Ephesians 5:7

KJV

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G1096} not {G3361} ye {G1096} therefore {G3767} partakers {G4830} with them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So don’t become partners with them!

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore do not be partakers with them.

American Standard Version

Be not ye therefore partakers with them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:7 delivers a direct and urgent warning to believers, exhorting them to cease being "partakers" or co-participants with those who persist in sinful behaviors previously condemned by Paul. This verse serves as a critical bridge, transitioning from a detailed enumeration of vices characteristic of the unredeemed to a foundational call for Christians to live distinctly as children of light, reflecting their new identity in Christ and avoiding any complicity with the "children of disobedience."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:7 flows directly from a strong condemnation of various ungodly practices and the people who engage in them. In [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Sins Forbidden to Believers"), Paul explicitly lists "fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness," along with "filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting," declaring that those who practice such things have no inheritance in the kingdom of God. He then issues a stern warning in [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Warning Against Deception"), cautioning believers not to be deceived by "vain words" that might rationalize these sins, for "because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." Verse 7, with its opening "therefore," acts as a logical conclusion and an imperative command, drawing a sharp line between the behavior of believers and the "them"—the "children of disobedience"—whose actions invite divine wrath. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) then pivot to the positive command to "walk as children of light," reinforcing the necessity of separation from darkness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus, where this letter was sent, was a bustling metropolitan center renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana), a major cultic site associated with various forms of pagan worship, including temple prostitution and fertility rites. The culture was saturated with idolatry, immorality, and superstitious practices. Believers in Ephesus would have been constantly exposed to, and pressured by, societal norms that condoned or even celebrated the very behaviors Paul condemns. "Foolish talking" and "jesting" (Ephesians 5:4) likely refer to the coarse, sexually suggestive humor and revelry common in pagan festivals and social gatherings. The warning in [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Warning Against Deception") against "vain words" suggests that some might have attempted to downplay the seriousness of these sins, perhaps arguing for a more lenient approach to Christian conduct in a pagan environment. Paul's emphatic command in [Ephesians 5:7](/ephesians/5-7 "Ephesians 5:7 - Do Not Partner with Sinners") was therefore a direct challenge to the prevailing cultural currents, urging Christians to maintain a distinct and counter-cultural witness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ephesians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation**, emphasizing that believers, once "darkness," are now "light in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) and must live accordingly. This transformation necessitates **Ethical Purity and Holiness**, a consistent call throughout the letter for Christians to live lives worthy of their calling, free from the defilements of the world ([Ephesians 4:17-24](/ephesians/4-17-24 "Ephesians 4:17-24 - The New Self")). The concept of **Separation and Distinctiveness** is paramount; believers are not merely to avoid personal sin but also to actively disassociate from the sinful practices and environments of the "children of disobedience." Finally, the verse implicitly highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, reminding believers that while they are saved from wrath, the wrath of God *does* come upon those who persist in such ungodly ways, providing a strong motivation for separation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **not (Greek, _mḗ'_):** This is a particle of qualified negation, indicating a prohibition or warning against a potential or desired action, rather than an absolute denial of something that is. In conjunction with the verb "Be" (gínomai), it forms a strong negative imperative, "do not become" or "do not come to be." It implies a choice and a warning against a specific course of action that believers *could* take but absolutely *should not*.
* **therefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This adverb serves as a logical connector, indicating a conclusion drawn from what has just been stated. In this context, it links the preceding descriptions of sinful behaviors and the impending wrath of God (Ephesians 5:3-6) to the imperative command in verse 7. Because these sins are so grievous and incur divine judgment, it logically follows that believers must not associate with those who practice them.
* **partakers (Greek, _symmétochos'_):** Derived from *sýn* (with) and *métochos* (sharer, participant), this compound noun literally means "a co-participant" or "fellow sharer." It implies more than mere passive observation; it denotes active involvement, association, or sharing in the same activity, fate, or consequence. Paul's choice of this word underscores that the warning is not just against committing the same sins, but against any form of complicity, endorsement, or intimate association that would make one a "sharer together" with the "children of disobedience" in their ungodly ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not ye":** This is a strong negative imperative, commanding believers to actively *not become* or *not be found* in a certain state. The "ye" emphasizes the direct address to the Ephesian Christians, highlighting their agency and responsibility in choosing their associations and conduct. It's a call to proactive avoidance.
* **"therefore":** This crucial conjunction links the command directly to the preceding context. Because of the severe nature of the sins described in [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Sins Forbidden to Believers") and the certainty of God's wrath upon those who practice them ([Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Warning Against Deception")), it is a logical and necessary consequence that believers must separate themselves.
* **"partakers with them":** This phrase specifies the forbidden action and the forbidden association. "Partakers" (symmétochos) implies active sharing or complicity, not just passive observation. "Them" refers directly back to the "children of disobedience" mentioned in [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Warning Against Deception"), who are characterized by the immoral and ungodly behaviors listed in [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Sins Forbidden to Believers"). The command is to avoid any form of shared activity, lifestyle, or endorsement that would align believers with the ungodly world and its practices.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Ephesians 5:7. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, specifically a negative command ("Be not ye"), which conveys the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This direct address demands immediate and decisive action from the readers. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implicit in the verse, building upon the contrast established in the preceding verses between the "children of disobedience" (those who practice sin) and the "children of light" (believers). By commanding believers not to be "partakers with them," Paul sharply delineates the two groups, emphasizing the distinct moral and spiritual identity of Christians. Furthermore, the use of "them" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the people ("them") stand in for their characteristic actions and the ungodly lifestyle they embody. This allows Paul to concisely refer to the entire sphere of pagan immorality and deception without having to re-list every specific sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:7 is a powerful affirmation of the Christian call to sanctification and distinctiveness. It underscores that salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven, but a transformative process that demands a radical reorientation of life, values, and associations. Believers are called to reflect the holiness of God, not only in their private conduct but also in their public witness and social engagements. To be a "partaker" with those who embody the darkness of sin would compromise one's identity as "light in the Lord" and potentially invite the same divine displeasure that falls upon the "children of disobedience." This verse reminds us that our fellowship and alliances matter, for they shape our character and testimony, and ultimately reflect our allegiance. It is a call to live out the implications of our union with Christ, demonstrating a clear break from the world's patterns of sin and embracing a life that honors God.

* [2 Corinthians 6:14-17](/2_corinthians/6-14-17 "2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")
* [1 Peter 4:3-4](/1_peter/4-3-4 "1 Peter 4:3-4 - Living for God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:7 offers a timeless challenge for believers in every generation. It compels us to critically examine the spheres of our influence and engagement, asking whether our associations, choices, and even our entertainment align with our identity as followers of Christ. In a world increasingly blurred by moral relativism and digital interconnectedness, the command "Be not ye therefore partakers with them" urges a conscious discernment. This means not only avoiding direct participation in sinful acts but also being wary of any complicity that might endorse, normalize, or even subtly encourage ungodly behaviors. It calls us to cultivate a holy separation, not out of self-righteousness or isolation, but out of a profound commitment to God's standard and a desire to preserve our witness. Our relationships, media consumption, and professional conduct should all reflect our new life in Christ, demonstrating that we belong to a different kingdom and live by a higher standard. This verse is a powerful reminder that our actions have spiritual weight and that our distinctiveness is crucial for the advancement of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life (e.g., friendships, entertainment, online presence, workplace) might I be subtly "partaking" with the "children of disobedience"?**
* **How does my current level of association or consumption of worldly culture reflect or contradict my identity as "light in the Lord"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to increase my spiritual discernment and ensure my choices align more fully with God's call to holiness and separation?**
* **How can I maintain a clear Christian witness in a world that often normalizes or celebrates behaviors contrary to God's will, without becoming judgmental or withdrawing entirely?**

### FAQ

**Who are "them" that believers are warned against partaking with?**
Answer: "Them" refers to the "children of disobedience" mentioned in the preceding verse, [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Warning Against Deception"). These are individuals who persist in the sinful practices enumerated in [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Sins Forbidden to Believers"), such as sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, and coarse language. They are characterized by their rebellion against God's will and are subject to His wrath. The warning is against becoming complicit or sharing in their ungodly ways.

**Does this verse mean Christians should avoid all interaction with non-believers?**
Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for complete isolation from non-believers. Paul himself encouraged believers to be "salt" and "light" in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")), which necessitates interaction. The command "Be not ye therefore partakers with them" is a warning against *complicity* or *sharing in* their sinful practices and values, not against engaging with them for evangelism, ministry, or daily life. Christians are called to be *in* the world but not *of* the world, maintaining their distinct moral and spiritual identity while still loving and reaching out to others ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")).

**What does "partakers" imply beyond simply committing the same sins?**
Answer: The Greek word for "partakers" (symmétochos) means "co-participant" or "fellow sharer." It implies a deeper level of involvement than merely committing the same sins. It suggests active association, endorsement, or complicity with the values, attitudes, and lifestyle that characterize the "children of disobedience." This could include condoning their actions, participating in activities that promote or normalize sin, or allowing oneself to be influenced by their ungodly perspectives to the point of compromising one's Christian walk. It's about avoiding any shared identity or destiny with those who are under God's wrath due to their unrepentant sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:7 finds its deepest fulfillment and empowering force in Jesus Christ. The call to "Be not ye therefore partakers with them" is not a legalistic burden but a natural outflow of our new identity in Christ. We are commanded to separate from the darkness because Christ Himself is the ultimate embodiment of light and holiness. He "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Purpose for Us")). Our transformation from "children of wrath" ([Ephesians 2:3](/ephesians/2-3 "Ephesians 2:3 - Children of Wrath")) to "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) is solely accomplished through His atoning work on the cross, where He bore the wrath that was due to us. Therefore, our refusal to partake in the deeds of darkness is a testament to His redemptive power, a living demonstration that we have been "delivered... from the domain of darkness and transferred... to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our sanctification, including this call to separation, is a continuous process empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to walk in the newness of life that Christ secured for us, reflecting His purity and distinctiveness in a world still steeped in sin.

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

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.