Ephesians 5:11

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

a. YLT: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of the darkness and rather even convict,

b. Darby Translation: And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather also reprove them,

c. ASV: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

d. RSV: Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

1. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness…”

a. And [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. [have] no [Strong: 3361 me may a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

c. fellowship with [Strong: 4790 sugkoinoneo soong-koy-no-neh'-o from 4862 and 2841; to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in:--communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of.]

d. the [Strong: 3588 * ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, the definite etc.]

e. unfruitful [Strong: 175 akarpos ak'-ar-pos from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2590; barren (literally or figuratively):--without fruit, unfruitful.]

f. works [Strong: 2041 ergon er'-gon from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:--deed, doing, labour, work.]

g. [of] darkness [Strong: 4655 skotos skot'-os from the base of 4639; shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively):--darkness.]

1). We are to separate ourselves from works of darkness.

a). 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2.   “…but rather reprove them.”

a. but [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. rather [Strong: 3123 mâllon, mal'-lon; neuter of the comparative of the same as G3122; (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather:—+ better, × far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather.]

c. [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

d. reprove [them] [Strong: 1651 elénchō, el-eng'-kho; of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish:—convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.] [Thayer: to convict, refute, confute, generally with a suggestion of the shame of the person convicted; by conviction to bring to light, to expose; used of the exposure and confutation of false teachers of Christianity; utter these things by way of refutation; to find fault with, correct; to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove; to call to account, show one his fault.]

1). Use of the same Greek word in other verses gives us a clearer picture of its meaning.

a). 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

b). Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both t exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

c). Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.