Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

EPHESIANS 5:1KJV
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Ephesians 5:1 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:1 mean?

Ephesians 5:1 urges believers to imitate God in their lives, just as dearly loved children naturally look up to and copy their parents. The verse calls Christians to model their actions and attitudes after God's character, emphasizing a close, loving relationship.

The apostle Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, encouraging them to live differently from the surrounding culture. By describing believers as "dear children," Paul highlights both their valued status and the natural way children learn by example. This sets the stage for the practical instructions that follow in the chapter.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:1

  • "Followers" (μιμηταί, mimētai): This Greek word is often understood as "imitators" rather than just "followers." It suggests not only going after someone but actively copying their example, which deepens the sense of the verse.
  • "Dear" (ἀγαπητοί, agapētoi): This word means "beloved" or "deeply loved." Paul is stressing the warmth and affection in the relationship between God and believers, not just a formal or distant connection.
  • "Children" (τέκνα, tekna): This term refers to children in a family, emphasizing belonging and the natural way children reflect their parents' traits.

Why Ephesians 5:1 matters

  • Ephesians 5:1 clarifies that Christian living is not just about following rules but about reflecting God's character, rooted in a loving relationship.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by introducing a section focused on practical ways to live out this imitation, especially in relationships and daily conduct.
  • By calling believers "dear children," Paul reminds readers of their identity and worth, which is foundational for understanding the motivation behind the call to imitate God.

Where else these words appear

“ye” Greek G3402 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
  • Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

“dear” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;