Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:9

"(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)," — Ephesians 5:9 (ASV)

A parenthesis explains the command at the end of v.8. Light is known by its effects. When the light of Christ shines in the lives of believers it produces benevolence, fairness, and integrity. These three qualities counteract the dark influence of malice (4:31), injustice, and falsehood (4:25). “Goodness” is the achievement of moral excellence combined with a generous spirit. “Righteousness” was understood by the Greeks as giving all their due. “Truth” stands for genuineness and honesty; it is not only something to be said but something to be done (cf. 1Jn 1:6; 3:18). A life lived in the light is found not only in all these qualities held in balance, but in every aspect of each.