Ephesians 5:13

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

But {G1161} all things {G3956} that are reproved {G1651} are made manifest {G5319} by {G5259} the light {G5457}: for {G1063} whatsoever {G3956} doth make manifest {G5319} is {G2076} light {G5457}.

But everything exposed to the light is revealed clearly for what it is,

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.

But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

Commentary

Ephesians 5:13, from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, serves as a powerful declaration about the nature of light and its interaction with darkness. It builds on the preceding verses that call believers to live as "children of light" rather than participating in "unfruitful works of darkness."

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Ephesians 5:8-14) where Paul exhorts believers to live lives that reflect their new identity in Christ. Having been formerly "darkness," they are now "light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). This means actively avoiding and even reproving the unfruitful works of darkness, which are so shameful that it's even improper to speak of them (Ephesians 5:11-12). Verse 13 explains *how* this reproving happens: by the very presence and nature of light.

Key Themes

  • The Exposing Power of Light: The primary message is that light inherently reveals and exposes what is hidden in darkness. It doesn't need to strive; its very presence makes manifest what was concealed. This applies both literally and metaphorically to truth exposing falsehood, and righteousness exposing sin.
  • Moral Clarity and Discernment: For believers, living in the light means having spiritual discernment to understand what is truly good and what belongs to darkness. The light of Christ illuminates areas of life that were once obscure, allowing for clear moral judgment.
  • The Nature of Truth and Revelation: The verse implies that truth (light) is not merely a concept but an active force. Whatever reveals and clarifies is, by its very nature, light. This underscores the transformative power of divine truth.
  • Christ as the Ultimate Light: Ultimately, the truest "light" referenced here is Jesus, the Light of the World. His presence, His teachings, and His Spirit bring truth and expose sin, leading to conviction and repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "reproved" comes from the Greek term elenchō (ἐλέγχω), which means more than just to scold or rebuke. It carries the sense of bringing to light, exposing, convicting, or refuting. When something is elenchō by the light, it is not merely criticized; it is laid bare and shown for what it truly is, making its true nature undeniable. The phrase "made manifest" (Greek: phaneroō, φανερόω) reinforces this idea of making something visible, clear, or known.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to live lives of transparency and integrity. As followers of Christ, our very presence and conduct should serve as a light that exposes the darkness around us, not by harsh judgment, but by the stark contrast of righteousness. This means:

  • Living Authentically: Our lives should be open and honest, with nothing to hide.
  • Confronting Evil: We are called not to ignore or tolerate "unfruitful works of darkness" but to expose them, whether through speaking truth, advocating for justice, or simply living righteously in a corrupt world.
  • Embracing Self-Examination: The light also shines inward, convicting us of our own hidden sins and prompting us to confess and repent, thereby walking more fully in the light.
  • Being a Witness: When believers live in the light, their good works shine before others, leading some to glorify God (Matthew 5:16) and revealing the darkness that men loved rather than light.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

  • John 3:21

    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

  • Hosea 2:10

    And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

  • Hosea 7:1

    ¶ When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

  • Micah 7:9

    I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, [and] I shall behold his righteousness.

  • Lamentations 2:14

    Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.
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