Ephesians 5:14 is studied here as a Biblical passage first: in its immediate King James context, through its recurring metaphysical themes, and through source-grounded readings preserved in Neville Goddard's lectures and books.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Read the Passage in Context
- Ephesians 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
- Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
- Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Open Ephesians 5:14 in the YHWSA Bible workspace for the complete chapter, word tools, notes, and comparisons.
Key Metaphysical Themes
- Awakening
- Imagination
- Sleep
- Dreaming
- Spiritual Sensation
- Awake
- Sleeper
- Death
- Unawareness
- Awareness
- Spiritual Death
- Dead
Neville’s Reading in Awake O Sleeper
This verse is a direct command to the human Imagination, which is currently in a state of spiritual sleep, dreaming the physical world into existence. It's a call to awaken from this dream of death.
In the fifth chapter of the Book of Ephesians we are told to: "Awake O sleeper and rise from the dead." Now, reason could never comprehend these words, but the Bible is calling upon Imagination to awaken, telling Him that he is sleeping, dreaming his world into being.
Source: Awake O Sleeper
Neville’s Reading in Awake O Sleeper 2
'Sleep' is equated with unawareness of one's imaginative activity and its creative power. To 'awake' is to become conscious and deliberate in one's imagination, rising from the 'death' of unconscious creation.
Awake, O Sleeper, and rise from the dead.” So, Paul equates death with the sleep of man, when man is unaware of what he’s doing.
Source: Awake O Sleeper 2
Neville’s Reading in Conception
This exhortation is interpreted as God's act of awakening those who are spiritually 'dead' or 'asleep' through divine union, leading to resurrection.
We are urged to “Rise! Awake, O sleeper and rise from the dead.”
Source: Conception
Neville’s Reading in Creation Faith
The call to 'Awake!' is a spiritual imperative to expand one's consciousness beyond the limitations of the physical world, recognizing the mutual indwelling of the divine within oneself and all others.
William Blake began his great poem, "Jerusalem," on the sixth line, saying: "Awake! Awake O sleeper of the land of shadows, wake! Expand! I am in you and you in me, mutual in love divine."
Source: Creation Faith
Neville’s Reading in God Only Acts
This call to 'Awake' signifies the necessity of acting upon spiritual knowledge. Inaction is equated with being asleep or dead, while acting on truth leads to inner awakening and becoming alive.
It is time to “Awake O sleeper! Why sleepest thou O Lord? Awake! Do not cast us off forever. Awake and rise from the dead.” If you don’t act you are asleep and likened unto the dead. When you hear what you ought to do and do it, you are beginning to stir and become alive from within yourself.
Source: God Only Acts
Neville’s Reading in He Dreams In Me
This New Testament call is God, having awakened in man, now urging man (who is God) to awaken from the dream of death and receive life from Christ, who is man's own imagination.
But in the New Testament, God succeeds in awakening in man, and in the Book of Ephesians calls upon man to "Awake and rise from the dead and Christ will give you life."
Source: He Dreams In Me
Practical Reflection
- The command to "Awake O sleeper" is a call to consciously engage one's Imagination, recognizing its power to create reality, rather than passively experiencing a dream.
- Become fully aware of your imaginative acts, as this awareness is the key to rising from the 'death' of unconscious creation into deliberate manifestation.
- To awaken, one must actively apply the spiritual knowledge received, rather than remaining passive or merely hearing it.
- The practice of revision and conscious inner conversations are the means to 'awake' and 'rise from the dead,' transforming one's experience from mechanical repetition to conscious creation.
Authoritative Neville Sources
YHWSA provides the Biblical workspace. MyNevilleGoddard.com preserves the complete source works behind the Neville-specific readings.
- Awake O Sleeper (lecture)
- Awake O Sleeper 2 (lecture)
- Conception (lecture)
- Creation Faith (lecture)
- God Only Acts (lecture)
- He Dreams In Me (lecture)
Questions about Ephesians 5:14
What is the metaphysical meaning of Ephesians 5:14?
YHWSA reads Ephesians 5:14 in its Biblical context while examining the states of consciousness and spiritual themes expressed by the passage.
Where can I read Ephesians 5:14 in context?
Open the linked YHWSA Bible workspace to read the complete chapter and use its language, note, and comparison tools.
Where did Neville Goddard discuss Ephesians 5:14?
The source list links to the complete lectures and books on MyNevilleGoddard.com rather than reproducing those works as a competing article.