Redeeming the Time: What Ephesians 5:16 Really Means

Few verses have shaped Christian thinking about time like Ephesians 5:16. In the King James Version it reads:

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." — Ephesians 5:16

It is short, memorable and easy to misunderstand. Is Paul telling us to be more productive? To fill every minute? Let's look closely.

The context: walking as children of light

Ephesians 5 begins, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love" (Ephesians 5:1–2). Paul then contrasts darkness and light: the old life of impurity and empty words versus the new life that is "light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). Verses 15–17 apply this to how we live each day:

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

So "redeeming the time" is part of walking wisely — living carefully, with understanding of God's will. The verses that follow mention being filled with the Spirit, singing, giving thanks and mutual submission in the home (Ephesians 5:18–21). Redeemed time is Spirit-filled, thankful, relational time.

The Greek words

The verb translated "redeeming" is exagorazō (G1805), built on agora, the marketplace. It means to buy up, to buy out, to rescue by paying a price. Paul uses the same word in Galatians 4:5, where Christ came "to redeem them that were under the law."

The word for "time" is not chronos (clock time) but kairos (G2540) — the opportune moment, the season, the opening. Paul is not mainly saying "use your minutes efficiently." He is saying "seize the opportunities." Like a merchant who buys up valuable goods when they appear in the market, the wise believer grabs the moments God provides — to do good, speak truth, show love and grow in grace.

The same phrase appears in Colossians 4:5: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." There the opportunity is especially to commend the gospel to unbelievers through gracious speech (Colossians 4:6).

"Because the days are evil"

Why urgency? Because the days are evil. The world around us pulls toward foolishness, distraction and sin; opportunities for good do not wait around. Time is not neutral ground. If we drift, the current takes us somewhere — usually not toward Christ.

This also reminds us that our time is short. Opportunities pass: a child grows up, a friend moves away, a door closes. Wisdom notices the open door while it is open.

What redeeming the time is not

• It is not frantic busyness. Jesus was never hurried, yet he finished the work the Father gave him (John 17:4).
• It is not guilt over rest. God commanded rest. Sleep is a gift (Psalm 127:2).
• It is not measuring worth by output. We are redeemed by Christ's blood, not by our productivity (Ephesians 1:7).

Redeeming the time this week

1. Pray for eyes to see opportunities. Ask each morning, "Lord, what open doors will you put in front of me today?"
2. Leave margin. Opportunities need room. A schedule packed to the minute has no space for the neighbor who needs to talk.
3. Cut what is foolish. Paul contrasts the wise with the foolish. What habit steals your evenings? Name it and replace it.
4. Understand God's will. Read his Word daily. You cannot walk wisely without knowing the path. A reading plan helps.
5. Be filled with the Spirit. Redeemed time flows from a Spirit-filled heart — thankful, joyful and humble (Ephesians 5:18–21).
6. Plan your top priorities. Use a simple daily planner with Scripture, three priorities and an evening reflection.

A prayer

Lord, teach me to number my days. Open my eyes to the opportunities you place before me today. Fill me with your Spirit, so that my hours are spent in love, thanksgiving and obedience. Amen.

Study the verse further on the Ephesians 5:16 page, including the original Greek and classic commentary.