Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

EPHESIANS 5:17KJV
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Ephesians 5:17 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:17 mean?

Ephesians 5:17 urges readers not to act foolishly, but instead to seek understanding of what God wants. The verse calls for thoughtful living, encouraging people to pay attention to the Lord’s will rather than living carelessly.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, guiding them on how to live wisely in a world full of distractions and temptations. The verse fits into a section where Paul contrasts wise and unwise living, emphasizing the importance of knowing and following God’s desires rather than just going along with the crowd.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:17

  • ἀσύνετος (asynetos, "unwise"): This word often means lacking in understanding or discernment, not just making mistakes but failing to grasp what is truly important. Paul is warning against a careless or thoughtless approach to life.
  • συνίημι (syniēmi, "understanding"): This Greek word carries the sense of putting things together or grasping the meaning behind something. Paul is urging the Ephesians to actively seek insight into God’s will, not just to know about it but to truly comprehend and live by it.
  • θέλημα (thelēma, "will"): This word refers to what God desires or intends. The focus is on aligning one’s life with God’s purposes, not just following rules but understanding the heart behind them.

Why Ephesians 5:17 matters

  • Ephesians 5:17 clarifies that wisdom in the Christian life is not just about intelligence or knowledge, but about understanding and following God’s will.
  • The verse highlights a choice between careless living and thoughtful, purposeful living, showing that believers are called to be intentional about their actions.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of Ephesians 5, where Paul encourages believers to live differently from the surrounding culture, guided by God’s desires rather than their own impulses.

Where else these words appear

“unwise” Greek G878 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

“understanding” Greek G4920 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
  • Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;