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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 5:10 Test and prove what pleases the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/49_Eph_05_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 5:10 - Children of Light" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Test and prove what pleases the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/5-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm" title="Ephesians 5:9">◄</a> Ephesians 5:10 <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm" title="Ephesians 5:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and find out what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Test and prove what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />discerning what is well-pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />testing what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />as you try to please the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Determine which things please the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Try to learn what pleases the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Determine what pleases the Lord, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Proving what is acceptable to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and learn in your own experiences what is fully pleasing to the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Test and prove what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />proving what is well pleasing to the Lord. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />proving what is well-pleasing to the LORD;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />discerning what is well-pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Trying what is pleasing to the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Proving what is well pleasing to God: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />affirming what is well-pleasing to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And so you must discern that which is acceptable before our LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Distinguish what is pleasing before Our Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />learning what is acceptable to the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />proving what is acceptable to the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />proving what is acceptable to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />consider what is acceptable to the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and learn in your own experiences what is fully pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />approving what is well-pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/5-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=899" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/5.htm">Children of Light</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">Test and prove</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/2101.htm" title="2101: euareston (Adj-NNS) -- Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.">pleases</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</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.">Lord.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">11</span>Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a></span><br />so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></span><br />but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a></span><br />so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Hebrews 13:21</a></span><br />equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a></span><br />So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18</a></span><br />For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15</a></span><br />Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a></span><br />and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a></span><br />May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Proverbs 16:7</a></span><br />When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Proving what is acceptable to the Lord.</p><p class="hdg">Proving.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">1 Samuel 17:39</a></b></br> And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved <i>it</i>. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved <i>them</i>. And David put them off him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1,2</a></b></br> I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, <i>which is</i> your reasonable service… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a></b></br> That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;</p><p class="hdg">acceptable.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a></b></br> Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Proverbs 21:3</a></b></br> To do justice and judgment <i>is</i> more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5</a></b></br> Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? <i>is it</i> to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes <i>under him</i>? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/luke/24-35.htm">Experiences</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Find</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Try</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-9.htm">Experiences</a> <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Find</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Try</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">After general exhortations to love;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">to flee sexual immorality;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">and all uncleanness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">not to converse with the wicked;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">to walk carefully;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">and to be filled with the Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">and husbands ought to love their wives,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">even as Christ does his church.</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Test and prove</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment and examination in the Christian life. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is urging believers to carefully evaluate their actions and beliefs to ensure they align with God's will. The Greek word used here, "dokimazō," implies a process of testing or proving something to determine its authenticity or value. This concept is echoed in <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>, where believers are encouraged to be transformed by the renewing of their minds to discern God's will. The idea of testing is also seen in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a>, where Paul advises to "test all things" and hold on to what is good.<p><b>what pleases the Lord</b><br>This phrase focuses on the ultimate goal of a believer's life: to live in a way that is pleasing to God. The notion of pleasing God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a>, where Paul prays for believers to live a life worthy of the Lord and to please Him in every way. Pleasing God involves obedience, faith, and love, as highlighted in <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>, which states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The cultural context of Ephesians, written to a diverse audience in Ephesus, a city known for its pagan worship and immorality, underscores the call for Christians to stand apart by living lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's people being set apart for His purposes, as seen in the Old Testament with Israel and fulfilled in the New Testament through the Church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges from both pagan influences and internal disputes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm">Discernment as a Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>Believers are called to actively discern and test what aligns with God's will. This requires a deep engagement with Scripture and prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pleasing_god_as_a_life_goal.htm">Pleasing God as a Life Goal</a></b><br>Our actions and decisions should be guided by a desire to please God, not merely to follow rules or seek approval from others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit aids in understanding and discerning what pleases God. We should seek His guidance in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_testing_of_actions.htm">Practical Testing of Actions</a></b><br>Evaluate your daily actions and decisions by asking if they align with biblical principles and reflect Christ's love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Engage with fellow believers to gain insights and accountability in discerning what pleases the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_renewing_the_mind_mean.htm">What does renewing the mind mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_cross_symbolize.htm">What does the cross symbolize?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_evil.htm">Why does God permit the existence of evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'judge_not'_mean.htm">What does "Judge not lest you be judged" mean?</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>(10) <span class= "bld">Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.</span>--So in <a href="/romans/12-2.htm" title="And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.">Romans 12:2</a>, the "proving what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God," is the fruit of transformation "in the renewing of the mind." "To prove" is to try in each case, by the full light of God, what is accordant to His will; it is a work partly of thought, partly of practical experience; and it always implies a searching examination of heart and action by the touchstone of God's word.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord.</span> A general rule applicable to the whole walk. To prove is to ascertain by test and experiment. Our whole walk should be directed to finding out what things are pleasing to Christ, rejecting at once everything that is not so, and clinging to all that is. We are not to follow the tradition of our people, and not to take a vague view of duty; we are to prove the matter, to put it to the test. For the supreme practical rule of the Christian's life must be to please Christ. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/5-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Test and prove</span><br /><span class="grk">δοκιμάζοντες</span> <span class="translit">(dokimazontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleases</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐάρεστον</span> <span class="translit">(euareston)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2101.htm">Strong's 2101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord.</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 5:10 Proving what is well pleasing to (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 5:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>