Ephesians 5:8
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
American King James Version (AKJV)
For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
American Standard Version (ASV)
For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For you at one time were dark, but now are light in the Lord: let your behaviour be that of children of light
Webster's Revision
For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light;
World English Bible
For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
English Revised Version (ERV)
For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
Clarke's Ephesians 5:8 Bible Commentary
For ye were sometimes (ποτε, formerly) darkness - While ye lived in darkness, ye lived in these crimes.
But now are ye light in the Lord - When ye were in heathenish darkness ye served divers lusts and pleasures, but now ye have the light - the wisdom and teaching which come from God; therefore walk as children of the light - let the world see that ye are not slaves to the flesh, but free, willing, rational servants of the Most High; not brutish followers of devil gods.
Barnes's Ephesians 5:8 Bible Commentary
For ye were sometimes darkness - see the Ephesians 2:11-12 notes; 1 Corinthians 6:11 note. The meaning here is, that they were themselves formerly sunk in the same ignorance, and practiced the same abominations.
But now are ye light in the Lord - Light is the emblem of happiness, knowledge, holiness. The meaning is, that they had been enlightened by the Lord to see the evil of these practices, and that they ought, therefore, to forsake them.
Walk as children of light - see the notes on Matthew 1:1, on the use of the word "son," or "children." The meaning here is, that they should live as became those who had been enlightened to see the evil of sin, and the beauty of virtue and religion; compare John 12:36, where the same phrase occurs.
Wesley's Ephesians 5:8 Bible Commentary
5:8 Ye were once darkness - Total blindness and ignorance.Walk as children of light - Suitably to your present knowledge.