BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ephesians› Chapter 5› Verse 17

Ephesians 5:17

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 5:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Wherefore [he] saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.
15Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
19speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
← Ephesians 5:16Ephesians 5:18 →
← Full Chapter 5 Ephesians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, &c.] No one would be thought to be unwise, but such are, who do not redeem time, and are ignorant of the will of the Lord; believers should not act the unwise part, neither in their talk, nor in their walk and conversation, nor in their use of time: but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]; or “of God”, as read the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions: there is the secret will of God, which is the rule of all his proceedings; and is unknown to men, till facts make it appear; this is always fulfilled, and sometimes by persons who have no regard to his revealed will; to this the wills of the people of God should be always…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore--seeing that ye need to walk so circumspectly, choosing and using the right opportunity of good. unwise--a different Greek word from that in Eph 5:15. Translate, "foolish," or "senseless." understanding--not merely knowing as a matter of fact (Luk 12:47), but knowing with understanding. the will of the Lord--as to how each opportunity is to be used. The Lord's will, ultimately, is our "sanctification" (Th1 4:3); and that "in every thing," meantime, we should "give thanks" (Th1 5:18; compare above, Eph 5:10).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be ye not unwise - Be not fools in the employment of your time, and in your manner of life. Show true wisdom by endeavoring to understand what the will of the Lord is, and then doing it. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“What the will of the Lord is - In every time, place, and circumstance. Ephesians 5:18”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“be: Eph 5:15; Col 4:5 understanding: Deu 4:6; Kg1 3:9-12; Job 28:28; Psa 111:10, Psa 119:27; Pro 2:5, Pro 14:8, Pro 23:23; Jer 4:22; Joh 7:17; Rom 12:2; Col 1:9; Th1 4:1-3, Th1 5:18; Pe1 4:2 Ephesians 5:18”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ephesians 5 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification