Ephesians 5:11

Ephesians 5:11 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
• New International Version (NIV)Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
• New King James Version (NKJV)And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Context of Ephesians 5:11

9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Ephesians 5:11 word by word

καὶ μὴ συγκοινωνεῖτε τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις τοῦ σκότους, μᾶλλον δὲ καὶ ἐλέγχετε·Read the interlinear

• Do not participateσυγκοινωνέωsugkoinōneō · to share withG4790
• in the uselessἄκαρποςakarpos · unfruitfulG175
• deedsἔργονergon · workG2041
• darknessσκότοςskotos · darknessG4655
• but insteadμᾶλλονmallon · more: ratherG3123
• evenκαίkai · andG2532
• exposeἐλέγχωelegchō · to rebukeG1651

Cross-references for Ephesians 5:11

• Ephesians 5:7Therefore do not become partners with them;
• Genesis 49:5“Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence.
• Psalms 1:1Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
• Psalms 26:4I do not sit with deceitful people, Nor will I go with pretenders.
• Psalms 94:20Can a throne of destruction be allied with You, One which devises mischief by decree?
• Proverbs 4:14Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people.
• Proverbs 9:6Abandon your foolishness and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.”
• Jeremiah 15:17I did not sit in a circle of revelers and celebrate. Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone, For You filled me with indignation.
• Romans 16:17Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
• 1 Corinthians 5:9I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people;
• 1 Corinthians 10:20No, but I say that things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become partners with demons.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness?
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother or sister who leads a disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which you received from us.
• 1 Timothy 6:5and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
• 2 Timothy 3:5holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.
• 2 John 1:10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;

Commentaries on Ephesians 5:11

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 11Have no fellowship - Have no religious connection whatever with heathens or their worship. Unfruitful works of darkness - Probably alluding to the mysteries among the heathens, and the different lustrations and rites through which the initiated went in the caves and dark recesses where these mysteries were celebrated; all which he denominates works of darkness, because they were destitute of true wisdom; and unfruitful works, because they were of no use…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 11And have no fellowship - See the sentiment here expressed fully explained in the notes on 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. The unfruitful works - The deeds of darkness that produce no “benefit” to the body or the soul. The word “unfruitful” is used here in contrast with the “fruit of the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:9. But rather reprove them - By your life, your conversation, and all your influence. This is the business of Christians. Their lives should be a standing…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 3-14Verses 3-14 Filthy lusts must be rooted out. These sins must be dreaded and detested. Here are not only cautions against gross acts of sin, but against what some may make light of. But these things are so far from being profitable. that they pollute and poison the hearers. Our cheerfulness should show itself as becomes Christians, in what may tend to God's glory. A covetous man makes a god of his money; places that hope, confidence, and delight, in…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 11but rather expose them: This does not mean to accuse or condemn people with words (see 1 Corinthians 5:9–13). Instead, it means to show what is wrong by living in a way that reflects God’s light (see John 3:20–21; Romans 13:12; 1 Peter 2:9),Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1111. unfruitful works of darkness--Sins are terminated in themselves, and therefore are called "works," not "fruits" (Ga 5:19, 22). Their only fruit is that which is not in a true sense fruit (De 32:32), namely, "death" (Ro 6:21; Ga 6:8). Plants cannot bear "fruit" in the absence of light. Sin is "darkness," and its parent is the prince of darkness (Ep 6:12). Graces, on the other hand, as flourishing in "the light," are reproductive, and abound in fruits…Read the comment

Topics related to Ephesians 5:11

• Adultery
• Commandments
• Communion
• Darkness
• Fellowship
• Holiness
• Reproof
• Wicked (People)

In the dictionaries

• Arise
• Awake
• Darkness
• Dear
• Fellowship
• Flesh
• Fruit
• Light
• Melody
• Redeem

Commentaries on Ephesians 5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings