Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:14

"Wherefore [he] saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee." — Ephesians 5:14 (ASV)

The same introductory formula as in 4:8 prefaces a poetical quotation. The lines form a metrical triplet in a rhythm that was specially associated with religious initiation chants. This may well supply a clue in tracing their origin. They are not a direct quotation of OT Scripture (though they contain echoes of Isa 60:1 and possibly Isa 9:2; 26:19; 51:17; 52:1). Most likely this section is an early baptismal hymn based on Isa 60:1. Paul is soon to mention hymns in the context of worship (v.19), so that this may well have been a liturgical chant addressed to those about to be baptized (cf. 1 Timothy 3:16).

The exhortations “wake up” (GK 1586) and “rise [GK 482] from the dead” place the hymn firmly in the context of resurrection—possibly written for Easter day. The connection between resurrection and baptism is so close that there is no need to restrict the intention. Moreover, in the early church, baptism was described as an enlightenment (cf. Hebrews 6:4; 10:32). The verb translated “shine” (GK 2213) is applied to the rising of a heavenly body. Christ, as the morning star, has already risen and sheds his light on all who are raised to newness of life in him.