Ephesians 5:17

American Standard Version with Strong's Numbers

Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

📖 Grammatical Analysis

Original Text

Διὰ τοῦτο μὴ γίνεσθε ἄφρονες, ἀλλὰ συνιέντες τί τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Κυρίου.

Transliteration

Because of this mē ginesthe aphrones, but synientes what [is] the thelēma of the Kyriou

Grammar Details

• *mē*: negative particle - not
• *ginesthe*: present imperative, middle/passive, 2nd plural - become/be [continuous command]
• *aphrones*: nominative, masculine, plural - foolish/senseless
• *alla*: conjunction - but
• *synientes*: present participle, active, nominative, masculine, plural - understanding
• *thelēma*: nominative, neuter, singular - will/desire
• *Kyriou*: genitive, masculine, singular - of the Lord

Word Meanings

• *ginesthe*: become/be/prove
• *aphrones*: foolish/senseless/unwise
• *synientes*: understanding/comprehending/perceiving
• *thelēma*: will/desire/purpose
• *Kyriou*: Lord/Master

Referenced Verses

• Rom 12:2 : 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• Col 1:9 : 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and None understanding,
• 1 Thess 4:1-3 : 1 Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk, — that ye abound more and more. 2 For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
• 1 Thess 5:18 : 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
• Jer 4:22 : 22 For my people are foolish, they know me not; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
• John 7:17 : 17 If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or [whether] I speak from myself.
• 1 Pet 4:2 : 2 that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
• Col 4:5 : 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
• Ps 111:10 : 10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: His praise endureth for ever.
• Job 28:28 : 28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
• Prov 14:8 : 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
• Prov 23:23 : 23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; [Yea], wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
• Eph 5:15 : 15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
• Prov 2:5 : 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, And find the knowledge of God.
• Deut 4:6 : 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
• 1 Kgs 3:9-9 : 9 Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice; 12 behold, I have done according to thy word: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there hath been none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
• Ps 119:27 : 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works.