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    Imitators of God

    Ephesians 5:1 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;"
    — Ephesians 5:1 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse after the great kindness command (4:32), Paul lifts the bar higher: imitate God Himself, as dear children imitate a beloved Father. Kindness to one another is grounded in Sonship before the Father.

    Historical Context

    Greco-Roman culture prized imitation of one's father as the path to maturity. Paul redirects: the Christian's true Father is God, and the imitation is moral, not external.

    Original Language Insights

    'Followers' (mimētai) — imitators. The English word 'mime' comes from this.

    'Dear children' (tekna agapēta) — beloved children. The motive is not duty but received love.

    Theological Significance

    Christian ethics is family resemblance. We forgive because the Father forgives (4:32), love because He loved (5:2), and imitate because we are His children. Identity drives behavior.

    Practical Application

    Ask before each interaction: 'What would the Father do here?' Imitation flows from identity. The kinder you grow, the more you reveal whose child you are.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Ephesians 4:32

    "Even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

    The prior verse names the Father's forgiveness; 5:1 commands imitation of Him.

    Matthew 5:48

    "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

    Jesus' parallel — the standard is always the Father's character.

    Prayer Response

    Father, I am Your dear child. Help me imitate You today — in kindness, forgiveness, and love. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can we really imitate God?

    Not in His incommunicable attributes (omniscience, omnipotence), but in His communicable ones — love, mercy, kindness, holiness, forgiveness. These we are called to mirror as dear children.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Ephesians 5 verse by verse:

    After · Ephesians 5:18Exact verse

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

    Theme: Holy Spirit

    After · Ephesians 5:22Exact verse

    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

    Theme: Marriage

    After · Ephesians 5:24Exact verse

    Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Theme: Marriage & the Church

    Nearest commentary in Ephesians

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Ephesians 4:2-3Nearest chapter

    With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    Theme: Christian Unity

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 6:10-11Nearest chapter

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

    Theme: Spiritual Warfare

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 6:10Nearest chapter

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

    Theme: Strength & Spiritual Warfare

    Read Ephesians 4Commentary: Ephesians 4:2-3
    Read Ephesians 5 (full)Nearest commentary: Ephesians 5:18
    Read Ephesians 6Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-11
    Previous commentary: Ephesians 4:32Next commentary: Ephesians 5:18

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?

    The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.

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    What is the armor of God?

    The armor of God is Paul's metaphor in Ephesians 6 for the spiritual resources believers need to stand against the devil: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.

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    What Does the Bible Say About Children?

    The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.

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    What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare?

    Ephesians 6 teaches that believers wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and provides the armor of God for defense.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ?

    In Christ, believers receive a completely new identity — children of God, saints, co-heirs with Christ, and new creations.

    Read answer

    Do Children Who Die Go to Heaven?

    While the Bible doesn't give a single explicit verse, strong evidence from Scripture points to God's grace covering children who die before the age of accountability.

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    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Ephesians 2:8-9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

    Ephesians 6:10-11 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

    Ephesians 3:20 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

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