Ephesians 5:7

Commentary on Ephesians 5:7 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, delivers a powerful and direct exhortation in Ephesians 5:7: "Be not ye therefore partakers with them." This verse serves as a critical warning and a call to distinct Christian living, building directly upon the preceding condemnations of various sins.

Context

To fully grasp the meaning of Ephesians 5:7, one must look at the verses immediately preceding it. Paul has just listed a series of behaviors that are utterly incompatible with the Christian walk: "fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness" (Ephesians 5:3), "filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting" (Ephesians 5:4). He emphatically states that those who practice such things "hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Ephesians 5:5). Furthermore, he warns against being deceived by "vain words" regarding these sins, as "because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6).

Thus, "them" in verse 7 refers to these "children of disobedience"—those who persist in sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, and coarse language. Paul is urging believers in Ephesus, who lived in a society steeped in pagan practices and moral laxity, to actively differentiate themselves. This verse is a direct command to avoid complicity or association with such ungodly lifestyles.

Key Themes

• Separation from Sin: The primary message is a clear call for believers to separate themselves from the sinful practices and lifestyles of the unredeemed world. Christians are to be distinct, not blending in with behaviors that dishonor God.
• Holiness and Purity: By warning against being "partakers," Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining Christian holiness and moral purity. It’s not just about avoiding personal sin, but also about not endorsing or participating in sinful environments.
• Christian Identity: This verse reinforces the believer's new identity in Christ. As those who were once "darkness" but are now "light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8), their conduct must reflect this transformation.
• Consequences of Association: There's an implicit warning that partaking with those engaged in sin can lead to sharing in their spiritual consequences or, at minimum, compromising one's testimony and spiritual vitality.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "partakers" is symmetochoi (συμμέτοχοι), which literally means "fellow partakers" or "sharers together." It suggests more than just passive observation; it implies active involvement, association, or sharing in the same fate or activity. Paul's choice of this word underscores the severity of the warning: don't become complicit or associated with the very behaviors from which you have been redeemed.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:7 remains highly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to examine our associations, influences, and the environments we choose to be part of:

• Discernment in Relationships: We must be mindful of the company we keep and the influence others have on our values and actions. While called to be salt and light in the world, we are not to conform to its sinful patterns.
• Media and Entertainment: This verse prompts reflection on the content we consume—movies, music, social media—and whether it promotes or normalizes behaviors that are contrary to God's will.
• Ethical Conduct: In business, social interactions, and daily life, Christians are called to stand apart from dishonesty, immorality, and covetousness, even if such practices are common in the world.
• Living Authentically: Ultimately, this verse is a call to live out our Christian identity consistently, demonstrating a clear break from the ways of the world and reflecting the holiness to which God has called us. It's a reminder that our actions should align with our new life in Christ.