Ephesians 5:18

Authorized King James Version

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μεθύσκεσθε

G3182

to intoxicate

οἴνῳ

G3631

with wine

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

ἐν

G1722

wherein

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀσωτία

G810

excess

properly, unsavedness, i.e., (by implication) profligacy

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#10

πληροῦσθε

G4137

be filled

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#11

ἐν

G1722

wherein

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

πνεύματι

G4151

the Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Acts 2:4 Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
— Filled with the Holy Ghost
² Colossians 3:16 Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
— Let word of Christ dwell in you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation