Ephesians 5:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

NIV: (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

NASB: (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

CSB: for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth —

NLT: For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

KJV: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

NKJV: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

This verse includes a parenthetical statement. Like Ephesians 4:9–10, this is a side remark in the middle of another thought. In this case, Paul inserts an additional explanation of what it means to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). Paul mentions the "fruit of light" as reference to the "result" of life. In other words, Christian obedience is found in "all that is good and right and true." All three words express the same concept of actions that are noble and pleasing to God.

Paul often refers to "good" in this letter. Believers are created to do "good" works (Ephesians 2:10), use "good" words (Ephesians 4:29), have "good" will (Ephesians 6:7), and will be blessed for doing "good" (Ephesians 6:8). Doing what is "right" is also a recurring concept in Ephesians. Believers are to live in true righteousness (Ephesians 4:24), obey their parents for this is "right" (Ephesians 6:1), and wear the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). Third, believers are to do what is "true," as noted in Ephesians 4:24: "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.