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Ephesians 5 Bible study: Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5 doesn't say only that its readers were once in the dark: "For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord." (5:8). Three times it tells them how to walk: in love (5:2), as children of light (5:8), and "not as unwise, but as wise" (5:15).

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“Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 · World English Bible

Try it · Did you catch it?

“Ephesians 5:8 says, "For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord."”

Is that in Ephesians 5, or not? Make your call.

What's really going on

Be imitators of God

In the text

The chapter opens with therefore: "Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." (5:1) (tap imitators, beloved). The verse just before it says, "And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." (4:32). Then: "Walk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance." (5:2) (tap walk). A line on Favor's map lands at 5:2 (see the go-deeper A line that lands at 5:2). The letter goes on: "But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate, but rather giving of thanks. Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. Therefore don’t be partakers with them." (5:3-7). These notes say no more of 5:3-7 than their own words, explain no word of the list, and apply the verses to no person, group or people today.

Where the Old Testament leads here

Two become one flesh

In the text

Genesis 2:24leads toEphesians 5:31-32

Jesus quotes this verse to show what marriage was made to be. Paul quotes it too, and adds, "This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and the assembly." Marriage points past itself to Christ and his people.

Honest questions

Questions people ask about Ephesians 5

That was a taste

The rest of Ephesians 5 is waiting in Favor

  • Light in the Lord
  • Not as unwise, but as wise
  • Wives and husbands
  • A line that lands at 5:2
  • Asked elsewhere in Favor
  • Set beside this chapter elsewhere in Favor
  • 11 questions as you read
  • 7 more Greek words
  • A short check at the end
  • Your notes, saved as you go
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The Greek word behind it

περιπατέωperipateosay per-ee-pat-EH-o

Strong's: "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)". "Walk in love" (5:2), "Walk as children of light" (5:8), and "Therefore watch carefully how you walk" (5:15): behind walk each time in this chapter is this verb. Ephesians has it eight times (in all eight editions TAGNT compares), three of them in this chapter. The WEB has it again in "for we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7).

For your group

Ephesians 5 Bible study questions

  1. 1"Walk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us" (5:2). The verse sets walking in love beside the way Christ loved. What does that comparison bring out for you?
  2. 2"For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord." (5:8). The verse says its readers *are* light, not only that they are in it. What stands out to you in that?
  3. 3"giving thanks always concerning all things" (5:20). What is one thing you could give thanks for this week that you might easily pass over?

Leading a group? In Favor, everyone reads Ephesians 5 during the week and answers these questions privately. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together, and you can print the week's sheet.

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Questions

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Favor is a Bible study app that explains every chapter as you read: the Hebrew and Greek behind the words, the details most readers miss, and how each part of the Bible leads to Jesus. Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church.

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Hebrew and Greek words are checked against the original-language texts and public-domain lexicons. What we believe · Favor home