Ephesians

Note: This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public. Some things (like capitalisation of ‘him’ referring to Jesus or ‘father’ referring to God) in the RV haven’t been decided yet so we’re still testing both ways.

Note: The Readers’ Version on the left is a translation into contemporary English aimed at the person on the street who hasn’t necessarily been brought up with exposure to Biblical jargon and/or 500-year old English. It’s designed to be used alongside the Literal Version on the right which gives the English reader a window into what’s actually written in the original languages. (See the introduction for more details—we recommend that you read the introduction first if you’re wanting to fully understand the Literal Version.) By comparing the left and right columns, you should be able to easily get the message of the text, while at the same time keeping an eye on what it was actually translated from.

Note that greyed words in the RV are words that the translators consider were most probably in the mind of the writer, but as none of us can double-check with the original speakers or writers, the reader is free to disagree. They are clearly marked because we’ve tried to be as honest and transparent as possible.

The lighter coloured words in the LV are words which aren’t needed in the grammar of the original languages but are required or implied in English. You can read the Key to learn more about them. The underlines joining words in the LV show when one original language word needs to be translated into two or more English words. (Just hide them with the button if you don’t need that information and find it distracting.) Also, the majority of sentences in the LV don’t have the words put into a sensible English order yet. (This should be completed by the end of 2023.)

The bold words in the OET New Testament are words that the original writers or copyists marked to indicate that they considered them to refer to God. (Sadly, this information is not displayed in most Bible translations, especially since it seems to confirm that the earliest writers/copyists considered both Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be God.)

This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.

It is our prayer that the Open English Translation of the Bible will give you a clear understanding of the accounts and messages written by the God-inspired Biblical writers.

Readers’ Version

Literal Version

Greetings from Paul

Salutation

1 This letter is from Paul, a missionary of Yeshua the messiah by the will of God.[ref]

To the godly people there in Ephesus who are faithful to Yeshua the messiah.

2 May our father God and our master Yeshua the messiah give grace and peace to you all.

1  Paulos, an_ambassador of_chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) by will of_god, to_the holy ones which being in Efesos and faithful in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous: 2 grace to_you_all and peace from god the_father of_us and the_master Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah.

1:3 Spiritual blessings

The glory of Christ in the church

Spiritual Blessings

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 We praise God, the father of our master Yeshua the messiah.[fn] He is the one who’s blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places—blessings that come from the messiah. 4 He chose us to follow him even before the creation of the world, so that we could become pure and blameless in front of him. Because of his love 5 he decided in advance to adopt us as his children through Yeshua the messiah. His decision gave him great pleasure 6 and now he’s praised for the greatness of his grace which favoured us, as the one he loved 7 [ref]redeemed us by means of his blood and forgave our sins. It was from the riches of his grace 8 that was poured onto us that we gain wisdom and understanding 9 as he revealed the mystery of his will to us according to his great pleasure as he himself planned. 10 He planned for the orchestration of the times, and at the right time he will gather everything, whether in heaven or here on earth, for the messiah 11 and we also have been assigned an inheritance in him. This was also predetermined according to God’s plan and the decisions of his will 12 so that we, the ones who first put our trust in the messiah, would praise his greatness. 13 And you all also, after hearing the message of truth, the good message about being saved, were confirmed by receiving the spirit of pure promise after you believed. 14 This spirit is the deposit on our inheritance until we procure the freedom which has been bought for us, leading us to praise God’s greatness.

3 Blessed be the god and father of_the master of_us, Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah, the one having_blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in chosen_one /messiah, 4 as he_chose us in him before the_foundation of_the_world, us to_be holy and blameless in_front_of him in love, 5 having_predetermined us for adoption_as_sons through Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah to himself, according_to the good_pleasure of_the will of_him, 6 to the_praise of_the_glory of_the grace of_him, of_which favoured us in the one having_been_loved, 7 in whom we_are_having the redemption through the blood of_him, the forgiveness of_ the _transgressions, according_to the riches of_the grace of_him, 8 of_which he_been_plentiful on us in all wisdom and understanding, 9 having_made_known to_us the mystery of_the will of_him, according_to the good_pleasure of_him, which he_purposed in him, 10 for the_management of_the fullness of_ the _times, to_sum_up the_ all _things in the chosen_one /messiah, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him, 11 in whom also we_were_allotted_inheritance, having_been_predetermined according_to the_purpose of_the one working all the things, according_to the counsel of_the will of_him, 12 in_order that us to_be, to the_praise of_the_glory of_him, the ones having_previously_hoped in the chosen_one /messiah, 13 in whom also you_all having_heard the message of_ the _truth, the good_message of_the salvation of_you_all, in whom also having_believed, you_all_were_sealed with_the the holy spirit of_ the _promise, 14 who is the_deposit of_the inheritance of_us, to the_redemption of_the procuring, to the_praise of_the glory of_him.

1:15 Paul’s prayer for them

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul’s Prayer

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

15 Because of that, when I heard about your faith in the master Yeshua and your acceptance of all the pure believers, 16 I don’t stop giving thanks for all of you, mentioning you in my prayers, 17 asking the God of our master Yeshua the messiah to give you spiritual wisdom and to reveal the knowledge about him. 18 I ask that your inner thoughts will be enlightened so that you all will know the expectation of what he’s calling you to—the riches of the greatness of his inheritance for the believers 19 and the exceeding greatness of his power to help us who believe, according to the working of the power of his strength. 20 [ref]He worked this power in the messiah when he brought him back to life and seated him in the place of honour in heavenly places—21 giving him authority over every law and government and powerful groups and organisations, and over every earthly title, not only in the present age but also in the age to come. 22 [ref]Everything in existence will be under his authority and God set him in charge of all matters concerning the assembly, 23 which is his body—the completeness of the messiah who completes everything.

15 Because_of this, also_I having_heard the faith among you_all in the master Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), and which toward all the holy ones, 16 I_am_ not _ceasing giving_thanks for you_all, making mentioning in the prayers of_me, 17 in_order_that the god of_the master of_us, Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah, the father of_ the _glory, might_give to_you_all the_spirit of_wisdom and revelation, in the_knowledge of_him, 18 the eyes of_the heart of_you_all having_been_enlightened in_order that to_have_known you_all, what is the hope of_the calling of_him, what are the riches of_the glory of_the inheritance of_him, in the holy ones, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of_the power of_him toward us, the ones believing according_to the working of_the power of_the strength of_him, 20 which he_has_worked in the chosen_one /messiah, having_raised him from the_dead, and having_sat_down him at the_right hand of_him, in the heavenly realms, 21 above every rule, and authority, and power, and mastership, and every name being_named, not only in the this age, but also in the one coming, 22 and all things subjected under the feet of_him, and gave_ of_him _to_be head concerning all things to_the assembly, 23 which is the body of_him, the fullness of_the one filling the_ all _things in all things.

2:1 God’s mercy, grace, and plans for us

God’s grace to Gentiles

Made Alive with Christ

Made Alive in Christ

From Death to Life

2 [ref]You all were dead due to your disobedience and the path of sinning 2 that you once walked along when you followed the trends of this world which in turn come from the ruler of the invisible powers—he’s the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. 3 In the past, we also lived like them inside our fleshly lusts and then living out those desires and fantasies, and so we were children deserving strong anger just like everyone else.

4 But God was generous with his mercy because of the great love that he loved us with, 5 so although we were dead as a result of our disobedience, he make us alive along with the messiah. Yes, we have been saved by God’s grace. 6 And God lifted us up and sat us together with Yeshua the messiah in the heavenly domains 7 so that for the ages to come, he could display the overflowing riches of his grace through his kindness to us via Yeshua the messiah. 8 It’s God’s grace that allows you all to be saved through faith. This grace doesn’t come from you, but rather it’s a gift from God—9 it doesn’t originate from your actions so no one can brag about it. 10 We are God’s workmanship and he’s created us to do good things by following Yeshua the messiah. God has already planned these things for us to do.

↑ 2  And you_all being dead in_the transgressions and the sins of_you_all, 2 in which once you_all_walked, according_to the age of_ the this _world, according_to the ruler of_the authority of_the air, the spirit which now working_in in the sons of_ the _disbelief, 3 among whom also we all were_conducted once in the desires of_the flesh of_us, doing the desires of_the flesh and of_its minds, and we_were children by_nature of_severe_anger, as even the rest.

4 But the god being rich in mercy, because_of the great love of_him, which he_loved us, 5 even us being dead in_our transgressions, he_made_ us _alive_together with_the chosen_one /messiah (by_grace you_all_are having_been_saved), 6 and he_raised_up_with us and he_sat_together us in the heavenly realms in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), 7 in_order_that he_may_display in the ages, which coming_over the surpassing riches of_the grace of_him, in kindness to us in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous.

8 For/Because the by_grace you_all_are having_been_saved through faith, also this not of of_you_all, of_god the gift it_is, 9 not from works, in_order_that not anyone may_boast.

10 For/Because we_are the_workmanship of_him, having_been_created in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous for good works, which the god previously_prepared, in_order_that we_may_walk in them.

2:11 Jews and non-Jews can be united

One in Christ

Oneness and Peace in Christ

11 Because of that, don’t forget that you all were once fleshly unbelievers (nicknamed ‘the uncircumcised ones’ by circumcised Jews who mark the bodies of their males with human hands). 12 At that time you were separated from the citizens of Yisrael (Israel) and were strangers to the agreements involving God’s promise. You didn’t have any future hope as you lived in the world without knowing God.

13 But now thanks to Yeshua the messiah, you all who were once far from God have become close by means of the messiah’s blood. 14 He is the source of peace between Jews and non-Jews, having broken the dividing wall that fenced them apart and making the two into one. He took the hostility onto himself, 15 [ref]having declared the old commands to be now void so that Jews and non-Jews can now be peaceably united. 16 [ref]By his death on the pole, any hostility is destroyed and both groups now become just one body in God’s sight. 17 [ref]When the messiah came, he announced the good message: peace to you all who were far from God, and peace also to the ones who were near, 18 so now both groups have access to the father by means of one spirit through the work of the messiah.

A Temple for the Lord

19 As a result, you all are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens of the believers and part of God’s household 20 which has been founded on the teaching of the missionaries and prophets. The cornerstone of this building is Yeshua the messiah. 21 He joins the entire building together, growing us all into a dedicated temple for Yahweh. 22 You all are being built together by following him, becoming a place for God’s spirit to live in.

11 Therefore be_remembering that once you_all the pagans in the_flesh, the ones being_called the_uncircumcision by the being_called circumcision in the_flesh handmade, 12 that you_all_were the at_time that without chosen_one /messiah, having_been_estranged from_the citizenship of_ the _Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl), and strangers to_the covenants of_the promise, not having hope, and godless in the world.

13 But now in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous, you_all who once being far, were_become near by the blood of_the chosen_one /messiah.

14 For/Because he is the peace of_us, the one having_made which both one, and the dividing_wall of_the fence having_broken, the enmity in the flesh of_him, 15 having_nullified the law of_the commands in decrees, in_order_that the two he_may_create in himself into one new man, making peace, 16 and he_may_reconcile the both in one body to_ the _god through the stake, having_killed_off the enmity by it, 17 and having_come, he_good_message_preached: peace to_you_all who were far, and peace to_the ones near, 18 because through him we_are_having the access, which both by one spirit to the father.

19 Therefore consequently no_longer you_all_are strangers and sojourners, but you_all_are fellow-citizens of_the holy ones and the_household of_ the _god, 20 having_been_built_up on the foundation of_the ambassadors and prophets, chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) himself being the_cornerstone, 21 in whom the_whole the building being_joined_together, is_growing into a_ holy _temple in the_master, 22 in whom also you_all are_being_built_together, because/for a_dwelling_place of_ the _god in the_spirit.

3:1 Paul’s assignment to non-Jews

Paul’s prayer

Paul’s Work for the Gentiles

God’s Secret Plan Revealed

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

3 That’s the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner due to my serving Yeshua the messiah for you non-Jews. 2 Certainly you have heard that God assigned me the task of passing on God’s grace to you. 3 He revealed his incredible plan as I wrote briefly previously 4 [ref]and which you are all able to read to understand my insight into the incredible plan about the messiah. 5 This plan wasn’t explained to humans in previous generations but now God’s spirit has revealed it to his worthy missionaries and prophets. 6 Now non-Jews can have the same inheritance and become members of the same body and can share in the same promise that was the positive message of Yeshua the messiah.

7 I have become a servant of that message as a result of the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by means of the working of his power. 8 Although I was the least of the ones dedicated to this message, I was given the grace to preach this positive message to the non-Jews, to tell them about the endless riches of the messiah 9 and to enlighten everyone about the assignment of God’s incredible plan. God, the one who created everything, hid this plan away over the ages 10 so that the wide-ranging wisdom of God could be revealed now through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. 11 God did this according to his plan for the ages which he established in our master Yeshua the messiah. 12 It’s through our faith in Yeshua that we can have boldness and confident access to God. 13 Because of that, I’m asking you not to become discouraged over my current difficulties as I serve you all, in fact you are honoured by them.

↑ 3  for_ This _reason_of, I Paulos, the prisoner of_ the _chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous for you_all the pagans, 2 if surely you_all_heard the management of_the grace of_ the _god, which having_been_given to_me for you_all, 3 by revelation the mystery was_made_known to_me, as I_previously_wrote in few messages, 4 to which you_all_are_being_able reading it to_understand the insight of_me in the mystery of_the chosen_one /messiah, 5 which in_other generations not was_made_known to_the sons of_ the _men, as now was_revealed to_the holy ambassadors of_him and prophets in the_spirit, 6 the pagans to_be fellow-heirs, and a_fellow-body_members, and fellow-partakers, of_the promise in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous, through the good_message, 7 of_which I_was_become a_servant according_to the gift of_the grace of_ the _god which having_been_given to_me, according_to the working of_the power of_him.

8 To_me, the very_least of_all the_holy ones, the this grace was_given, to_the pagans to_good_message_preach the untraceable riches of_the chosen_one /messiah, 9 and to_enlighten all, what is the management of_the mystery, which having_been_hidden_away from the ages in the god, the one having_created all the things, 10 in_order_that may_be_made_known now to_the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of_ the _god, 11 according_to the_purpose of_the ages, which he_established in the chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), the master of_us, 12 in whom we_are_having the boldness and access in confidence by the faith in_him.

13 Therefore I_am_requesting you_all not to_be_losing_heart at the tribulations of_me for you_all, which is the_glory of_you_all.

3:14 Paul prays for those in Ephesus

A Prayer for the Ephesians

Prayer for the Readers

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

The Love of Christ

14 That’s why I’m kneeling to ask the father 15 (the one that every father in the heavens and on earth is named after) 16 that he would cause you to be strengthened inside your minds by the power of his spirit and from the riches of his greatness. 17 Through your faith, the messiah can live in your hearts so that love will become your root and foundation 18 so that just like the dedicated ones, you all will also be strong enough to understand the width and length and height and depth of 19 the messiah’s love, and to know that having this love exceeds having knowledge so that you all can be filled with God’s completeness.

20-21 Now we offer praise to God in the church and for all the generations to come and to Yeshua the messiah—God who, through the power that works in us, is able to do far more than we can ask for or even understand. May it be so.

14 for_ This _reason_of, I_am_bowing the knees of_me to the father, 15 of whom every family in the_heavens and on earth is_being_named, 16 in_order_that he_may_give to_you_all according_to the riches of_the glory of_him, with_power to_be_strengthened by the spirit of_him in the inside person, 17 to_dwell_in the chosen_one /messiah through the faith in the hearts of_you_all in love, having_been_rooted and having_been_established, 18 in_order_that you_all_may_have_strength to_grasp with all the holy ones, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth, 19 and to_know the love of_the chosen_one /messiah surpassing of_ the _knowledge, in_order_that you_all_may_be_filled to all the fullness of_ the _god.

20 And to_the one being_able above all things, to_do exceedingly that we_are_requesting or are_understanding, according_to the power which working in us, 21 to_him be the glory in the assembly and in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), to all the generations of_the age of_the ages.

Truly.

4:1 Many parts and gifts but one body

Unity in the Body

Christian conduct

The Unity of the Body

Unity in the Body of Christ

4 Because of that, I, a prisoner for Yahweh, am urging you all to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called 2 [ref]with all humility, gentleness, and patience, putting up with one another because of your love for them, 3 being serious about keeping the unity of God’s spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one spirit, just as you all were called to one hope when you were called. 5 There’s one master, one system of faith, one immersion, 6 one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

7 Yet each one of us has been given a measure of grace as a gift from the messiah, 8 just as it was written,

“When he ascended to heaven,

he eliminated captivity

and gave gifts to people.”[ref]

9 Of course, he couldn’t ascend if he hadn’t first descended down to earth. 10 So the one who descended is the very one who also ascended above all the heavens so that he could fill all locations. 11 Then he gave some as missionaries, some as prophets, some as announcers of the good message, some as pastors and teachers 12 so as to complete the dedicated ones for the work of service—for building the body of the messiah 13 until we can reach the unity of our faith and of our knowledge about God’s son—becoming mature people measured against the stature of the fullness of the messiah. 14 Then we’ll no longer be like children in our faith, tossed around by waves and being blown by every wind of teaching used to trick us or by crafty people who scheme how to deceive us. 15 Instead, by lovingly speaking the truth, we will grow up into every aspect of him—the messiah who is the head 16 [ref]that integrates the entire body together and holds it together by every one of its joints. When each component does its work, the body grows and builds itself up with love.

↑ 4  Therefore I_am_exhorting you_all, I the prisoner in the_master, to_walk worthily of_the calling to_which you_all_were_called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, tolerating of_one_another in love, 3 being_earnest to_be_keeping the oneness of_the spirit in the bond of_ the _peace.

4 There_is_one body and one spirit, as also you_all_were_called in one hope of_the calling of_you_all, 5 one master, one faith, one immersion, 6 one god and father of_all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

7 But to_each one of_us was_given the grace, according_to the measure of_the gift of_the chosen_one /messiah.

8 Therefore he_is_saying: Having_gone_up to height, he_captured captivity, he_gave gifts to_ the _people.

9 And which: he_went_up, what is it, except not/lest that also he_came_down into the lower parts of_the earth?

10 The one having_come_down is himself also the one having_gone_up above all the heavens, in_order_that he_may_fill all the things.

11 And on_one_hand he gave the ambassadors, on_the_other_hand the prophets, on_the_other_hand the good_message_preachers, on_the_other_hand the shepherds and teachers, 12 with the completing of_the holy ones for the_work of_service, because/for the_building of_the body of_the chosen_one /messiah, 13 until we_may_ which all _attain to the oneness of_the faith, and of_the knowledge of_the son of_ the _god, to a_ mature _man, to the_measure of_the_stature of_the fullness of_the chosen_one /messiah, 14 in_order_that no_longer we_may_be infants, being_tossed_by_waves and being_carried_about by_every wind of_ the _teaching in the trickery of_ the _people, in craftiness with the scheming of_ the _deception, 15 but being_truthful in love, we_may_grow into him in_ all _the things, who is the head chosen_one /messiah, 16 from whom all the body, being_joined_together and being_held_together by every joint of_its supply according_to the_working in the_measure of_one each part, the growth of_the body is_making to the_building of_itself in love.

4:17 Proper behaviour for godly people

Living as Children of Light

The Old Life and the New

The New Life in Christ

17 So I’ll say this with Yahweh’s direction: you all are no longer to walk like unbelieving pagans who trust in their own futile thinking. 18 Their minds have been darkened because their ignorance has drawn them away from the life of God due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 They stopped caring about what’s right and wrong, and then greedily indulged themselves in their own impure lusts.

20 But you all didn’t learn that about the messiah. 21 If you had heard him and listened to his teaching, you would have heard the truth from Yeshua: 22 [ref]that you reject the former conduct of the old corrupted you, those seductive desires, 23 and allow the spirit driving your thoughts to be renewed 24 [ref]and so to remodel yourself as a godly person created to obey God and follow the pure truth.

Rules for the New Life

25 [ref]So steer clear of lies—always speak the truth to those around you because we are members of each other. 26 [ref]Even when you’re angry, don’t sin, and don’t carry your anger through to the next day—27 don’t let the devil get his foot in. 28 If you’ve been stealing, then stop it. Instead you should be a hard worker, doing good things with your hands, so that you’ll earn enough to be able to help those who are in need. 29 Don’t let any bad talk come out of your mouths, but rather words that are helpful to encourage others and to show grace to them. 30 And don’t sadden God’s holy spirit, because he is the one who recorded your names for the day when the price will be paid to buy you all back. 31 So get rid of all bitterness, and rage and severe anger, uproars and slander, and any kind of malice. 32 [ref]Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just like God forgave you all through the work of the messiah.

17 Therefore I_am_saying this and I_am_testifying in the_master, you_all to_be_walking no_longer as also the pagans is_walking in the_uselessness of_the mind of_them.

18 Having_been_darkened in_their mind, being having_been_estranged from_the life of_ the _god, because_of the ignorance which being in them, because_of the hardening of_the heart of_them, 19 who having_languished, gave_ themselves _over to_ the _wantonness for the_working of_impurity all with greediness.

20 But you_all not learned thus the chosen_one /messiah, 21 if surely you_all_heard him and you_all_were_taught in him, as the_truth is in the Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), 22 you_all to_put_away according_to your earlier conduct the old person, which being_corrupted according_to the desires of_ the _seduction, 23 and to_be_being_renewed in_the spirit of_the mind of_you_all, 24 and to_dress_in the new person which according_to god, having_been_created in righteousness and devoutness of_ the _truth.

25 Therefore having_put_away the falsehood: each be_speaking the_truth with the one near him, because we_are members of_one_another.

26 Be_being_angered, and_yet not be_sinning, the sun not let_be_set_down on the_anger of_you_all, 27 not be_giving place to_the devil.

28 The one stealing no_longer let_be_stealing, but rather let_him_be_labouring, working the good with_his hands, in_order_that he_may_be_having to_be_sharing to_the one having need.

29 Not let_be_going_out any bad message out_of the mouth of_you_all, but if any good for building of_the need, in_order_that it_may_give grace to_the ones hearing.

30 And not be_sorrowing the the holy spirit of_ the _god, by whom you_all_were_sealed for the_day of_redemption.

31 All bitterness, and rage, and severe_anger, and clamour, and slander, let_be_taken_away from you_all with all malice.

32 Be_becoming good to one_another, tender-hearted, because/forgiving to_yourselves, as also the god in chosen_one /messiah forgave to_you_all.

5:1 Living in God’s light

Living in the Light

5 So imitate God like valued children would imitate their father 2 [ref]and immerse yourselves in love just as the messiah loves you all and allowed himself to suffer for us as an offering and sacrifice which is like a pleasant fragrance to God.

Renounce Pagan Ways

3 It’s fitting for dedicated believers to not even entertain thoughts of sexual immorality or impurity or greed. 4 Nor is dirty or foolish talk or crude joking fitting, but rather thankfulness. 5 You should realise that anyone who is sexually immoral or impure or is a covetous or idolatrous person won’t have an inheritance in the kingdom of the messiah and of God.

6 Don’t let anyone seduce you with empty talk, because this is exactly what will induce God’s strong anger on those who are disobedient. 7 So don’t get caught up with them 8 because you yourselves were once in the darkness but now that you are in Yahweh’s light, you should behave like children of light. 9 The results of this light should be goodness and doing what is right and being honest 10 as you aim to please Yahweh. 11 Don’t join in with the works of darkness which don’t lead to positive results, but instead you all should expose them 12 because the things that unbelievers do in secret are disgraceful to even talk about. 13 But everything will eventually have the light shone on it and all these things will then be exposed. 14 That’s why it says:

You who are asleep get up,

You who are dead come back to life,

The messiah will shine his light on you.

Living by the Spirit’s Power

15 Because of that, take great care in exactly how you’re living. Don’t live like fools, but like wise people, 16 [ref]making good use of your time, because there’s lot of evil these days. 17 So don’t be foolish, but rather strive to discover what Yahweh wants for you.

18 And don’t get drunk on alcohol because that’s excessive. Instead, be filled with God’s spirit, 19 [ref]sharing scriptures with each other and singing hymns and songs to praise Yahweh, 20 always expressing thanks for everything to our father God in the authority and name of our master Yeshua the messiah.

Christian relationships

Wives and Husbands

The Christian Household

Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands

21 And show your honour of the messiah by placing yourselves under each other’s authority.

↑ 5  Therefore be_becoming imitators of_ the _god as beloved children, 2 and be_walking in love, as also the chosen_one /messiah loved you_all, and gave_ himself _over for us, an_offering and a_sacrifice to_ the _god into an_aroma of_a_sweet_fragrance.

3 But sexual_immorality, and all impurity, or greediness, not it _let_be_being_named among you_all, as is_befitting to_holy ones, 4 and filthiness, and foolish_talk, or crude_joking, which not was_fitting, but rather thanksgiving.

5 For/Because this be_having˒_known knowing that any sexually_immoral, or unclean, or coveter, who is an_idolater, is_ not _having inheritance in the kingdom of_the chosen_one /messiah and of_god.

6 ˓Let˒_ no_one _be_seducing you_all with_empty messages, because/for because_of these things the severe_anger of_ the _god is_coming on the sons of_ the _disbelief.

7 Therefore be_ not _becoming fellow-partakers with_them, 8 for/because once you_all_were darkness, but now light in the_master, be_walking as children of_light 9 (for the the_fruit of_the light is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth), 10 approving what is well_pleasing to_the master.

11 And not be_participating with_the the unfruitful works of_ the _darkness, but rather even be_rebuking them, 12 for the things secretly becoming by them, it_is shameful even to_be_speaking.

13 But all the things being_rebuked by the light is_being_revealed, because/for everything which being_revealed is light.

14 Therefore he_is_saying: Be_raising, you sleeping, and rise_up from the dead, and the chosen_one /messiah will_be_shining_upon upon_you.

15 Therefore be_watching_out exactly how you_all_are_walking, not as unwise, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Because_of this, not be_becoming foolish, but be_understanding what the will of_the master is.

18 And not be_being_drunk with_wine, in which is intemperance, but be_being_filled with the_spirit, 19 speaking to_themselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and singing_praises in_the heart of_you_all to_the master, 20 giving_thanks always for all things in the_name of_the master of_us, Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) chosen_one /messiah, to_ the _god even the_father, 21 being_subjected to_one_another in reverence of_chosen_one /messiah.

5:22 Married couples

Wives and Husbands

22 [ref]Wives should place themselves under their own husbands, just like they’re under the master, 23 because the husband is the leader of the wife just like the messiah is the head and saviour of his body, the church. 24 Wives should place themselves under their husbands in everything just like the church should place itself under the messiah.

25 [ref]You husbands must love your wives, just like the messiah loved the church and gave himself completely for it, 26 so that he could separate the church from the world and wash it clean with the water of the good message 27 in order to present the splendid church to himself—without any stains or wrinkles or anything like that—just pure and unblemished. 28 So husbands should love their wives just like their own bodies—anyone who loves his wife is loving himself. 29 No one hates their own body, but they feed and look after it, just like the messiah does for the church 30 and we are parts of his body. 31 [ref]That’s the reason why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes joined with his wife and the two of them become one unit. 32 This is an amazing mystery but I’m talking about the messiah and the church. 33 But it applies to you all: each one of you should love your wife like yourself and the wife should respect her husband.

22 The wives be to_their own husbands as to_the master, 23 because the_husband is head of_the wife, as also the chosen_one /messiah is the_head of_the assembly, he the_saviour of_the body.

24 But as the assembly is_being_subjected to_the chosen_one /messiah, thus also the wives to_their husbands in everything.

25 The Men be_loving your wives, as also the chosen_one /messiah loved the assembly, and gave_ himself _over for her, 26 in_order_that he_may_sanctify her, having_cleansed her by_the washing of_ the _water by the_message, 27 in_order_that he_may_present the assembly he to_himself glorious, not having stain or wrinkle, or anything of_the such, but in_order_that it_may_be holy and blameless.

28 Thus the husbands are_ought also to_be_loving the wives of_themselves, as the bodies of_themselves.

The one loving the wife of_himself, is_loving himself.

29 For/Because no_one once hated the flesh of_himself, but is_nurturing and is_cherishing it, as the chosen_one /messiah also does for_the assembly, 30 because we_are members of_the body of_him.

31 For/Because this a_man will_be_leaving his father and the mother, and will_be_being_joined to_the wife of_him, and the two will_be into one flesh 32 This the mystery is great, but I am_speaking for chosen_one /messiah and for the assembly.

33 However you_all also, which each one_by one, let_him_be_loving the wife of_himself thus as himself, and the wife, in_order_that she_may_be_revering the husband.

6:1 Parents and children

Children and Parents

6 [ref]It’s right for children following Yahweh to obey your parents. 2 [ref]Honour your father and mother (that’s the first command that’s followed by a promise) 3 so that things will go well for you and you’ll have a long life on the earth.

4 [ref]Fathers, don’t provoke your children to anger, but bring them up caringly and teach them disciplines and instructions from Yahweh.

↑ 6  The Children, be_submitting to_the parents of_you_all in the_master, because/for this is right.

2 Be_honouring the father of_you and the mother (which is the_first command with a_promise), 3 in_order_that it_may_become well with_you, and you_will_be a_long_time on the earth.

4 And the fathers, not be_angering the children of_you_all, but be_nurturing them in the_discipline and admonition of_the_master.

6:5 Slaves and masters

Slaves and Masters

5 [ref]Slaves, submit to your human masters with respect and fear, being sincere in your hearts as if serving the messiah. 6 Don’t just please them when they’re watching, but work as slaves of the messiah, genuinely wanting to obey God 7 by serving with good will. When you serve as if serving the master and not people, 8 whether you’re a slave or free, it’s him who will reward you.

9 [ref]Masters, do the same towards your slaves. You know that both the slaves and you have the same master in the heavens, so don’t threaten them ≈because @our master has no favourites.

5 The Slaves be_submitting to_your masters according_to flesh with respect and trembling, in sincerity of_the heart of_you_all as to_the chosen_one /messiah, 6 not with eyeservice as men_pleasing, but as slaves of_chosen_one /messiah, doing the will of_ the _god from the_heart, 7 with good_will serving as to_the master, and not to_people, 8 having_known that each if may_do good, this he_will_be_receiving_back from the_master, whether slave or free.

9 And the masters, be_doing the same things toward them, giving_up the threat, having_known that the Master both of_them and of_you_all is in the_heavens, and favouritism is not with him.

6:10 Wear God’s armour

The Armor of God

The Christian’s armoury

The Whole Armor of God

10 Concluding then, be enabled by Yahweh and from the power which comes from his strength. 11 Wear God’s complete armour because it will enable you to stand up against the devil’s schemes. 12 Our struggle isn’t against people, but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this world’s darkness, and the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places. 13 Because of that, make use of every piece of God’s armour so that you’ll be able to resist those powers in the evil day and having done everything, to remain standing.

14 [ref]So then, stand with the belt of truth around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15 [ref]and ready your feet with the good message of peace. 16 Whatever arises, hold up the shield of faith which you all will be able to use to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one. 17 [ref]Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of God’s spirit which is the message from God.

10 Of_the rest, be_being_enabled in the_master and in the power of_the strength of_him.

11 Dress_in the whole_armor of_ the _god, because/for that you_all to_be_able to_stand against the schemings of_the devil.

12 Because is not to_us the wrestling against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world_rulers of_ the this _darkness, against the spiritual of_ the _wickedness in the heavenly realms.

13 Because_of this, take_up the whole_armor of_ the _god, in_order_that you_all_may_be_able to_resist in the the evil day, and having_produced all things, to_stand.

14 Therefore stand: having_girded_about the waist of_you_all with truth, and having_dressed_in the breastplate of_ the _righteousness, 15 and having_shod your feet with the_readiness of_the good_message of_ the _peace.

16 In all things having_taken_up the shield of_ the _faith, with which you_all_will_be_able to_extinguish all the having_been_burned arrows of_the evil one.

17 And receive the helmet of_ the _salvation, and the sword of_the spirit, which is the_message of_god,

6:18 Praying for fellow believers

18 Make your requests as you pray in the spirit at every occasion and similarly staying alert and persevering as you make requests on behalf of all the dedicated believers 19 and also ask on my behalf for God to give me words to say as I open my mouth to boldly teach the good message about God’s incredible plan 20 that’s led me as a missionary to now be in prison. Ask that I would speak boldly as I should.

18 by all prayer and petition, praying in every season in the_spirit, and to the_same thing, watching with all perseverance and petition for all the holy ones, 19 and for me, in_order_that speech may_be_given to_me in the_opening of_the mouth of_me, with boldness to_make_known the mystery of_the good_message, 20 for which I_am_being_an_ambassador in a_chain, in_order_that in it I_may_speak_boldly, as it_is_fitting me to_speak.

6:21 Update

Personal Matters and Benediction

Final Greetings

21 [ref]Now Tychicus, a dear brother and faithful servant of Yahweh, will let you know about me and how I’m doing. 22 I’ve sent him to you for that reason—so that you all will know about us here and that he would comfort your hearts.

21 But in_order_that you_all may_have_known also the things concerning me, what I_am_doing, Tuⱪikos the beloved brother and faithful servant will_be_making_known all things to_you_all, in the_master, 22 whom I_sent to you_all for same thing this, in_order_that you_all_may_know the things concerning us, and he_may_comfort the hearts of_you_all.

6:23 Blessings

23 Peace, love, and faith to the brothers and sisters from God the father and from Yeshua the messiah. 24 Grace to all who love our master Yeshua the messiah, with a love that won’t decay.

23 Peace be to_the brothers and love with faith from god the_father and the_master Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) chosen_one /messiah.

24 The Grace be with all the ones loving the master of_us, Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah, in indestructibility.

Readers’ Version

Literal Version

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