lists various sins throughout his letters, and in [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Reproving Works of Darkness"), he explicitly commands believers to "reprove" the unfruitful works of darkness. The prohibition in [Ephesians 5:12](/ephesians/5-12 "Ephesians 5:12 - Shameful Secret Deeds") is against dwelling on, glorifying, or sensationalizing the lurid details of sin in a way that is inappropriate or defiling for believers. Reproving sin means exposing its true nature as darkness in the light of God's truth, leading to conviction and repentance, rather than engaging in morbid fascination or detailed descriptions that might corrupt the speaker or hearer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:12, in its stark condemnation of secret sins, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World"), whose very presence exposes and dispels all forms of darkness, both overt and hidden. While humanity often seeks to conceal its most shameful deeds in secret, Christ came precisely to bring these hidden things into the light, not to condemn those who turn to Him, but to offer them purification and freedom. His sacrifice on the cross provides the means by which even the most deeply ingrained and secretly committed sins can be forgiven and cleansed, as [the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin"). Through union with Christ, believers are transformed from children of darkness into [children of light](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walking as Children of Light"), empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in integrity, where there is no longer a need to hide. Ultimately, Christ's return will bring to light [the hidden things of darkness](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Hidden Things Revealed"), revealing every secret and bringing all deeds into the full, unblinking glare of His righteous judgment, ensuring that true justice prevails and that all shame is either exposed for condemnation or covered by His atoning grace.

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

Ephesians 5:3

¶ 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.