Ephesians 5:14

KJV

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} he saith {G3004}, Awake thou {G1453} that sleepest {G2518}, and {G2532} arise {G450} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} Christ {G5547} shall give {G2017} thee {G4671} light {G2017}.

Complete Jewish Bible

since anything revealed is a light. This is why it says,

“Get up, sleeper! Arise from the dead,
and the Messiah will shine on you!”

Berean Standard Bible

So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:14 delivers a profound exhortation to spiritual awakening and transformation, urging believers to emerge from the metaphorical slumber and death of a life alienated from God and to embrace the illuminating power and life offered by Christ. This verse serves as a climactic summary of Paul's preceding call for believers to live as children of light, contrasting their former existence in darkness with their new identity and conduct in the Lord. It underscores the divine initiative in spiritual renewal, promising that Christ Himself is the source of all true light and understanding for those who respond to His call to arise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:14 is situated within Paul's broader ethical instructions to believers, following the theological exposition of chapters 1-3. Chapter 4 begins with a call to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing unity and spiritual maturity. Chapter 5 specifically contrasts the former life of darkness and sin with the new life in Christ, characterized by light, love, and purity. Paul explicitly states in [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light"), "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." The verses immediately preceding verse 14 (Ephesians 5:9-13) delineate the "fruit of the Spirit" as goodness, righteousness, and truth, and call believers to "prove what is acceptable unto the Lord" and to have "no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The call to "awake" and "arise" in verse 14 thus functions as a powerful summary and application of these commands, urging believers to fully embody their identity as light-bearers who expose and reject darkness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a bustling metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This made Ephesus a hub of pagan worship, idolatry, and associated immoral practices, including sexual promiscuity, sorcery, and various mystery cults. The pervasive darkness Paul addresses was not merely abstract but a tangible reality of Ephesian society, where "unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11) were commonplace. Believers in Ephesus were called to live distinctly counter-culturally, setting themselves apart from the surrounding moral decay. Paul's imagery of "sleep" and "death" would resonate deeply in a culture steeped in spiritual lethargy and practices that offered no true life or light, highlighting the radical difference Christ brought.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. The primary message is **Spiritual Awakening and Transformation**, emphasizing a radical shift from a state of spiritual ignorance, apathy, or even death to vibrant life and vigilance in Christ. This transformation is not merely behavioral but an ontological change, moving from being "darkness" to being "light in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - From Darkness to Light")). Closely related is the pervasive theme of **Light vs. Darkness**, where "sleep" and "death" symbolize the spiritual condition apart from Christ, while "light" represents divine truth, purity, knowledge, and God's very presence. Living in the light means living in truth and righteousness, exposing the deeds of darkness rather than participating in them. Finally, the verse highlights **Christ as the Sole Source of Illumination**, underscoring that true spiritual understanding, guidance, and life originate exclusively from Jesus. He is the one who dispels spiritual blindness, offering clarity and purpose, echoing His own declaration in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Awake (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb signifies to "rouse, awaken, or raise up." While it can refer to physical waking from sleep, its significant usage in the New Testament, particularly by Paul, extends to spiritual awakening and even resurrection from the dead. In this context, it powerfully conveys a call to spiritual vigilance and activity, moving from a state of unconsciousness or inactivity to a dynamic engagement with God's truth.
* **sleepest (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** Meaning "to lie down to rest" or "to fall asleep," this word is used both literally and figuratively in Scripture. Here, it functions as a metaphor for spiritual apathy, moral insensitivity, or a state of ignorance concerning divine truth. To be "asleep" is to be unresponsive to God's call, perhaps complacent in sin or unaware of the spiritual realities at play.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a corpse," this adjective literally means "dead." Figuratively, as used here, it describes a state of spiritual lifelessness, separation from God, and inability to perceive or respond to spiritual truth. The call to "arise from the dead" implies a transition from spiritual death to spiritual life, a profound transformation that only Christ can effect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore he saith,"**: This introductory phrase signals that Paul is quoting or alluding to a prophetic or authoritative statement. While not a direct quote from a single Old Testament verse, it reflects a synthesis of prophetic calls to awakening, particularly those found in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 26:19](/isaiah/26-19 "Isaiah 26:19 - The Dead Shall Live"), [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine")). It suggests a divine imperative, a voice of authority calling humanity to a new reality.
* **"Awake thou that sleepest,"**: This is a direct, urgent command, employing powerful metaphorical language. "Sleepest" refers to spiritual slumber, apathy, or moral insensitivity. It's a state of being unaware of one's true spiritual condition or the urgency of God's call. The command to "awake" is a summons to spiritual vigilance, consciousness, and active engagement with the truth of Christ.
* **"and arise from the dead,"**: This phrase intensifies the imagery, moving beyond mere slumber to a state likened to spiritual death. "From the dead" implies a complete lack of spiritual life, a separation from God's life-giving presence. The command to "arise" is a call to resurrection, a profound transformation from spiritual lifelessness to vibrant, active life in Christ, echoing the new life granted through regeneration.
* **"and Christ shall give thee light."**: This is the glorious promise and the ultimate source of the transformation. It is not human effort that brings spiritual light, but Christ Himself. "Light" here signifies divine revelation, spiritual understanding, moral purity, and the very presence of God's truth. This clause highlights Christ's sovereign power to illuminate the darkened mind and heart, granting spiritual discernment and guiding believers into righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 5:14 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily using the imagery of "sleep" and "death" to represent a state of spiritual insensitivity, moral apathy, or alienation from God. Conversely, "light" serves as a powerful metaphor for divine truth, spiritual understanding, purity, and the life-giving presence of Christ. The transition from darkness/sleep/death to light/awakening/arising vividly portrays the radical spiritual transformation offered by the gospel. The verse also employs **Personification**, as the call "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead" gives a voice and agency to the spiritual state, directly addressing the one in slumber or death. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the former state of darkness and death and the new state of light and life in Christ, which is a pervasive theme throughout Ephesians 5. This stark contrast emphasizes the profound change that occurs when one embraces Christ's illumination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:14 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of spiritual regeneration and ongoing sanctification. It underscores the profound shift from a state of spiritual death and darkness, characteristic of humanity apart from Christ, to a vibrant life illuminated by His truth. This transformation is not merely a moral improvement but a divine re-creation, where Christ Himself is the active agent, imparting light and life to those who respond to His call. The verse highlights the radical discontinuity between the old self, enslaved to sin and ignorance, and the new self, empowered by Christ to walk in righteousness and truth. It speaks to the necessity of divine illumination for true understanding and the active role of Christ in dispelling spiritual blindness, leading believers into a life of discernment and purity that reflects God's character.

* [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine")
* [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Romans 13:11 - Time to Wake Up")
* [1 John 1:5-7](/1_john/1-5-7 "1 John 1:5-7 - Walking in the Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:14 presents a timeless and urgent call for every believer to a profound spiritual self-assessment and renewed commitment. It challenges us to honestly evaluate whether we are truly "awake" and "arisen" in our faith, or if spiritual apathy, complacency, or worldly distractions have lulled us into a state of slumber or even spiritual lifelessness. This verse reminds us that the Christian life is not passive but requires active vigilance, a conscious rejection of the "unfruitful works of darkness," and a deliberate embrace of Christ's light in every area of our lives. To "walk as children of light" means allowing Christ's truth to penetrate our minds, guide our decisions, and transform our character, making us living testimonies to His illuminating power. It calls us to live with intentionality, exposing darkness not just in the world but within ourselves, and to continually seek the clarity and purity that only Christ can provide, ensuring our lives reflect the glory of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" or "dead" to God's truth and call?**
* **How does Christ's light practically manifest in my daily decisions and relationships?**
* **What specific steps can I take to more fully embrace Christ's illumination and walk as a child of light?**
* **How can my awakened life serve to "reprove" or expose the unfruitful works of darkness around me?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse a command to unbelievers or believers?**

Answer: While the imagery of "awakening" and "arising from the dead" might initially suggest a call to conversion for unbelievers, the immediate literary context of [Ephesians 5](/ephesians/5 "Ephesians 5 - Walk in Love and Light") strongly indicates that Paul is addressing believers. He has already stated, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - From Darkness to Light")). Therefore, this verse serves as an ongoing exhortation to believers to live consistently with their new identity in Christ. It's a call to shake off spiritual complacency, apathy, or any lingering behaviors from their former life of darkness, and to fully embrace the vibrant, illuminated life that is theirs in Christ. It's a summons to sanctification, urging them to continually walk in the light they have received.

**What does "sleepest" or "dead" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ephesians 5:14, "sleepest" and "dead" are powerful metaphors for spiritual conditions. "Sleepest" refers to a state of spiritual apathy, moral insensitivity, or unawareness. It's not necessarily a state of being completely lost, but rather being sluggish, complacent, or oblivious to the spiritual realities and the urgency of living righteously. It implies a lack of vigilance and discernment. "Dead" intensifies this imagery, representing a state of spiritual lifelessness or alienation from God, characteristic of humanity before regeneration. For believers, it can refer to a relapse into former sinful patterns or a profound spiritual lethargy that makes one unresponsive to God's Spirit. Both terms underscore the need for a radical, Christ-initiated awakening to live a life fully engaged with God's truth and purpose.

**How does Christ "give light"?**

Answer: Christ "gives light" in multiple profound ways. Primarily, He is the ultimate source of divine revelation and truth, as stated in [John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light"). Through His incarnation, teachings, life, death, and resurrection, He has fully revealed God to humanity. Spiritually, He illuminates the darkened minds and hearts of individuals, enabling them to comprehend spiritual truth and discern God's will. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, convicting of sin and guiding into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Furthermore, Christ's light empowers believers to live righteously, exposing and overcoming the "unfruitful works of darkness" ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Reprove Darkness")). His light provides moral clarity, guidance for ethical living, and the very power to walk in purity and obedience, transforming believers into "children of light" who reflect His glory to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is uniquely qualified to give light because He is the Light of the World. The call to "awake" and "arise from the dead" is not merely a moral imperative but a summons to participate in the new life inaugurated by Christ's own resurrection. He conquered death and darkness, making it possible for those who were "dead in trespasses and sins" to be "made alive together with Christ" ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). Jesus, as the "true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")), dispels the spiritual blindness that holds humanity captive. His life, teachings, and ultimately His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection are the very means by which God has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Therefore, when Paul declares that "Christ shall give thee light," he points to the exclusive and transformative power of the resurrected Lord, who not only illuminates our understanding but also empowers us to live a life that reflects His glory, shining as lights in a darkened world ([Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shine as Lights")).

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

Isaiah 60:1

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

Romans 13:11

¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

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.

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.