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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/49_Eph_05_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 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Live as children of light <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! <a href="/esv/ephesians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light <a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-- <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light <a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light <a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] <a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light — <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— <a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light <a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light <a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light <a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, <a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, <a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, <a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light-- <a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, <a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light; <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was a time when you were nothing but darkness. Now, as Christians, you are Light itself. <a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for you were once darkness, and now light in the LORD; walk as children of light, <a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-- <a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for ye were once darkness, and now light in the Lord; as children of light walk ye, <a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye were then darkness, and now light in the Lord: walk ye as children of light:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For you were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you were darkness, in times past, but now you are light, in the Lord. So then, walk as sons of the light. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For previously you were ignorant, but now you have been enlightened by our LORD, and should live therefore like children of light. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in our Lord, therefore so walk as children of Light.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you were formerly darkness; but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light; <a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For at one time ye were darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord: walk about as children of the light, <a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye were formerly darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light; <a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you were heretofore altogether in the dark, but now being enlightned by the Lord, behave as children of light: <a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was a time when you were nothing but darkness. Now, as Christians, you are Light itself. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light <a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For ye were heretofore darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=885" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Children of Light</a> 7Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēte (V-IIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you were</a> <a href="/greek/4218.htm" title="4218: pote (Prtcl) -- At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever.">once</a> <a href="/greek/4655.htm" title="4655: skotos (N-NNS) -- Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.">darkness,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-NNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">you are light</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripateite (V-PMA-2P) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">Walk</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-NNP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōtos (N-GNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">of light,</a> 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a> The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a> For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. <a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35-36</a> Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a> to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18-19</a> The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. / But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">1 John 2:8-11</a> Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. / If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light:ye were.<a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11,12</a> Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; … <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Ephesians 4:18</a> Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.but.<a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6,7</a> I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; … <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6,9</a> And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth… <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1,3,19,20</a> Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee… walk.<a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.<a href="/isaiah/2-5.htm">Isaiah 2:5</a> O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.<a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">Christians</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Light</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Once</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-12.htm">Sometime</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/4-5.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Christians</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Light</a> <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Once</a> <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Sometime</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a> 3. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a> 4. <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a> 15. <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a> 22. <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a> 32. <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical terms, "darkness" often symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>). The Ephesians, like all humanity, were once living in sin and under the influence of the world and its ruler, Satan (<a href="/ephesians/2.htm">Ephesians 2:1-3</a>). This darkness is not just an external condition but an internal reality, indicating a life devoid of God's truth and righteousness.but now you are light in the Lord The transformation from darkness to light signifies a profound change brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. "Light" in Scripture represents truth, holiness, and the presence of God (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). This change is not self-generated but is a result of being "in the Lord," indicating a union with Christ. This transformation is a fulfillment of prophecies like <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>, where the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, pointing to the coming of the Messiah.Walk as children of light This exhortation calls believers to live in a manner consistent with their new identity. "Walk" in biblical language refers to one's conduct or way of life (<a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a>). As "children of light," believers are to reflect the character of God, who is light (1 <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>). This involves living in truth, righteousness, and goodness, contrasting with their former way of life. The imagery of light and darkness is also reminiscent of the creation narrative, where God separated light from darkness (<a href="/genesis/1-3.htm">Genesis 1:3-4</a>), symbolizing order and divine purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture, and it had a significant Christian community to whom Paul addressed this letter. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the Ephesian Christians were a diverse group of believers living in a city known for its pagan practices and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/transformation_from_darkness_to_light.htm">Transformation from Darkness to Light</a> Believers undergo a radical transformation when they come to faith in Christ. This change is not just a shift in behavior but a fundamental change in identity from darkness to light. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Understanding our identity as "light in the Lord" is crucial. This identity shapes how we live, think, and interact with the world around us. <a href="/topical/w/walking_as_children_of_light.htm">Walking as Children of Light</a> Our daily conduct should reflect our new identity. Walking as children of light involves living in a way that is pleasing to God, characterized by truth, righteousness, and goodness. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live as children of light. We must rely on His guidance and strength to walk in the light consistently. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_world.htm">Witness to the World</a> As light in the Lord, believers are called to be a witness to the world, shining the light of Christ in a dark world through our words and actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 5</a> <a href="/q/how_can_one_be_light_in_the_lord.htm">How can one be light in the Lord?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_world_passing_away.htm">How can one be light in the Lord?</a> <a href="/q/can_christians_celebrate_halloween.htm">Is it appropriate for Christians to celebrate Halloween?</a> <a href="/q/does_eph._5_3-6_conflict_with_science.htm">Ephesians 5:3–6: Does this strict stance on sexual immorality conflict with scientific understandings of human sexuality? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.--This expression is unique, and far more emphatic than the more common phrases of "being," or "walking," "in darkness" and "in light." (See <a href="/romans/2-9.htm" title="Tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;">Romans 2:9</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-2.htm" title=" To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.">Colossians 1:2</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm" title="But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.">1Thessalonians 5:4</a>; <a href="/context/1_john/1-6.htm" title="If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:">1John 1:6-7</a>; <a href="/context/1_john/2-9.htm" title="He that said he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.">1John 2:9-10</a>.) For here the outward element of light or darkness is said to pervade the inner nature of the soul. (1) Christ is the "true Light," the "Sun of Righteousness" (<a href="/context/john/1-4.htm" title="In him was life; and the life was the light of men.">John 1:4-9</a>; <a href="/john/3-19.htm" title="And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.">John 3:19</a>; <a href="/john/8-12.htm" title="Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.">John 8:12</a>; <a href="/john/9-5.htm" title="As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.">John 9:5</a>; <a href="/john/12-46.htm" title="I am come a light into the world, that whoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.">John 12:46</a>). His servants are sometimes mere secondary lights (or "candles") (<a href="/context/luke/11-33.htm" title="No man, when he has lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.">Luke 11:33-34</a>; <a href="/luke/11-36.htm" title="If your whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle does give you light.">Luke 11:36</a>; <a href="/john/5-35.htm" title="He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.">John 5:35</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm" title="We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:">2Peter 1:19</a>), kindled from His rays; sometimes, like the moon or planets, they are said, as reflecting His light, or as having His light in them (<a href="/john/12-35.htm" title="Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.">John 12:35</a>), to be actually "the light of the world" (<a href="/matthew/5-14.htm" title="You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.">Matthew 5:14</a>), which, however, shines as a mere reflected light, so that "men glorify" not it, but "the Father which is in heaven" (<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm" title="Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 5:16</a>). They thus become light, but only "in the Lord:" that is, as being made one with Him. (2) So, on the other hand, they who walk in darkness are said to be themselves darkness--new sources, so to speak, of the darkness which hates and quenches light, both to themselves and to others. "The light" which is in them "becomes darkness;" "and how great is that darkness!" (<a href="/matthew/6-23.htm" title="But if your eye be evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!">Matthew 6:23</a>.) As there is a natural delight in giving light, so the reprobate state is distinguished by a horrible pleasure in spreading the cloud of delusion, sin, or unbelief, by which to hide God from man. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Another expressive "but." To make the contrast more emphatic, it is not said, "ye were in darkness, but are now in light;" but, "ye were darkness itself, and are now light itself," and this last is explained by the usual formula, "in the Lord." There was a celebrated Ephesian philosopher, Alexander, who was called "The Light;" but not from that source had the light come. The idea of light-giving is also involved in their being light. "Arise, shine, for thy light is come." Walk as children of light. Another expressive image, denoting close connection with light, as if they were actually born of it; hence their lives should be full of it. The figure connecting darkness with sin and light with purity, common to all languages, underlies the exhortation. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you were Ἦτε (Ēte) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. once ποτε (pote) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_4218.htm">Strong's 4218: </a> At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever. darkness, σκότος (skotos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4655.htm">Strong's 4655: </a> Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. now νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. [you are] light φῶς (phōs) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord. Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Walk περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. of light, φωτὸς (phōtos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness (Ephes. Eph. 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