Ephesians 5:17

King James Version with Strong's Numbers

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding 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 conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that 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 for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
• 1 Thess 4:1-3 : 1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
• 1 Thess 5:18 : 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
• Jer 4:22 : 22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
• John 7:17 : 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
• 1 Pet 4:2 : 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his 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 the LORD 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; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
• Eph 5:15 : 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
• Prov 2:5 : 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, 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 nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
• 1 Kgs 3:9-9 : 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a 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 judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was 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 talk of thy wondrous works.