Ephesians 5:1

Γίνεσθε οὖν μιμηταὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὡς τέκνα ἀγαπητά·

RBT Greek Interlinear:

Strongs 1096; Ginesthe; Γίνεσθε; Become; V-PMM/P-2P

Strongs 3767; oun; οὖν; therefore; Conj

Strongs 3402; mimētai; μιμηταὶ; imitators; N-NMP

Strongs 3588; tou; τοῦ; the; Art-GMS

Strongs 2316; Theou; Θεοῦ; God; N-GMS

Strongs 5613; hōs; ὡς; just like; Adv

Strongs 5043; tekna; τέκνα; children; N-NNP

Strongs 27; agapēta; ἀγαπητά; beloved; Adj-NNP

RBT Hebrew Literal:

Become therefore emulators of the God just as beloved children,⁸

Julia Smith Literal 1876 Translation:
Be ye therefore imitators of God, as dearly beloved children;

LITV Translation:
Then be imitators of God, as beloved children,

ESV Translation:
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Footnotes

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The Greek μιμηταὶ translated as "imitators" or "mimics" can, in certain philosophical contexts (esp. Platonic), carry pejorative overtones of deceptive imitation (cf. Sophist 235a; Republic 598d), often associated with γόητες (sorcerers, impostors). In rhetorical and ethical literature, however (e.g., Isocrates, Aristotle), and in this usage, it clearly denotes emulation. Hence, "emulators of God" is better than "mimics," or "imitators."

“Mimics/imitators” in English suggests shallow reproduction, artifice, or even deception, evoking the γόης or charlatan imagery from Plato's Sophist. There has been enough of this within the religious realm, that it needs no mention.

The term “emulators” better captures the intentional, aspirational character of μίμησις in ethical discourse (cf. Isocrates, Aristotle, Epictetus). A transformation is implied by this usage — not mimicry of God’s being or power, but partakers of his nature, especially ἀγάπη (Eph 5:2).