Ephesians 5:8-14
But now light ( νυν δε φως ). Jesus called his disciples the light of the world (Mt 5:14).The fruit of light ( ο καρπος του φωτος ). Two metaphors (fruit, light) combined. See Ga 5:22 for "the fruit of the Spirit." The late MSS. have "spirit" here in place of "light."
Goodness ( αγαθοσυνη ). Late and rare word from αγαθος. See 2Th 1:11; Ga 5:22.
Proving ( δοκιμαζοντες ). Testing and so proving.
Have no fellowship with ( μη συνκοινωνειτε ). No partnership with, present imperative with μη. Followed by associative instrumental case εργοις (works).
Unfruitful ( ακαρποις ). Same metaphor of verse 9 applied to darkness ( σκοτος ).
Reprove ( ελεγχετε ). Convict by turning the light on the darkness.
In secret ( κρυφη ). Old adverb, only here in N.T. Sin loves the dark.
Even to speak of ( κα λεγειν ). And yet one must sometimes speak out, turn on the light, even if to do so is disgraceful ( αισχρον, like 1Co 11:6).
Are made manifest by the light ( υπο του φωτος φανερουτα ). Turn on the light. Often the preacher is the only man brave enough to turn the light on the private sins of men and women or even those of a community.
Wherefore he saith ( διο λεγε ). Apparently a free adaptation of Isa 26:19; 60:1. The form αναστα for αναστηθ (second person singular imperative second aorist active of ανιστημ ) occurs in Ac 12:7.
Shall shine ( επιφαυσε ). Future active of επιφαυσκω, a form occurring in Job (Job 25:5; 31:26), a variation of επιφωσκω. The last line suggests the possibility that we have here the fragment of an early Christian hymn like 1Ti 3:16.
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