Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.
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Ephesians 5:17-21 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.
Parallel Translations
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Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.
-
Wherfore be ye not vnwyse but vnderstonde what the will of the Lorde is
and be not dronke with wyne wherin is excesse: but be fulfilled with the sprete
speakynge vnto youre selves in psalmes and ymnes and spretuall songes synginge and makinge melodie to the Lorde in youre hertes
gevinge thankes all wayes for all thinges vnto God the father in the name of oure Lorde Iesu Christ:
submittinge youre selves one to another in the feare of God.
Show all 3 translations
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Wherefore, be ye not vnwise, but vnderstand what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunke with wine, wherein is excesse: but be fulfilled with the Spirit,
Speaking vnto your selues in psalmes, and hymnes, and spirituall songs, singing, and making melodie to the Lord in your hearts,
Giuing thankes alwaies for all thinges vnto God euen the Father, in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ,
Submitting your selues one to another in the feare of God.
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Contradictions (2)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (99)
- Romans 12:2 (v17) Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing,…
- Colossians 3:16 (v19) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,…
- Colossians 3:17 (v20) Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (vv17, 20) In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
- Philippians 2:3 (v21) doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
Show all 98 cross-references
- Psalms 95:2 (v19) Let’s come before his presence with thanksgiving. Let’s extol him with songs!
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 (v19) What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or…
- Colossians 1:9 (v17) For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the…
- Ephesians 5:15 (v17) Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise,
- Proverbs 20:1 (v18) Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- Luke 1:15 (v18) For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even…
- Romans 13:13 (v18) Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and…
- Hebrews 13:15 (v20) Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his…
- Acts 16:25 (v19) But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
- Psalms 147:7 (v19) Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,
- Ephesians 5:24 (v21) But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.
- James 5:13 (v19) Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises.
- Psalms 105:2-3 (v19) Sing to him, sing praises to him! Tell of all his marvelous works. Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
- Galatians 5:21-25 (v18) envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice…
- Jeremiah 4:22 (v17) “For my people are foolish. They don’t know me. They are foolish children, and they have no understanding. They are skillful in doing evil,…
- Philippians 4:6 (v20) In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- 1 Peter 4:2 (v17) that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 (v17) Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that…
- John 4:23-24 (v19) But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his…
- Acts 11:24 (v18) For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
- Ephesians 5:4 (v20) nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate, but rather giving of thanks.
- Ephesians 5:22 (v21) Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
- Colossians 4:5 (v17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
- Isaiah 5:22 (v18) Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink;
- John 7:17 (v17) If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.
- Hebrews 13:17 (v21) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with…
- Psalms 62:8 (v19) Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us.
- Psalms 111:10 (v17) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (v20) We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love…
- 1 Peter 5:5 (v21) Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another;…
- Job 28:28 (v17) To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
- Psalms 34:1 (v20) I will bless Yahweh at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11 (v18) But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a…
- Isaiah 63:7 (v20) I will tell of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh and the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has given to us, and the great…
- John 14:13-14 (v20) Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do…
- 1 Timothy 3:4 (v21) one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;
- 1 Peter 2:17 (v21) Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
- Deuteronomy 4:6 (v17) Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes…
- Job 1:21 (v20) He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked will I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be Yahweh’s…
- Psalms 86:12 (v19) I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forever more.
- Proverbs 14:8 (v17) The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
- Isaiah 65:14 (v19) Behold, my servants will sing for joy of heart, but you will cry for sorrow of heart, and will wail for anguish of spirit.
- Matthew 26:30 (v19) When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (v20) But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation…
- 1 Kings 3:9-12 (v17) Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge…
- Proverbs 2:5 (v17) then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God.
- Proverbs 23:29-35 (v18) Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who stay long at…
- Luke 11:13 (v18) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to…
- 1 Corinthians 1:4 (v20) I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
- Galatians 5:13 (v21) For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
- Psalms 119:27 (v17) Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
- Proverbs 23:20-21 (v18) Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and…
- Proverbs 23:23 (v17) Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
- Isaiah 5:11-13 (v18) Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!…
- Luke 12:45 (v18) But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and…
- John 15:16 (v20) You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that…
- John 16:23-26 (v20) “In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to…
- Colossians 1:11-12 (v20) strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy, giving thanks to the Father,…
- 1 Thessalonians 5:7 (v18) For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.
- 1 Timothy 2:11 (v21) Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission.
- 1 Peter 2:5 (v20) You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God…
- Psalms 47:7-8 (v19) For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
- Zechariah 9:15-17 (v18) Yahweh of Armies will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and…
- Acts 2:13-18 (v18) Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them,…
- 1 Corinthians 6:10 (v18) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (v20) For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
- 1 Peter 4:3-4 (v18) For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies,…
- Luke 21:34 (v18) “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you…
- Acts 5:41 (v20) They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name.
- 1 Corinthians 16:16 (v21) that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
- Philippians 1:3 (v20) I thank my God whenever I remember you,
- Titus 1:6 (v18) if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.
- 1 Peter 4:11 (v20) If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in…
- Deuteronomy 21:20 (v18) They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a…
- Isaiah 55:1 (v18) “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and…
- 1 Corinthians 11:21 (v18) For in your eating each one takes his own supper first. One is hungry, and another is drunken.
- Genesis 9:21 (v18) He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent.
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 (v21) Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons,…
- Nehemiah 5:15 (v21) But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver;…
- Psalms 63:3-5 (v18) Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. So I will bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands in…
- Proverbs 24:21 (v21) My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious;
- Song of Solomon 1:4 (v18) Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love…
- Romans 13:1-5 (v21) Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by…
- Genesis 16:9 (v21) Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”
- Genesis 19:32-35 (v18) Come, let’s make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve our father’s family line.” They made their father…
- 1 Chronicles 29:24 (v21) All the princes, the mighty men, and also all of the sons of king David submitted themselves to Solomon the king.
- Nehemiah 5:9 (v21) Also I said, “The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our…
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 (v21) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear…
- 1 Peter 2:13 (v21) Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
- Psalms 69:12 (v18) Those who sit in the gate talk about me. I am the song of the drunkards.
- Isaiah 25:6 (v18) In this mountain, Yahweh of Armies will make all peoples a feast of choice meat, a feast of choice wines, of choice meat full of marrow, of…
- Matthew 15:8 (v19) ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
- Matthew 23:25 (v18) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of…
98 distinct cross-references across this passage (99 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (22 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv17–21 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise. He whose
17. Wherefore be ye not unwise. He whose
“delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates in it day and night,” (Psalm 1:2,)
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will triumph over every obstacle which Satan can oppose to his progress. Whence comes it that some wander, others fall, others strike against a rock, others go away, — but because we allow ourselves to be gradually blinded by Satan, and lose sight of the will of God, which we ought constantly to remember? And observe, that Paul defines wisdom to be, understanding what the will of the Lord is
“How shall a young man,” says David, “direct his way? By attending to thy word, O Lord.” (Psalm 119:9.)
He speaks of youths, but it is the same wisdom which belongs to old men.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv18, 19, 21 He setteth the sober and holy assemblies of the…
He setteth the sober and holy assemblies of the faithful, against the dissolute bankers of the unfaithful, in which the praises of the only Lord must ring, be it in prosperity or adversity.
All kind of riot, joined with all manner of filthiness and shamefulness.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv17–21 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what…
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ver. 17. But understanding what] Drawing your knowledge into practice, as Eph 5:10. For "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding," Job 28:28: where wisdom (proper to the understanding) is ascribed to the will, because practice should be joined to knowledge. Hence also, Ecc 10:2; "A wise man’s heart is at his right hand," because his heart teacheth his hand to put things in practice.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Understanding, diligently considering,
Understanding, diligently considering,
what the will of the Lord is, in the understanding of which your chief wisdom consists.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv17–21 As if he had said, "Seeing the times are…
As if he had said, "Seeing the times are so perilous, and your opportunities of doing good so uncertain, be wise, and understand what are the proper duties of your place and station, and know how to manage yourselves in every relation, with reference to the duties, dangers, snares, and temptations, which may be before you, and this according to the will of God revealed in his word.
Learn hence, That it is a special part of divine wisdom to understand and know what is the mind and will of God concerning us, in every condition of life which his providence brings us into; to the intent that we may fill up every relation with the proper duties of it, to the glory of God and our own and other’s satisfaction: Be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v21 Here the apostle begins his exhortation to the discharge…
Here the apostle begins his exhortation to the discharge of relative duties. As a general foundation for these duties, he lays down that rule Eph 5:21. There is a mutual submission that Christians owe one to another, condescending to bear one another's burdens: not advancing themselves above others, nor domineering over one another and giving laws to one another. Paul was an example of this truly Christian temper, for he became all things to all men. We must be of a yielding and of a submissive spirit, and ready to all the duties of the respective places and stations that God has allotted to us in the world. In the fear of God, that is, so far as is consistent with the fear of God, for his sake, and out of conscience towards him, and that hereby we may give proof that we truly fear him. Where there is this mutual condescension and submission, the duties of all relations will be the better performed. From Eph 5:22 to the end he speaks of the duties of husbands and wives; and he speaks of these in a Christian manner, setting the church as an example of the wife's subjection, and Christ as an example of love in husbands.
I. The duty prescribed to wives is submission to their husbands in the Lord (Eph 5:22), which submission includes the honouring and obeying of them, and that from a principle of love to them. They must do this in compliance with God's authority, who has commanded it, which is doing it as unto the Lord; or it may be understood by way of similitude and likeness, so that the sense may be, "as, being devoted to God, you submit yourselves unto him." From the former sense we may learn that by a conscientious discharge of the duties we owe to our fellow-creatures we obey and please God himself; and, from the latter, that God not only requires and insists on those duties which immediately respect himself, but such as respect our neighbours too. The apostle assigns the reason of this submission from wives: For the husband is the head of the wife, Eph 5:23. The metaphor is taken from the head in the natural body, which, being the seat of reason, of wisdom, and of knowledge, and the fountain of sense and motion, is more excellent than the rest of the body. God has given the man the pre-eminence and a right to direct and govern by creation, and in that original law of the relation, Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Whatever there is of uneasiness in this, it is an effect of sin coming into the world. Generally, too, the man has (what he ought to have) a superiority in wisdom and knowledge. He is therefore the head, even as Christ is the head of the church. There is a resemblance of Christ's authority over the church in that superiority and headship which God has appointed to the husband. The apostle adds, and he is the Saviour of the body. Christ's authority is exercised over the church for the saving of her from evil, and the supplying of her with every thing good for her. In like manner should the husband be employed for the protection and comfort of his spouse; and therefore she should the more cheerfully submit herself unto him. So it follows, Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ (Eph 5:24), with cheerfulness, with fidelity, with humility, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing - in every thing to which their authority justly extends itself, in every thing lawful and consistent with duty to God.
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II. The duty of husbands (on the other hand), is to love their wives (Eph 5:25); for without this they would abuse their superiority and headship, and, wherever this prevails as it ought to do, it will infer the other duties of the relation, it being a special and peculiar affection that is required in her behalf. The love of Christ to the church is proposed as an example of this, which love of his is a sincere, a pure, an ardent, and constant affection, and that notwithstanding the imperfections and failures that she is guilty of. The greatness of his love to the church appeared in his giving himself unto the death for it. Observe, As the church's subjection to Christ is proposed as an exemplar to wives, so the love of Christ to his church is proposed as a pattern to husbands; and while such exemplars are offered to both, and so much is required of each, neither has reason to complain of the divine injunctions. The love which God requires from the husband in behalf of his wife will make amends for the subjection which he demands from her to her husband; and the prescribed subjection of the wife will be an abundant return for that love of the husband which God has made her due. The apostle, having mentioned Christ's love to the church, enlarges upon it, assigning the reason why he gave himself for it, namely, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next: That he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word (Eph 5:26) - that he might endue all his members with a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin. The instrumental means whereby this is affected are the instituted sacraments, particularly the washing of baptism and the preaching and reception of the gospel. And that he might present it to himself, etc., Eph 5:27. Dr. Lightfoot thinks the apostle alludes here to the Jews' extraordinary carefulness in their washings for purification. They were careful that there should be no wrinkle to keep the flesh from the water, and no spot nor dirt which was not thoroughly washed. Others understand him as alluding to a garment come newly out of the fuller's hand, purged from spots, stretched from wrinkles, the former newly contracted, the latter by long time and custom. That he might present it to himself - that he might perfectly unite it to himself in the great day, a glorious church, perfect in knowledge and in holiness, not having spot, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing, nothing of deformity or defilement remaining, but being entirely amiable and pleasing in his eye, holy and without blemish, free from the least remains of sin. The church in general, and particular believers, will not be without spot or wrinkle till they come to glory. From this and the former verse together we may take notice that the glorifying of the church is intended in the sanctifying of it: and that those, and those only, who are sanctified now, will be glorified hereafter. - So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies, etc., Eph 5:28. The wife being made one with her husband (not in a natural, but in a civil and in a relative sense), this is an argument why he should love her with as cordial and as ardent an affection as that which he loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, Eph 5:29 - (no man in his right senses ever hated himself, however deformed, or whatever his imperfections might be); so far from it that he nourishes and cherishes it; he uses himself with a great deal of care and tenderness, and is industrious to supply himself with every thing convenient or good for him, with food and clothing, etc. Even as the Lord the church: that is, as the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church, which he furnishes with all things that he sees needful or good for her, with whatever conduces to her everlasting happiness and welfare. The apostle adds, For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones, Eph 5:30. He assigns this as a reason why Christ nourishes and cherishes his church - because all who belong to it are members of his body, that is, of his mystical body. Or, we are members out of his body: all the grace and glory which the church has are from Christ, as Eve was taken out of the man. But, as one observes, it being the manner of the sacred writings to express a complex body by the enumeration of its several parts, as the heaven and earth for the world, evening and morning for the natural day, so here, by body, flesh, and bones, we are to understand himself, the meaning of the verse being that we are members of Christ. - For this cause (because they are one, as Christ and his church are one) shall a man leave his father and mother; the apostle refers to the words of Adam, when Eve was given to him for a meet help, Gen 2:24. We are not to understand by this that a man's obligation to other relations is cancelled upon his marriage, but only that this relation is to be preferred to all others, there being a nearer union between these two than between any others, that the man must rather leave any of those than his wife. - And they two shall be one flesh, that is, by virtue of the matrimonial bond. This is a great mystery, Eph 5:32. Those words of Adam, just mentioned by the apostle, are spoken literally of marriage; but they have also a hidden mystical sense in them, relating to the union between Christ and his church, of which the conjugal union between Adam and the mother of us all was a type: though not instituted or appointed by God to signify this, yet it was a kind of natural type, as having a resemblance to it: I speak concerning Christ and the church.
After this, the apostle concludes this part of his discourse with a brief summary of the duty of husbands and wives, Eph 5:33. "Nevertheless (though there be such a secret mystical sense, yet the plain literal sense concerns you) let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, with such a sincere, peculiar, singular, and prevailing affection as that is which he bears to himself. And the wife see that she reverence her husband." Reverence consists of love and esteem, which produce a care to please, and of fear, which awakens a caution lest just offence be given. That the wife thus reverence her husband is the will of God and the law of the relation.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual…
Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,.... By psalms are meant the Psalms of David, and others which compose the book that goes by that name, for other psalms there are none; and by "hymns" we are to understand, not such as are made by good men, without the inspiration of the Spirit of God; since they are placed between psalms and spiritual songs, made by men inspired by the Holy Ghost; and are put upon a level with them, and to be sung along with them, to the edification of churches; but these are only another name for the Book of Psalms, the running title of which may as well be the Book of Hymns, as it is rendered by Ainsworth; and the psalm which our Lord sung with his disciples after the supper, is called an hymn; and so are the psalms in general called hymns, by Philo the Jew (n); and songs and hymns by Josephus (o); and , "songs and praises", or "hymns", in the Talmud (p): and by "spiritual songs" are meant the same Psalms of David, Asaph, &c. and the titles of many of them are songs, and sometimes a psalm and song, and song and psalm, a song of degrees; together with all other Scriptural songs, written by inspired men; and which are called "spiritual", because they are indited by the Spirit of God, consist of spiritual matter, and are designed for spiritual edification; and are opposed to all profane, loose, and wanton songs: these three words answer to the several titles of David's Psalms; from whence it seems to be the intention of the apostle, that these should be sting in Gospel churches; for so he explains speaking to themselves in them, in the next clause:
singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; singing, as it is a distinct thing from prayer, so from giving of thanks, which is mentioned in Eph 5:20 as another duty; it is not a mental praising of God, for it is called speaking, and teaching, and admonishing, but it is a praising of God with the modulation of the voice; and is rightly performed, when the heart and voice agree; when there is a melody in the heart, as well as in the tongue; for singing and making melody in the heart, is singing with, or from the heart, or heartily; of as elsewhere, "with grace", and which the Alexandrian copy reads here; that is, either with gratitude and thankfulness, or with grace in exercise; and the end in view should be the glory of God.
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(n) De Mutat. Nomin. p. 1062. & alibi. (o) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 3. (p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 94. 1.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv17–20 What the will of the Lord is - In…
What the will of the Lord is - In every time, place, and circumstance.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Verse 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise] Μη γινεσθε…
Verse 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise] Μη γινεσθε αφρονες· Do not become madmen. Here is a most evident allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, in which his votaries acted like madmen; running about, tossing their heads from shoulder to shoulder, appearing to be in every sense completely frantic. See the whole of the passage in Livy, to which I have referred on Eph 5:12.
But understanding what the will of the Lord is.] It is the will of God that ye should be sober, chaste, holy, and pure. Get a thorough understanding of this; acquaint yourselves with God's will, that ye may know how to glorify him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v18 Eph 5:18-21. And be not drunk with wine —…
Eph 5:18-21. And be not drunk with wine — As the heathen are when they celebrate the feasts of Bacchus, their god of wine; wherein is excess — Which is the source of all manner of extravagance, and leads to debauchery of every kind. The original word ασωτια, here rendered excess, signifies entire dissoluteness of mind and manners, and such a course of life as is void of counsel and prudent intention, like the behaviour of persons who are continually drunk. While the above-mentioned Bacchanalia continued, men and women made it a point of religion to intoxicate themselves, and ran about the streets, fields, and vineyards, singing and shouting in a wild and tumultuous manner; in opposition to which extravagant vociferations, singing praises to God is with great propriety recommended. Plato tells us, that there was hardly a sober person to be found in the whole Attican territories during the continuance of these detestable feasts. But be ye filled with the Spirit — In all his graces, which gives a joy unspeakably more delightful, exhilarating, and permanent, than that which is produced by the fumes of wine. The antithesis is beautiful. The lewd votaries of Bacchus fill themselves with wine; but be ye filled with the Spirit. In which precept there is this remarkable propriety, that our Lord had represented the influences of the Spirit, (which he invited all who thirsted for them, to come to him and receive,) under the emblem of rivers of living water, which he commanded believers to drink plentifully, Joh 7:37-39. Speaking to yourselves — That is, to one another, by the Spirit, for your mutual edification; in psalms — Of David, and hymns — Of praise; and spiritual songs — On any divine subject; of this latter kind were the songs of Elisabeth, of Mary, and of Zecharias, recorded by Luk 1:42; Luk 1:46; Luk 1:67. By there being no inspired songs, peculiarly adapted to the Christian dispensation, as there were to the Jewish. it is evident that the promise of the Holy Ghost to believers in the last days, was, by his larger effusion, to supply this want. Singing and making melody — Which will be as acceptable and pleasing to God as music is to us; in your heart — As well as your voice, your affections going along with your words, without which no external melody, be it ever so exact and harmonious, can be pleasing to his ear; to the Lord — Jesus, who searcheth the heart; giving thanks always — At all times and places; for all things — Prosperous or adverse, for all things work together for good to them that love God; in the name — Or through the mediation; of our Lord Jesus Christ — By whom we receive all good things. Submitting yourselves — Υποτασσομενοι, being subject, one to another — Performing those mutual duties to each other, which belong to you according to your several places and stations. As if he had said, While you are careful, as above directed, in the duties of praise and piety to God, be not negligent in those which you owe to your fellow-creatures, but perform them punctually in all the various relations in which you stand to each other; in the fear of God — Properly influenced thereby, and evidencing to all around you that you truly fear and obey him.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Be ye not unwise - Be not fools in…
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.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Wherefore--seeing that ye need to walk so circumspectly, choosing…
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."
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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).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv17–21 17. Unwise—Heedless, not using the wits and the knowledge…
17. Unwise—Heedless, not using the wits and the knowledge you have.
Understanding—By direct testing, as in Eph_5:10.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv17–21 17. be ye not] Lit., become ye not; let…
17. be ye not] Lit., become ye not; let not unwatchfulness pull you down.
understanding] Better, probably, understand.
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what the will of the Lord is] “The good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God” apprehended by the disciple who is “being transformed by the renewing of his mind” (Rom_12:2, a passage much in point here). Not independent reason but the illuminated perceptions of a soul awake to God will have a true intuition into “His will,” both as to that invariable attitude of the Christian, subjection to and love of the will of God, and as to the detailed opportunities of action in that attitude.—Cp. on the Divine Will and our relation to it, Psa_143:10; Mat_6:10; Mat_7:21; Mar_3:35; Joh_7:17; Act_13:36; Act_21:14; Act_22:14; 2Co_8:5; Col_1:9; Col_4:12; 1Th_4:3; 1Th_5:18; Heb_13:21; 1Jn_2:17; below Eph_6:6. And on the example of the Lord, cp. Psa_40:8; Luk_22:42; Joh_4:34; Joh_5:30; Joh_6:38.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv17–21 (17) Be ye not unwise.—The word here is stronger…
(17) Be ye not unwise.—The word here is stronger than in Eph_5:15; it is properly senseless, used of “the fool” (in Luk_11:40; Luk_12:20; 1Co_15:36; 2Co_11:16; 2Co_11:19; 2Co_12:6; 2Co_12:11). By it St. Paul emphasises his previous warning; then he adds the explanation that to be “wise” is to “understand what the will of the Lord is”—to know His purpose towards us and towards the world, and so to know the true purpose of our life. Hence we are told in Job_28:28, that “the fear of the Lord is wisdom,” or, more precisely, in Pro_9:10, that it is “the beginning of wisdom.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Wherefore be ye not unwise, hut understanding what is…
Wherefore be ye not unwise, hut understanding what is the will of the Lord. The "wherefore" bears on all the preceding argument: because ye are children of light; because light is so valuable and so indispensable; because your whole circumstances demand so much care and earnestness. "Unwise" is equivalent to senseless; "understanding," to both knowing and laying to heart, as in parable of sower: "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not," i.e. does not consider or ponder it, "then cometh the wicked one," etc. The will of the Lord is the great rule of the Christian life; to know and in the deeper sense understand this, is to walk wisely and to walk surely.
The right understanding of duty.
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This is necessary to its efficient performance.
I UNWISDOM. The thought of the apostle turns upon the misapplication or misdirection of our powers. "Be ye not unthinking and senseless." It is a sin against our rational nature, against our high calling, against the Lord, not to use our intellectual faculties with supreme relation to the Lord"s will.
II THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD"S WILL. Religion is a question of knowledge as well as feeling. Knowledge supplies the basis of feeling. Though Scripture tells us not to lean to our own understanding, it tells us to love with knowledge and all judgment. The knowledge is needed both to stimulate and to regulate the love. We must know our duties, dangers, temptations, in respect to every condition of life in which we are placed by Divine providence. It is the will of the Lord Jesus Christ which supplies the true standard of action to every Christian. The direction of our life is to be determined by his precepts. T.C.
Vers. 17-21.
Inspiration, spirituous and spiritual.
Following up his exhortations about holy living, Paul now proceeds to the subject of understanding the Lord"s will. In doing so he comes across the necessity which human nature feels for excitement of some kind, and, warning the Ephesians against the low excitement of wine, he commends the high excitement of the Spirit, with all its pleasurable manifestations. In other words, he speaks of inspiration, but condemns the spirituous while he commends the spiritual. We have thus suggested
I THE NEED OF SOME STIMULUS FROM BEYOND OURSELVES.
(Vers. 17, 18.) This is apparent from the fact that every one needs some excitement, as it is called, to keep him moving something to "interrupt our quiet and ordinary state of mind with some more lively feeling, which makes us live more consciously and in a manner quicker than we do in common." We all feel this. Now, this goes to show that we are not self-contained, no matter how much we desire to be so, but need a helping hand from without our personalities. Withhold food, and we perish. Withhold all stimulus from us, and we go of necessity to pieces. The whole question comes to be, therefore, where we shall get our required stimulus.
II THE STIMULUS OF WINE IS ATTENDED WITH DANGER.
(Ver. 18.) This is an inspiration which comes through sense. Now, all of us need a stimulus through our senses. Food is such a stimulus. A well-digested meal makes life move faster and quicker than fasting would. But the vinous inspiration leads to "riot" (Revised Version), and is inconsistent with that unity of the Church for which the gospel calls. We should abstain from such a dangerous stimulus as this, for its effect has been hostile to unity of spirit. But we might extend the precaution here to all those excitements of a sensual nature which exhaust and retard the spirit. As Robertson says, "Wine is but a specimen of a class of stimulants. All that begins from without belongs to the same class. The stimulus may be afforded by almost any enjoyment of the senses. Drunkenness may come from anything wherein is excess from over-indulgence in society, in pleasure, in music, and in the delight of listening to oratory, nay, even from the excitement of sermons and religious meetings. The prophet tells us of those who are drunken, and not with wine." Arnold, in the same way, bases upon this passage warnings against excess of bodily exercise, excess of intellectual exercise, excess even in our hours of work, excess, in a word, so far as it militates against Christian sober-mindedness.
III THE INSPIRATION FROM ABOVE CAN HAVE NO ATTENDANT EXCESS.
(Vers. 18, 19.) We may be filled with the Spirit, and no riot result, nothing which will do anything but foster the glorious unity. For, as Arnold shows, the gospel and the inspirations from God "at once excite and soothe," so that the soul is kept in holy equilibrium, and the inspiration has its natural manifestation.
1. There will be harmony in social song. Poetry and music will become tributary to unity of spirit. The Holy Ghost will permeate by his harmonizing presence social praise.
2. The praise offered to the Lord will be heartfelt. It will not be a form of praise, but the very heart going up to heaven.
3. Thanksgiving will be mightily promoted. In the midst of manifold mercies our God in heaven looks for constant thankfulness from us. And, indeed, if we understand his love we shall be prompted to give thanks "always for all things," in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. And inspiration will promote mutual subjection in the fear of Christ (so Revised Version). Thus it comes to pass that an inspired people proves a praising and united people. What harmony the society filled with the Spirit realizes! It is heaven begun below. What we need, therefore, is a Pentecost. If the Holy Spirit is pleased to fill us, then shall our discords vanish and our hearts beat in unison. It is by inspiration that the unity of the Church shall be secured. R.M.E.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the…
Eph_5:17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
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On the excellence and utility of the truths contained in the gospel
The will of God, which determines the whole extent of our obligations, is principally unfolded to us in the doctrines and moral precepts which are delivered in the sacred Scriptures. It is expedient, therefore, to explain to you, from the pulpit, these Divine oracles, by showing you, first, their superior excellence to all other instructions; secondly, the inestimable advantages which they are capable of producing in securing your peace and happiness.
I. As man was created to be eternally happy in the clear and perfect knowledge of the infinite perfections of the Divine Being, there is naturally inherent in the mind of each individual an insatiable thirst after knowledge. But, my beloved friends, if human wisdom be unquestionably a valuable and precious acquisition, certainly the knowledge of those truths to which religion invites our attention must be incomparably more estimable. Yet, inconceivable as it may appear, it is an undeniable truth that many amongst us, while they give themselves to the pursuit of inferior attainments with indefatigable application, will scarcely devote one moment, without reluctance, to the gaining of a proficiency in that sublime and noble science which the fountain of all knowledge pours out so liberally before them. What a lamentable degradation of our mental faculties!
II. The value, moreover, and the excellence of any science, is generally, and very justly, estimated by its utility, by its tendency to promote our interests and advantage. On this account the arts which are calculated to add to the convenience and increase the happiness of society, the arts which tend to cultivate and embellish human life, are held in peculiar esteem, and encouraged by every mark of public approbation. Considering, therefore, the doctrines of Christianity in this point of view, we discover, at the first glance, that they stand eminently superior to every other knowledge which can possibly be acquired. The information which they impart regards whatever is dear and interesting to us in time and eternity. They furnish us with arms for our defence against every enemy that seeks our destruction, and secure us against every danger which surrounds us. (J. Archer.)
Wisdom is necessary to accurate walking
That wisdom and a good understanding of the will of God is necessary to accurate walking or ready obedience.
I. Before I give you the reasons, let me state the point as it lieth in the text.
1. That every man that hath a tender conscience would be accurate and exact in his obedience to God, not contenting himself with a slight tincture of Christianity, but looking into every creek and turning of it, that he may in no point be lacking and defective in his duty. Now this cannot be without much wisdom and knowledge; therefore here, when the apostle presseth them to walk circumspectly, he presently addeth, Not as fools, but as wise.
2. We have no sure rule to walk by but the will of God.
3. This will is revealed to us in His Word. There our duty and our happiness is clearly stated (Psa_119:105).
4. This word we need thoroughly to understand, otherwise how shall we know our duty? (Pro_19:2.)
5. This understanding must not be idle, but reduced to use and practice. A readiness to serve God in Gods way bringeth us soonest to a knowledge of Gods will. The Word was not given us to try the acuteness of our wits in disputing, but the readiness of our obedience in practising.
6. This reducing what we know to practice is our wisdom. Knowledge is never right but when wisdom goeth along with it.
II. The reasons why much wisdom and a good understanding is required of Christians.
1. That they may resemble God, and discover His perfections to the world.
2. That there may be a due impression of His word upon us, which is all wisdom; and if we understand it and improve it, it must needs make us wise also; for the impression is according to the nature of the seal; and so the new creature must needs be the wisest creature on this side heaven.
3. The great danger of ignorance, or the evils that come from the want of spiritual wisdom.
(1) To ourselves. Our worship is but a fond superstition, a blind devotion to an unknown God, a mere guess directed by custom and some devout aims (Joh_4:22). Our zeal is but a wild fury (Rom_10:2).
(2) To others. There is no preventing trouble in the Church or scandals to the world if we have not spiritual wisdom and understanding.
4. The incredible delight and peace it begets in our souls.
(1) The bare knowledge of Gods will is very delightful, and yieldeth much more pleasure to the mind than an epicure can find in his most exquisite sensual enjoyments.
(2) The peace which accompanies it.
5. The properties of this knowledge and wisdom show the necessity of it.
(1) Because it is employed about the highest things, to know Gods nature and will, what He is, and how He is to be enjoyed.
(2) These things are most useful and profitable (Joh_17:3).
1. Is of reproof to divers sorts of persons who live in ignorance, or countenance ignorance upon several pretences.
(1) That it belongeth not to them that dig in the mines of knowledge; they leave that to clerks and men of learning.
(2) Others have a little general and traditional knowledge of the religion commonly professed among us, and talk of it by rote after others, but generally look no further than the outside of it.
(3) Some confine their knowledge to a few obvious truths, and for other things they leave it to preachers more accurately to search after the mind of God, and content themselves to see with other mens eyes.
(4) Some think ignorance is the mother of devotion, and that men leave off to be good when they grow more knowing.
2. Is to press us to get this knowledge and understanding of Gods will. The apostle speaketh to children of light; and none of us know so much but we may know more.
(1) Labour to get a more full knowledge of heavenly mysteries, especially of those which are necessary to salvation (Heb_5:12-13).
(2) Get a more clear knowledge. Fulness relateth to the object, or matters known; clearness to the subject or faculty knowing.
(3) Get a more certain knowledge, or more confirmed knowledge in the truth (Act_2:36; Joh_4:42; Joh_17:8).
(4) Get a more distinct knowledge. Truths are best known in their frame and dependence. A confused knowledge is always unsatisfactory; it is not till we see how one truth agreeth with another, as the curtains of the tabernacle were fastened by loops; till we are able to compare things spiritual with spiritual (1Co_2:13).
(5) Get a more experimental knowledge. Most of Christianity is not only to be believed, but felt (1Jn_5:10).
6. Get a more practical knowledge. Knowledge is for use, not an idle speculation. As a gallant and a physician cometh into a garden, one looketh upon the colour and beauty, the other upon the virtue and use of herbs and flowers: For if, these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ (2Pe_1:8). He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1Jn_2:4). A practical Christian is more ready to serve and please God every day. (T. Manton, D. D.)
Understanding Gods will is true wisdom
That this is true wisdom appears thus.
1. It brings us to that frame of mind with which God is pleased (Isa_66:2; Rom_7:7-11).
2. It points out a certain way of escaping the misery due to us as sinners (1Jn_5:11-13; Heb_6:17-18).
3. It gives that view of God which excites us to love and give ourselves to Him (1Jn_4:9-10; 1Jn_4:19).
4. It removes the fear of death and the grave.
5. It gives the best ground of submission to the trials of life.
6. It lays the strongest restraints upon sin, which is our disgrace and misery.
7. It shows us that all our enemies are under Divine control.
8. It puts into our hands the best Weapons of defence (2Co_10:4-5).
9. It assures us that God will soon set all matters right (2Th_1:6-10). If so, how foolish and ungrateful are the neglecters and despisers of this will of God. Let us pray and study to know this will of God. (H. Foster.)
Value of wisdom
If the mountains were pearl, if every sand of the sea were a diamond, it were not comparable to wisdom. Without wisdom a person is like a ship without a pilot, in danger to split upon rocks. The price of wisdom is above rubies. The ruby is precious stone, transparent, of a red fiery colour. It is reported of one of the kings of India, he wore a ruby of that bigness and splendour that he might be seen by it in the dark; but wisdom casts a more sparkling colour than the ruby; it makes us shine as angels. (J. Watson.)
Eight marks of folly
If you would know such as are wise above sobriety you shall discern them by these marks:--
1. They have all the talk, wheresoever they come, like parrots.
2. They contemn others, like the Pharisees.
3. They spurn at them which tell them of their fault, like Abner.
4. They jump with Caesar, like the Herodians.
5. They turn with the time, like Demas.
6. They seek their own credit by the discredit of others, like the enemies of Paul.
7. They love to hear their own praise, like Herod.
8. Above all things they would have their own will, like Jezebel.
Whensoever these eight marks meet there is a wise man and a fool; a wise man in his own conceit, and a fool in proof: these are the wise men of the north, and the philosophers of England. (Henry Smith.)
Submission to the will of God
There is a memorable passage in the history of St. Francis that may throw light on this subject. The grand rule of the order which he founded was implicit submission to the superior. One day a monk proved refractory. He must be subdued. By order of St. Francis a grave was dug deep enough to hold a man; the monk was put into it, the brothers began to shovel in the earth, while their superior, standing by, looked on, stern as death. When the mould had reached the wretchs knees St. Francis bent down, and, fixing his eyes on him said, Are you dead yet? Is your self-will dead? Do you yield? There was no answer; down in that grave there seemed to stand a man with a will as iron as his own. The signal was given, and the burial went on. When at length he was buried up to the middle, to the neck, to the lips, St. Francis bent down once more to repeat the question, Are you dead yet? The monk lifted his eye to his superior, to see in the cold grey eyes that were fixed on him no spark of human feeling. Dead to pity and all the weaknesses of humanity, St. Francis stood ready to give the signal that should finish the burial. It was not needed; the iron bent; he was vanquished; the funeral was stopped; his will yielding to a stronger, the poor brother said, I am dead. I would not be dead as these monks to any man. The mind and reason which I have got from God Almighty are to bend implicitly and blindly before no human authority. But the submission I refuse to man, Jesus, I give to Thee--not wrung from me by terror, but won by love; the result, not of fear, but of gratitude. (T. Guthrie, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv17–21 17. Be ye not unwise. That is, so foolish…
17. Be ye not unwise. That is, so foolish as to not understand the will of the Lord.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v19 Eph_5:19. Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.—When the spirit…
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Eph_5:19. Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.—When the spirit is elevated so that ordinary prose conversation is inadequate to express the feelings let it find vent in sacred music. St. James’s advice to the “merry” heart is, “Sing psalms.” The “psalm” is properly a song with accompaniment of a stringed instrument; “a ‘hymn” must always be more or less of a Magnificat, a direct address of praise and glory to God.” “Spiritual songs” were “such as were composed by spiritual men and moved in the sphere of spiritual things” (Trench). No spiritual excitement, however highly wrought, can be injurious that flows between the banks of thanksgiving and mutual submission in the fear of God.
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Eph_5:20. Giving thanks always for all things.—If one who speaks as a philosopher merely can praise the “sweet uses of adversity” and discern the “soul of goodness in things evil,” how much more should one believing Rom_8:28!
Eph_5:21. Submitting yourselves one to another.—In another Church the endeavour to take precedence of each other had produced what a stranger might have taken for a madhouse (1Co_14:23). St. Paul’s word for “submitting” means “ranging yourselves beneath,” and finds its illustration in our Lord’s words, “Go and sit down in the lowest place” (Luk_14:10).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Eph_5:19-21
Spiritual Enjoyment.—
I. Expressed in heartfelt praise to God.—“Speaking … in spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph_5:19). Men filled with wine seek their enjoyment in singing bacchanalian odes and songs; but the men of the Spirit find a higher and more satisfying joy in chanting psalms and hymns of praise to God. The holiest excitement seeks expression in music and song. In the praise meetings of the Ephesians we have the beginnings of Christian psalmody. The psalms of the Old Testament were sung, accompanied by musical instruments. “Singing and making melody” means singing and playing, voice and instrument blending in joyous strains of praise. Then would follow hymns expressing the great ideas of the gospel. Regarding the early Christians, Pliny wrote: “They are wont on a fixed day to meet before daylight—to avoid persecution—and to recite a hymn among themselves by turns to Christ, as being God.” There might not be much artistic taste in the music, either of voice or instrument; but the sincerity of the heart was the true harmony. The contrast of the verse is between the heathen and the Christian practice. Let your songs be not the drinking songs of heathen feasts, but psalms and hymns; and their accompaniment, not the music of the lyre, but the melody of the heart. Is any merry, let him sing, not light and frivolous songs, breathing questionable morality, but psalms. The glad heart is eager first to acknowledge God.
II. Largely consists in thanksgiving.—“Giving thanks always for all things unto God” (Eph_5:20). God is the active Source of all blessings in creation, providence, and grace, and should be constantly acknowledged in grateful adoration. The thankful heart is the happiest; and it is the happy who sing. Thanksgiving is the predominating element in praise; and praise is the essence of true worship. Prayer is not the essence of worship, though it is an important help. Prayer becomes worship when it merges into praise. The reading and exposition of God’s word are not worship. Preaching accomplishes one of its loftiest functions when it incites to praise. Music is not worship; but it may become a valuable accessory. Christianity has taken hold of music and consecrated and elevated it to the highest uses of worship. It has produced the greatest musicians and the grandest music. All true music is the outward and melodious expression of our dearest and most sacred thoughts and feelings. The musical artist touches what is deepest and best in us. Nature has no false notes. When we praise God aright, worship becomes an act of the highest intelligence, calling forth and exercising our noblest powers. We are to sing with the Spirit, and we are to sing with the understanding also. Worship is acceptable to God as it is the joyous expression of the soul, brimming over with thankfulness and reverence. We are then brought under the spiritually transforming power of the Being we worship; the worshipper becomes like the object worshipped.
III. Soberly recognises the relation in which we stand to each other and to Christ.—“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph_5:21). In the fear of Christ—so read all the old MSS. and authorities. The believer passes from under the bondage of the law to be the servant of Christ, which through the instinct of love to Him is really to be the Lord’s freeman, for he is under the law to Christ. Thus reverential fear of displeasing Him is the motive for discharging our relative duties as Christians. The Church should be a pattern and an example of harmony and peace, and this can only be by the members submitting themselves one to another “in the fear of Christ.” The man with the most distinguished gifts must not be above submitting himself to the judgment and will of his fellow-members. Preacher, organist, choir, and congregation must vie with each other in harmonious rivalry in the service and worship of God.
Lessons.—
1. Spiritual enjoyment is not dependent on fictitious excitement.
2. Expresses itself in holiest Song of Solomon 3. Is unselfish.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Eph_5:19. Singing in the Worship of God.
I. The singing of psalms is here enjoined as a sacred branch of social worship.—We are to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits. To Him we are to consecrate the use of all our powers. And there is the same reason why the musical as any other faculty should be employed in His service. Praise is the most excellent part of divine worship.
II. The matter or subject of our singing—In psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. By psalms is intended that collection of sacred poems which passes under this name and is one of the canonical books of Scripture. By hymns may be designed other poetical compositions of Scripture as the songs of Moses, Hannah, Zechariah, Simeon, and others. By spiritual songs may be meant those pious and devout songs which in that age were composed by prophets and holy men in the Church under the immediate influence of the Spirit. The matter we sing should be accommodated to the occasion of the worship. If in the days of David it was thought necessary that on extraordinary occasions a new song should be sung, surely now we may sing some new songs on the glorious occasion of the gospel.
III. We are to sing, making melody.—The use of music in social worship is to assist and enliven the devotion of the heart. When music is performed with melody of sound, exactness of time, and harmony of voices, it greatly contributes to this end. Singing cannot be performed to edification and comfort without skill. The singers in the Jewish Temple were carefully instructed, and this branch of worship conducted with great order and solemnity.
IV. In singing we must make melody in our hearts to the Lord.—Singing as a part of religious worship must be directed to God. We sing in obedience to His command, with a sense of His presence, with hearts disposed for His service, with affections corresponding to the matter of the psalm. The man who can hear holy anthems sung to the universal Parent, with voices sweetly mingling and harmonising together, and not feel himself softened into benevolence and love and moulded into condescension and peace, must have a soul rugged as the rocks and stubborn as an oak.
Lessons.—
1. If singing is an instituted part of divine worship, all should take a share in it.
2. Every one according to his ability is bound to promote the psalmody of the Church. 3. Psalmody as a branch of divine worship should be regarded, not as a theatrical exhibition, but as a religious solemnity.—Lathrop.
Eph_5:20. The Duty of Thanksgiving.
I. The duty to which we are exhorted.—
1. Implies a right apprehension and considerate attention to benefits conferred.
2. Requires a faithful retention of benefits in memory and frequent reflections on them.
3. A due esteem and valuation of benefits.
4. That benefits be received with a willing mind, a hearty sense, a vehement affection.
5. Always attended with the esteem, veneration, and love of the benefactor.
II. The time allotted to the performance of the duty.—“Always.”
1. Hereby is required a frequent performance thereof.
2. Appointing and punctually observing convenient times for the purpose.
3. A vigilant attendance on the duty such as men bestow on their employments.
4. Implies a ready disposition to give thanks ever permanent in us.
5. That we embrace every opportunity of actually expressing our thankfulness.
III. The matter of this duty.—“For all things.”
1. We are to give thanks not only for great but the least favours of God.
2. Not only for new and present benefits, but for all we have formerly or may hereafter receive.
3. Not only for pleasant occurrences of providence, but also those which are adverse.
4. Not only for temporal but for spiritual and eternal blessings.—Barrow.
Thanksgiving.
I. The duty here enjoined is to give thanks.
II. Consider the character of that Being to whom our thanks must be supremely directed.—“To God, even the Father.”
III. We are required to give thanks always to God.
IV. The matters for which we are to give thanks.—“For all things.”
V. Consider the medium of our access to God in this duty.—“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Lathrop.
Eph_5:21. Mutual Submission.
I. A degree of submission is due to superiors.—Superiors in age, in knowledge and wisdom, in authority. Honour a virtuous character wherever you see it.
II. Mutual submission as it respects equals.—All men have the same immutable right to an equitable treatment from all with whom they have intercourse. Mutual subjection ought to be seen in families.
III. There is a submission due to those who on some accounts may be deemed inferiors.—Superiors owe respect to those below them. They should be easy of access, gentle in language, and condescending in deportment.
IV. This mutual submission ought to appear in Christian Churches.—Ibid.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv17, 18, 21 17. “Therefore be ye not foolish, but understand what…
ARGUMENT 22
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT”
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17. “Therefore be ye not foolish, but understand what is the will of the Lord.”
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v18 Connecting Statement:
Connecting Statement:
Paul ends his instructions on how all believers should live.
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And do not get drunk with wine
"You should not get drunk from drinking wine"
Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit
"Instead, you should be controlled with the Holy Spirit"
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
Possible meanings are that 1) Paul is using these words as a merism for "all sorts of songs to praise God" or 2) Paul is listing specific forms of music. (See: Merism)
psalms
These are probably songs from the Old Testament book of Psalms that Christians sang.
hymns
These are songs of praise and worship that may have been written specifically for Christians to sing.
spiritual songs
Possible meanings are 1) these are songs that Holy Spirit inspires a person to sing right at that moment or 2) "spiritual songs" and "hymns" are doublets and mean basically the same thing. (See: Doublet)
with all your heart
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or inner being. The phrase "with all your heart" means to do something with enthusiasm. AT: "with all of your being" or "enthusiastically" (See: Metonymy)
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
"because you belong to our Lord Jesus Christ" or "as people who belong to our Lord Jesus Christ"
translationWords
wine
Holy Spirit
psalm
spirit
praise
heart
lord
Jesus
God the Father
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv18, 19, 21 5:18 The Holy Spirit, not wine, should dominate believers’…
5:18 The Holy Spirit, not wine, should dominate believers’ lives (see Prov 23:29-35; cp. Acts 2:15-18). • be filled: The grammar here suggests that believers’ lives are to be continuously filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.