Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. New Living Translation Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. English Standard Version Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Berean Standard Bible Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Berean Literal Bible Because of this, do not be foolish, but understand what is the Lord's will, King James Bible Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. New King James Version Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. New American Standard Bible Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NASB 1995 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NASB 1977 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Legacy Standard Bible On account of this, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Amplified Bible Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. Christian Standard Bible So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Holman Christian Standard Bible So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. American Standard Version Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Contemporary English Version Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. English Revised Version Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. GOD'S WORD® Translation So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. Good News Translation Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. International Standard Version Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Majority Standard Bible Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord?s will is. NET Bible For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord's will is. New Heart English Bible Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Weymouth New Testament On this account do not prove yourselves wanting in sense, but try to understand what the Lord's will is. World English Bible Therefore, don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiondo not become fools because of this, but—understanding what [is] the will of the LORD, Berean Literal Bible Because of this, do not be foolish, but understand what is the Lord's will, Young's Literal Translation because of this become not fools, but -- understanding what is the will of the Lord, Smith's Literal Translation For this be not foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore become not unwise, but understanding what is the will of God. Catholic Public Domain Version For this reason, do not choose to be imprudent. Instead, understand what is the will of God. New American Bible Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. New Revised Standard Version So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWherefore do not lack wisdom, but understand what the will of God is. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Therefore do not be stupid, but understanding what the will of God is. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWherefore, be not ignorant, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Godbey New Testament Therefore be not unwise, but understand whatsoever is the will of the Lord. Haweis New Testament Therefore be not unwise, but intelligent concerning what is the will of the Lord. Mace New Testament wherefore be not imprudent, but consider what is agreeable to the divine will. Weymouth New Testament On this account do not prove yourselves wanting in sense, but try to understand what the Lord's will is. Worrell New Testament For this reason, be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Worsley New Testament Wherefore be not thoughtless, but consider what is the will of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Children of Light…16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.… Cross References Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. / And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. / The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. ... Philippians 1:9-10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 1 John 2:17 The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ... 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. Romans 8:5-6 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 1 Kings 3:9-12 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... Treasury of Scripture Why be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. be. Ephesians 5:15 Colossians 4:5 understanding. Deuteronomy 4:6 1 Kings 3:9-12 Job 28:28 Jump to Previous Account Conscious Foolish Fools Lord's Pleasure Prove Reason Sense Try Understand Understanding Unwise Wanting Wherefore YourselvesJump to Next Account Conscious Foolish Fools Lord's Pleasure Prove Reason Sense Try Understand Understanding Unwise Wanting Wherefore YourselvesEphesians 5 1. After general exhortations to love;3. to flee sexual immorality; 4. and all uncleanness; 7. not to converse with the wicked; 15. to walk carefully; 18. and to be filled with the Spirit; 22. he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands; 25. and husbands ought to love their wives, 32. even as Christ does his church. Therefore This word serves as a bridge, connecting the preceding verses with the instruction that follows. In the context of Ephesians 5, Paul has been discussing the importance of living as children of light, contrasting the behaviors of darkness with those of light. The Greek word "διὰ τοῦτο" (dia touto) implies a conclusion or result based on previous statements. It emphasizes the necessity of applying the teachings about living wisely and righteously in the light of Christ. do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. Ephesus A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote. 3. The Ephesian Church The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges from both pagan influences and internal misunderstandings about Christian doctrine. Teaching Points Avoiding FoolishnessThe Greek word for "foolish" (aphrones) implies a lack of understanding or senselessness. Christians are called to live wisely, avoiding actions and decisions that are devoid of spiritual insight. Understanding the Lord's Will Knowing God's will involves a deep relationship with Him, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely about knowing facts but involves a heart aligned with God's purposes. Living with Purpose Understanding God's will leads to purposeful living. Christians are encouraged to align their daily actions with God's overarching plan, ensuring that their lives reflect His glory. Discernment in Daily Life Discernment is crucial in making decisions that honor God. This involves seeking wisdom from God and being attentive to His leading in every aspect of life.(17) Be ye not unwise.--The word here is stronger than in Ephesians 5:15; it is properly senseless, used of "the fool" (in Luke 11:40; Luke 12:20; 1Corinthians 15:36; 2Corinthians 11:16; 2Corinthians 11:19; 2Corinthians 12:6; 2Corinthians 12:11). By it St. Paul emphasises his previous warning; then he adds the explanation that to be "wise" is to "understand what the will of the Lord is"--to know His purpose towards us and towards the world, and so to know the true purpose of our life. Hence we are told in Job 28:28, that "the fear of the Lord is wisdom," or, more precisely, in Proverbs 9:10, that it is "the beginning of wisdom." . . . Verse 17. - Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what is the will of the Lord. The "wherefore" bears on all the preceding argument: because ye are children of light; because light is so valuable and so indispensable; because your whole circumstances demand so much care and earnestness. "Unwise" is equivalent to senseless; "understanding," to both knowing and laying to heart, as in parable of sower: "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not," i.e. does not consider or ponder it, "then cometh the wicked one," etc. The will of the Lord is the great rule of the Christian life; to know and in the deeper sense understand this, is to walk wisely and to walk surely. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Thereforeδιὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. be γίνεσθε (ginesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. foolish, ἄφρονες (aphrones) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 878: Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. understand συνίετε (syniete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4920: To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord’s Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. will [is]. θέλημα (thelēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 2307: An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination. Links Ephesians 5:17 NIVEphesians 5:17 NLT Ephesians 5:17 ESV Ephesians 5:17 NASB Ephesians 5:17 KJV Ephesians 5:17 BibleApps.com Ephesians 5:17 Biblia Paralela Ephesians 5:17 Chinese Bible Ephesians 5:17 French Bible Ephesians 5:17 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Ephesians 5:17 Therefore don't be foolish but understand what (Ephes. Eph. Ep) |