New Testament
Ephesians 5:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, be followers of God, like dear children;
Compare translations
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
What Ephesians 5:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we are encouraged to imitate God, much like how children naturally look up to and follow their parents. This relationship is built on love and trust, where children learn by observing their parents' actions. By being followers of God, we are invited to reflect His character in our daily lives. This means showing kindness, compassion, and love to others, just as God does for us. It’s about embodying the values that God represents, making them a part of who we are. When we act like God’s children, we create a positive impact on those around us. This call to follow God is not just about rules; it’s about a loving relationship that shapes our identity and actions. By embracing this role, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful life. Ultimately, being a follower of God means living out His love in practical ways, allowing His light to shine through us in every situation we encounter, just like a child reflects the love of their parent.
How to apply Ephesians 5:1 to your life
To apply this verse, think about how you can reflect God's love in your daily interactions. Consider small acts of kindness or forgiveness that can make a difference. Remember, your actions can inspire others to see God’s love through you. Be intentional in your relationships and let your character shine brightly as a follower of God. Embrace your identity as His child and live it out authentically every day.
Curated for this public verse page. Ephesians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ephesians 5:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ephesians 5:1
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ephesians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Ephesus
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ephesians 5:1 mean?
Ephesians 5:1 encourages believers to imitate God as beloved children, reflecting His character in their actions. This verse emphasizes the importance of love and trust in our relationship with God, urging us to embody His values in our daily lives.
What is the meaning of being a 'follower of God' in Ephesians 5:1?
Being a 'follower of God' in Ephesians 5:1 means to imitate God's qualities, such as kindness and compassion, just like children look up to their parents. It highlights the idea of living out God's love in practical ways.
How can I apply Ephesians 5:1 in my life?
To apply Ephesians 5:1, focus on showing kindness and forgiveness in your daily interactions. Look for opportunities to reflect God's love through your actions, inspiring others to see His character in you.
What themes are present in Ephesians 5:1?
Ephesians 5:1 presents themes of imitation, love, identity, relationship, and compassion. It encourages believers to embody God's values and reflect His character in their lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.