Ephesians 5:14

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὸ

G1352

Wherefore

through which thing, i.e., consequently

λέγει

G3004

he saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔγειραι,

G1453

Awake thou

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθεύδων

G2518

that sleepest

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνάστα

G450

arise

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

ἐπιφαύσει

G2017

light

to illuminate (figuratively)

#13

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation