But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Parallel translations
- WEB But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.
- BSB But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.
- NKJV But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
- NASB But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
- NLT But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
When exposed to the light, hidden things are revealed for what they are. Light has the power to unmask and transform darkness.
Overview
Paul explains how reproof works: the light exposes hidden deeds, making their true nature visible. 'Everything that reveals is light,' so the believer's holy life and witness function as light that uncovers sin. This exposure can be the first step toward repentance and change, as the next verse suggests.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- John 3:20–21For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
- 1 Cor 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
- Hos 2:10And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.
- Hos 7:1When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without.
- Mic 7:9I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
- Lam 2:14Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.
- Heb 1:13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
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Christ at the center
Every spiritual blessing is 'in Christ,' the head over all things for the church, in whom Jew and Gentile are made one new man by his blood.
How Ephesians 5:13 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.