But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
Parallel translations
- WEB But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.
- KJV But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
- BSB But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.
- 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 everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.
- 1 Cor 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
- Hos 2:10Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and no one will deliver her out of my hand.
- Hos 7:1When I would heal Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered, also the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief enters in, and the gang of robbers ravages outside.
- Mic 7:9I will bear the indignation of Yahweh, because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my case, and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light. I will see his righteousness.
- Lam 2:14Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions; They have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captivity, but have seen for you false revelations and causes of banishment.
- Heb 1:13But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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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.