But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
But - though 'done in secret.'
That are reproved - rather [as there is no article before elengchomena (G1651)], 'when they are reprove;' namely, by you (Ephesians 5:11).
Whatsoever doth make manifest, х pan (G3956) to (G3588) faneroumenon (G5319)] - rather, 'everything that is (i:e., suffers itself to be) made manifest (or 'shone upon;' namely, by your 'reproving,' Ephesians 5:11) is thenceforth no longer "darkness" (Ephesians 5:8), but "light" "Light" can hardly apply, as Ellicott thinks [taking phaneroumenon as wholly passive in meaning], to any but those who become spiritually illumined. Others may be shone round, but do not become "light." The wicked will not suffer themselves to be made manifest by the light, but love darkness. "Light" has no transforming effect on them (John 3:19-20). But whatever suffers itself to be illumined is thenceforth light. You, being light yourselves (Ephesians 5:8), by shedding light, through proof, upon some in darkness, will convert them to light. Your, consistent lives and faithful re-proofs are your "armour of light" (Romans 13:12) in assailing the kingdom of darkness.