Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options
Close ASV

Ephesians 4-6
American Standard Version

4 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 7 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith,

[a]When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive,
And gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended [b]into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: 13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 15 but [c]speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together [d]through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; 19 who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, [e]to work all uncleanness with [f]greediness. 20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, [g]that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

25 Wherefore, putting away falsehood, [h]speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26 [i]Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your [j]wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. 29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for [k]edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave [l]you.

5 Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for [m]us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them; 8 for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; 11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even [n]reprove them; 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. 13 But all things when they are [o]reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, [p]Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 [q]redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled [r]with the Spirit; 19 speaking [s]one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to [t]God, even the Father; 21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

22 Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, [u]so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the [v]washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; 30 because we are members of his body. 31 [w]For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. 33 Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 [x]Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou [y]mayest live long on the [z]earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.

5 [aa]Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your [ab]masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as [ac]servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the [ad]heart; 7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye [ae]masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

10 [af]Finally, [ag]be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against [ah]flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the [ai]gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19 and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me [aj]in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the [ak]gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in [al]chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ [am]with a love incorruptible.

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:8 Ps. 68:18.
  2. Ephesians 4:9 Some ancient authorities insert first.
  3. Ephesians 4:15 Or, dealing truly
  4. Ephesians 4:16 Greek through every joint of the supply.
  5. Ephesians 4:19 Or, to make a trade of
  6. Ephesians 4:19 Or, covetousness. Compare 5:3 Col. 3:5.
  7. Ephesians 4:24 Or, that is after God, created etc.
  8. Ephesians 4:25 Zech. 8:16.
  9. Ephesians 4:26 Ps. 4:4.
  10. Ephesians 4:26 Greek provocation.
  11. Ephesians 4:29 Greek the building up of the need.
  12. Ephesians 4:32 Many ancient authorities read us.
  13. Ephesians 5:2 Some ancient authorities read you.
  14. Ephesians 5:11 Or, convict
  15. Ephesians 5:13 Or, convicted
  16. Ephesians 5:14 (?). Compare 1 Tim. 3:16.
  17. Ephesians 5:16 Greek buying up the opportunity.
  18. Ephesians 5:18 Or, in spirit
  19. Ephesians 5:19 Or, to yourselves
  20. Ephesians 5:20 Greek the God and Father.
  21. Ephesians 5:24 Or, so are the wives also
  22. Ephesians 5:26 Greek laver.
  23. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24.
  24. Ephesians 6:2 Ex. 20:12; Dt. 5:16.
  25. Ephesians 6:3 Or, shalt
  26. Ephesians 6:3 Or, land
  27. Ephesians 6:5 Greek Bondservants.
  28. Ephesians 6:5 Greek lords.
  29. Ephesians 6:6 Greek Bondservants.
  30. Ephesians 6:6 Greek soul.
  31. Ephesians 6:9 Greek lords.
  32. Ephesians 6:10 Or, Henceforth
  33. Ephesians 6:10 Greek be made powerful.
  34. Ephesians 6:12 Greek blood and flesh.
  35. Ephesians 6:15 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  36. Ephesians 6:19 Or, in opening my mouth with boldness, to make known
  37. Ephesians 6:19 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  38. Ephesians 6:20 Greek a chain.
  39. Ephesians 6:24 Or, in incorruption. See Rom. 2:7.
Listen to Ephesians 4-6
Close NIV

Ephesians 4-6
New International Version

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner(A) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(B) of the calling(C) you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(D) in love.(E) 3 Make every effort to keep the unity(F) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(G) 4 There is one body(H) and one Spirit,(I) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(J); 5 one Lord,(K) one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,(L) who is over all and through all and in all.(M)

7 But to each one of us(N) grace(O) has been given(P) as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(Q)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[b](R)

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(S) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(T) 11 So Christ himself gave(U) the apostles,(V) the prophets,(W) the evangelists,(X) the pastors and teachers,(Y) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(Z) may be built up(AA) 13 until we all reach unity(AB) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(AC) and become mature,(AD) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(AE)

14 Then we will no longer be infants,(AF) tossed back and forth by the waves,(AG) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.(AH) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love,(AI) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,(AJ) that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows(AK) and builds itself up(AL) in love,(AM) as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer(AN) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.(AO) 18 They are darkened in their understanding(AP) and separated from the life of God(AQ) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.(AR) 19 Having lost all sensitivity,(AS) they have given themselves over(AT) to sensuality(AU) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off(AV) your old self,(AW) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(AX) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(AY) 24 and to put on(AZ) the new self,(BA) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(BB)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(BC) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(BD) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]:(BE) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(BF) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(BG) doing something useful with their own hands,(BH) that they may have something to share with those in need.(BI)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(BJ) but only what is helpful for building others up(BK) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(BL) with whom you were sealed(BM) for the day of redemption.(BN) 31 Get rid of(BO) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(BP) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(BQ) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(BR) 5 1 Follow God’s example,(BS) therefore, as dearly loved children(BT) 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(BU) and gave himself up for us(BV) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(BW)

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,(BX) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,(BY) because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk(BZ) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.(CA) 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater(CB)—has any inheritance(CC) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[e](CD) 6 Let no one deceive you(CE) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath(CF) comes on those who are disobedient.(CG) 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once(CH) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light(CI) 9 (for the fruit(CJ) of the light consists in all goodness,(CK) righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.(CL) 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,(CM) but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light(CN) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,(CO)
    rise from the dead,(CP)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(CQ)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(CR)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(CS) because the days are evil.(CT) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(CU) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(CV) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(CW) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(CX) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(CY) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(CZ)

21 Submit to one another(DA) out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands(DB) as you do to the Lord.(DC) 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,(DD) his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands(DE) in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives,(DF) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her(DG) 26 to make her holy,(DH) cleansing[f] her by the washing(DI) with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself(DJ) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.(DK) 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives(DL) as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.(DM) 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[g](DN) 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife(DO) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.(DP) 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[h](DQ)

4 Fathers,[i] do not exasperate your children;(DR) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.(DS)

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect(DT) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,(DU) just as you would obey Christ.(DV) 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,(DW) doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,(DX) 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,(DY) whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours(DZ) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(EA) with him.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord(EB) and in his mighty power.(EC) 11 Put on the full armor of God,(ED) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(EE) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(EF) against the powers(EG) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(EH) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(EI) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,(EJ) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,(EK) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.(EL) 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(EM) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(EN) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(EO) and the sword of the Spirit,(EP) which is the word of God.(EQ)

18 And pray in the Spirit(ER) on all occasions(ES) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(ET) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(EU) for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me,(EV) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly(EW) make known the mystery(EX) of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador(EY) in chains.(EZ) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus,(FA) the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,(FB) and that he may encourage you.(FC)

23 Peace(FD) to the brothers and sisters,[j] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[k]

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  2. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  3. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
  4. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  5. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
  6. Ephesians 5:26 Or having cleansed
  7. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24
  8. Ephesians 6:3 Deut. 5:16
  9. Ephesians 6:4 Or Parents
  10. Ephesians 6:23 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
  11. Ephesians 6:24 Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
Next
Ephesians 3
Philippians 1
Next
dropdown
American Standard Version (ASV)

Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV