Ephesians 5:16

KJV

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Redeeming {G1805} the time {G2540}, because {G3754} the days {G2250} are {G1526} evil {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Use your time well, for these are evil days.

Berean Standard Bible

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

American Standard Version

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:16 is a profound call to intentional and wise living in a world characterized by moral decay. It exhorts believers to actively "buy up" or "seize" every opportune moment, understanding that the prevailing cultural and spiritual climate is hostile to God's purposes. This verse serves as a critical imperative for discerning stewardship of time, urging believers to live with urgency and purpose, maximizing every opportunity for spiritual growth, witness, and the advancement of God's kingdom amidst the challenges of a fallen age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's practical exhortations to the Ephesian believers, following his foundational theological teachings in the earlier chapters. Specifically, it immediately follows the command in [Ephesians 5:15](/ephesians/5-15 "Ephesians 5:15 - Walk Circumspectly") to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise." Paul is transitioning from broad principles of Christian conduct (such as walking in love, [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love"), and walking as children of light, [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) to specific applications concerning the use of time and discernment. The imperative to "redeem the time" is thus presented as a direct consequence and expression of wise living in contrast to foolishness, setting the stage for further instructions on Spirit-filled living, [Ephesians 5:18-21](/ephesians/5-18-21 "Ephesians 5:18-21 - Be Filled with the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse population, thriving commerce, and pervasive paganism. The worship of Artemis (Diana) dominated the city, accompanied by various forms of idolatry, immorality, and occult practices. For early Christians living in such an environment, the "days" were indeed "evil," meaning they were morally corrupt, spiritually hostile, and filled with temptations that could easily compromise their faith and witness. Paul's exhortation to "redeem the time" was not merely a general principle but a vital strategy for survival and flourishing in a culture that actively opposed Christian values. Believers were called to distinguish themselves sharply from the surrounding darkness by their wise and purposeful conduct, making the most of every interaction and opportunity for the sake of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter to the Ephesians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Stewardship**, particularly the responsible management of the finite and precious resource of time. It highlights **Wisdom** as a practical outworking of spiritual maturity, contrasting it with the foolishness of those who do not discern the times. The phrase "because the days are evil" emphasizes the theme of **Spiritual Discernment** and the reality of living in a fallen world, necessitating vigilance and intentionality. This connects directly to Paul's later call for believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God"). Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **Urgency and Intentionality** in Christian living, echoing similar calls in other epistles, such as [Colossians 4:5](/colossians/4-5 "Colossians 4:5 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders"), where believers are likewise encouraged to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeeming (Greek, _exagorázō'_):** From G1805, this verb literally means "to buy up" or "to buy back." It was used in ancient contexts for purchasing a slave out of the marketplace to set them free, or for buying a commodity at a favorable price before it becomes scarce or expensive. Here, it is used figuratively to mean "to rescue from loss" or "to improve opportunity." It implies a proactive, decisive action to seize opportunities, to "buy out" time from the clutches of wastefulness, idleness, or evil influences, and to invest it purposefully for God's glory.
* **Time (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, this noun refers to a specific, opportune moment, a "set or proper time," or a season, rather than chronological time (which is _chronos_). It denotes a qualitative understanding of time, emphasizing the significance and strategic importance of particular moments. Paul is not merely telling believers to manage their schedules efficiently, but to recognize and leverage divinely appointed opportunities that arise, which, if missed, may not return.
* **Evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From G4190, this adjective describes something that is not merely bad (kakos), but actively hurtful, malicious, morally culpable, and vicious in its effect or influence. It signifies the pervasive, active wickedness and opposition to God's will that characterizes the fallen world and its systems. The "evil days" are those dominated by sin, corruption, and spiritual darkness, making the imperative to redeem the time all the more urgent and critical for believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Redeeming the time":** This is an active imperative, urging believers to take deliberate action concerning their use of time. The verb "redeeming" (exagorázō) suggests a proactive, almost shrewd, engagement with the opportunities presented by life. It implies a strategic "buying out" of moments from the common, wasteful, or even destructive patterns of the world. Believers are to recognize the value of each moment (kairos), viewing it as a precious commodity to be invested wisely for eternal purposes, rather than squandered or lost to the prevailing evil.
* **"because the days are evil":** This clause provides the compelling motivation and context for the preceding command. The "evil" (ponērós) nature of the days refers to the pervasive moral corruption, spiritual darkness, and active hostility towards God's truth that characterizes the world. This is not merely a passive observation but an urgent warning. Because the spiritual climate is hostile and opportunities for good are fleeting or under attack, believers must act with heightened vigilance, intentionality, and wisdom to make the most of every moment before it is consumed by the encroaching darkness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the active, wise "redeeming of time" with the passive, foolish squandering of it in "evil days." This highlights the urgency and necessity of intentional living in a morally compromised world. Furthermore, the phrase "redeeming the time" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying time not as a passive flow but as a valuable commodity that can be "bought back" or "seized" from the market of life, implying an active, strategic engagement rather than mere passive passage. The verse also contains an implicit **Imperative Mood**, even though the participle "redeeming" (exagorazomenoi) takes its force from the preceding imperative "walk" (peripateite) in [Ephesians 5:15](/ephesians/5-15 "Ephesians 5:15 - Walk Circumspectly"), thereby functioning as a command to live wisely by seizing every opportunity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:16 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom, stewardship, and the urgency of living in light of eternity. It calls believers to a profound awareness of their temporal existence and the spiritual battle unfolding around them. The command to "redeem the time" is not about mere efficiency, but about sanctifying every moment, aligning our daily choices with God's eternal purposes. It underscores that time is a gift from God, a finite resource to be invested in what truly matters, reflecting a heart devoted to Christ rather than to fleeting worldly pursuits. This divine imperative transforms mundane moments into opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and witness, recognizing that every breath is a chance to honor our Creator in a world desperately in need of His light.

* [Colossians 4:5](/colossians/4-5 "Colossians 4:5 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders")
* [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of Salvation")
* [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Teach Us to Number Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:16 serves as a potent challenge for believers in every generation, particularly in our fast-paced, often distracted modern world. It compels us to pause and critically evaluate how we are investing our most precious, non-renewable resource: time. Are we passively allowing the "evil days"—characterized by pervasive digital distractions, moral relativism, and spiritual apathy—to consume our moments, or are we actively "buying them up" for eternal significance? This means intentionally prioritizing spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, seeking opportunities to serve others, engaging in meaningful conversations about faith, and discerningly limiting exposure to influences that erode our spiritual vitality. To redeem the time is to live with a kingdom mindset, recognizing that every decision about how we spend our hours, minutes, and even seconds has eternal implications, transforming mundane activities into acts of worship and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I currently "redeeming the time" for God's glory, and where might I be allowing the "evil days" to dictate my priorities?**
* **What are the primary "evil" influences or distractions in my current cultural context that make intentional time management for spiritual purposes challenging?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can I take this week to more intentionally "buy up" or "seize" opportunities for spiritual growth, service, or witness?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between *kairos* and *chronos* in the biblical understanding of "time"?**

Answer: In biblical Greek, particularly in the New Testament, there are two primary words for "time," each carrying a distinct nuance. *Chronos* (G5550) refers to chronological, sequential time—the measurable progression of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. It is quantitative time, the kind we track on a clock or calendar. In contrast, *kairos* (G2540), the word used in [Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Ephesians 5:16 - Redeeming the Time"), denotes a qualitative understanding of time. It refers to a specific, opportune, or appointed moment; a season or a critical juncture. It's not just about the passage of time, but about the significance of a particular moment, often implying a divine appointment or a strategic window of opportunity. So, "redeeming the time" with *kairos* means seizing and making the most of these special, God-given opportunities, rather than merely managing one's schedule efficiently.

**How does "redeeming the time" relate to modern-day busyness or time management?**

Answer: While "redeeming the time" certainly encourages wise time management, its core meaning goes deeper than merely optimizing one's schedule or productivity. In a world often characterized by overwhelming busyness and countless distractions, [Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Ephesians 5:16 - Redeeming the Time") calls for a spiritual discernment regarding how we invest our moments. It's not just about doing more, but about doing what truly matters from an eternal perspective. This involves intentionally choosing to invest time in activities that align with God's will and purposes, such as spiritual growth, serving others, sharing the Gospel, and building meaningful relationships, even if it means saying "no" to other seemingly good things. It's a call to prioritize eternal values over temporal pressures, recognizing that every moment is a stewardship opportunity in light of the "evil days" that seek to consume our attention and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of one who "redeemed the time" in the most profound sense. From His incarnation, which occurred "when the fullness of the time [kairos] was come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), to His earthly ministry, Jesus lived with an unwavering focus on His Father's will, always seizing the opportune moment. He declared, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" ([John 9:4](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Work While It Is Day")), demonstrating a perfect understanding of the urgency and preciousness of His *kairos*. His entire life was a deliberate act of "buying back" humanity from the dominion of "evil days" and the power of sin, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which ushered in a new *kairos* of grace and salvation ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). As believers, we are now "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), empowered by His Spirit to walk as He walked, discerning the times and actively investing our lives for His kingdom, transforming the "evil days" through the light of His presence within us.

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

Colossians 4:5

¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

John 12:35

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Ecclesiastes 12:1

¶ Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Ephesians 6:13

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

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.