Paragraph 5:6–14

Some English versions begin a new paragraph at 5:6. Others begin a new paragraph at 5:8.

In this paragraph, Paul used the words “darkness” and “light” in a metaphorical sense. These words will be discussed further below.

5:6a

Let no one deceive you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deceive means “to trick someone into believing something that is false or bad.” In this context, Paul meant this: If any people tell you that Christians are permitted to do these sinful things (mentioned in 5:3–5), do not believe them!

Here is another way to translate Let no one deceive you :

Don’t be fooled (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
“Do not let anyone make you believe ⌊their lies⌋.”

with empty words: The phrase empty words refers to words that are useless, foolish or lies. In this context it refers to excusing the sinful behavior listed by Paul in 5:3–5. Excusing the sinful behavior means saying that it is ok for people to behave in these ways (God won’t punish them for it). For example:

excuse these sins (New Living Translation (2004))

General Comment on 5:5a

In some language, it may be necessary to make the phrase “empty words” more clear. For example:

People may behave that way but if people lie and say that God will not punish them for such behavior, don’t believe them.

5:6b

for because of such things: The phrase such things refers to the sins listed in 5:3–5. This should be made clear in your translation.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

such things ⌊I just mentioned⌋
-or-
because of sins like these (God’s Word)
-or-
because of these very things (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊Because⌋ if people behave in these ways

the wrath of God is coming: the wrath of God means “God shows that he is angry” or “God punishes.” Paul was talking about God doing something, not just feeling angry. (See note on “children of wrath” at 2:3d for more discussion on wrath.)

is coming: When Paul said God’s wrath is coming, he probably means it will come soon. For example:

God’s anger will come. (Good News Translation)

In many languages you cannot talk about wrath or anger coming. You may have an idiom in your language, such as:

“God ⌊will⌋ strike them with punishment.”

You may have an idiom like the English:

God’s anger falls on them

Or you may need to translate wrath in an active way:

God will punish them

on the sons of disobedience: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as the sons of disobedience refers to people who disobey God. It also refers back to the people described as “immoral, impure, and greedy” in 5:5b.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

those who do not obey him (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people who do not do what God commands

General Comment on 5:6

In some languages, it may be necessary to make parts of 5:6 explicit. For example:

People may behave in those ways, but if people lie and say that God will not punish them for such behavior, don’t believe them. If people are disobedient and behave in such ways, then God will be angry and truly strike ⌊them⌋.

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