Ephesians 5:13
New International Version
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

New Living Translation
But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

English Standard Version
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,

Berean Standard Bible
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.

Berean Literal Bible
But everything being exposed by the light is made visible, for everything becoming visible is light.

King James Bible
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

New King James Version
But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

New American Standard Bible
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

NASB 1995
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

NASB 1977
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Legacy Standard Bible
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Amplified Bible
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible.

Christian Standard Bible
Everything exposed by the light is made visible,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Everything exposed by the light is made clear,

American Standard Version
But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

Contemporary English Version
But the light will show what these things are really like.

English Revised Version
But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Light exposes the true character of everything

Good News Translation
And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed;

International Standard Version
But everything that is exposed to the light becomes visible,

Majority Standard Bible
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.

NET Bible
But all things being exposed by the light are made evident.

New Heart English Bible
But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.

Webster's Bible Translation
But all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light: for whatever doth make manifest is light.

Weymouth New Testament
But everything can be tested by the light and thus be shown in its true colors; for whatever shines of itself is light.

World English Bible
But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and all the things reproved by the light are revealed, for everything that is revealed is light;

Berean Literal Bible
But everything being exposed by the light is made visible, for everything becoming visible is light.

Young's Literal Translation
and all the things reproved by the light are manifested, for everything that is manifested is light;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all things refuted, by light are made manifest: for everything made manifest is light.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light; for all that is made manifest is light.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But all things that are disputed are made manifest by the light. For all that is made manifest is light.

New American Bible
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

New Revised Standard Version
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For all things that are condemned are exposed by the light: and anything that is made manifest is light.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For all things are corrected by The Light and they are revealed, and everything that reveals is light.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But all these works, when reproved, are made manifest by the light: for every thing that makes manifest is light.

Godbey New Testament
but all things being convicted by the light are made manifest; for everything made manifest is light.

Haweis New Testament
But all things which are rebukeable are made manifest by the light; for it is the light, by which every thing is made manifest.

Mace New Testament
but whatever is unjustifiable will be brought to light: and that will show them to be unjustifiable.

Weymouth New Testament
But everything can be tested by the light and thus be shown in its true colors; for whatever shines of itself is light.

Worrell New Testament
But all things, when reproved, are made manifest by the light; for all that makes manifest is light.

Worsley New Testament
But all things to be reproved: are made manifest by the light: for whatever doth make manifest, is light.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Children of Light
12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”…

Cross References
John 3:20-21
Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Thessalonians 5:5
For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Colossians 1:12-13
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Proverbs 4:18
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Micah 7:8-9
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. / Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.

Daniel 2:22
He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.


Treasury of Scripture

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatever does make manifest is light.

reproved.

Lamentations 2:14
Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Hosea 2:10
And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.

Hosea 7:1
When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without.

for.

Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

John 3:20,21
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Jump to Previous
Character Clear Colors Exposed Itself Light Makes Manifest Manifested Quality Reproved Revealed Reveals Shines Shown Tested True. Visible Whatever Whatsoever
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Character Clear Colors Exposed Itself Light Makes Manifest Manifested Quality Reproved Revealed Reveals Shines Shown Tested True. Visible Whatever Whatsoever
Ephesians 5
1. After general exhortations to love;
3. to flee sexual immorality;
4. and all uncleanness;
7. not to converse with the wicked;
15. to walk carefully;
18. and to be filled with the Spirit;
22. he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands;
25. and husbands ought to love their wives,
32. even as Christ does his church.














But everything exposed by the light
The phrase "everything exposed by the light" suggests a transformative process initiated by divine truth. In the Greek, the word for "exposed" is "ἐλεγχόμενα" (elegchomena), which implies a revealing or conviction. This aligns with the biblical theme that God's truth, represented by light, has the power to uncover hidden sins and bring them to the surface. Historically, light has been a symbol of purity and holiness, contrasting with darkness, which represents sin and ignorance. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is urging believers to live as children of light, allowing God's truth to expose and correct their ways.

becomes visible
The Greek word for "visible" is "φανεροῦται" (phaneroutai), meaning to make manifest or clear. This suggests that once something is exposed by the light, it cannot remain hidden. In a spiritual sense, this visibility is not just about being seen but being understood and acknowledged. The historical context of Ephesians, a letter to a church in a city known for its idolatry and moral darkness, underscores the importance of living transparently before God and others. The visibility brought by the light is a call to accountability and transformation.

for everything that is illuminated
The term "illuminated" comes from the Greek "φωτιζόμενον" (photizomenon), which means to enlighten or give light to. This reflects the active role of God's truth in enlightening the hearts and minds of believers. In the scriptural context, illumination is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth. The historical backdrop of Ephesus, with its mix of pagan beliefs and practices, highlights the need for divine illumination to discern truth from falsehood.

becomes a light itself
The phrase "becomes a light itself" indicates a transformation that occurs when something is illuminated by God's truth. The Greek word "φῶς" (phos) for "light" signifies not only the absence of darkness but also the presence of life and truth. In a conservative Christian perspective, this transformation is a testament to the power of the Gospel to change lives. As believers are illuminated by God's truth, they, in turn, become sources of light in a dark world, reflecting Christ's character and spreading His message. This aligns with the biblical mandate for Christians to be the light of the world, shining brightly in their conduct and witness.

(13) But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.--This should properly be rendered, But all things, when reproved, are illuminated by the light. The translation "are made manifest" is indeed fully in accordance with the common usage of the word. But the whole context shows that St. Paul is here using it in what is indeed its more proper etymological sense, for "are illumined." For the mere "being made manifest" is implied in the "being reproved;" whereas he is certainly passing on here to a fresh idea, and, moreover, to one which will bear the inference of the last clause of the verse. To "reprove" after the Christian manner is to bring into the full light of Christ's truth; and the effect of this is not merely to reprove, but to illumine by the inherent power of the light. Exactly with the same distinction of sense St. John uses both words (John 3:20-21).

For whatsoever doth make manifest is light.--That this translation (suggested, perhaps, by the difficulty of the passage when rightly rendered) is nevertheless certainly wrong, is shown both by the usage of the original word and by the genius of the whole context. It should be, for everything which is illuminated is light. St. Paul here explains still more clearly what he means by illumination. It implies the catching the light and reflecting it, so as to become a new source of light. It must be noted that the subject of the sentence is not "the works of darkness," but "all things" in general. Hence the whole process is described, with almost scientific accuracy, as three-fold. First, the things, or persons, are dragged out of darkness into light; then they are illuminated; lastly, they become light in themselves and to others. There are, no doubt, exceptions to this, the right and normal process, in the case of the utterly reprobate, who have lost all power of reflecting light, and are therefore dark still in the blaze of noon; but the next verse shows that St. Paul is not contemplating these; and even these may be beacons of warning to others. The whole metaphor is more and more striking to us as modern science enlarges our knowledge of the manifold effects of light, not only to illuminate, but to change and to vivify.

Verse 13. - But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light. As, for instance, when our Lord reproved the hypocrisy of the Pharisees - their practices had not seemed to the disciples very evil before, but when Christ threw on them the pure light of truth, they were made manifest in their true character - they appeared and they still appear, odious. A just reproof places evil in a light that shows its true character. For everything which is made manifest is light. Literally, this is a truism; anything shone on is no longer dark, but light. The nearest approach to this, morally, is that light has a transforming power; when the light of the gospel shines on anything dark or evil, it transforms it into what is light or good. This is not uniformly true; all the light of heaven turned on hell would not make it morally light; but it is the general property and tendency of moral light to transform. The exhortation would thus mean - Use your light to reprove what is evil or dark, for not only will the true character of the evil thereby be made apparent, but your light will have a transforming power. But if this were the meaning, we should expect in the end of the verse, not φῶς ἐστι, but φῶς γινεταί, to denote this transformation. The rendering of A.V., giving to φανερούμενον an active meaning ("whatsoever doth make manifest is light"), is rejected by most grammarians, as not being consistent with the usage of the word. The meaning which that rendering gives is this: "Light is the element which makes all clear." We should thus have in the latter clause a proposition, affirming as universal what in the former clause is affirmed of one particular case; "things reproved are made manifest by the light, for it is only light that makes things clear." The exhortation to reprove would thus be confirmed by the consideration that the only way of making immoral things appear in their proper character is to let in on them the light of the gospel. The great practical point is that Christians ought to let in and diffuse the light.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

everything
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

exposed
ἐλεγχόμενα (elenchomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

light
φωτὸς (phōtos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

becomes visible,
φανεροῦται (phaneroutai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

everything
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

that
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is illuminated
φανερούμενον (phaneroumenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

becomes
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a light [itself].
φῶς (phōs)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 5:13 But all things when they are reproved (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 5:12
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