Ephesians 4:32

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Ephesians 4
  4. Ephesians 4:32

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Ephesians 1 Ephesians 2 Ephesians 3 Ephesians 4 Ephesians 5 Ephesians 6

Verse

Ephesians 4:1 Ephesians 4:2 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:4 Ephesians 4:5 Ephesians 4:6 Ephesians 4:7 Ephesians 4:8 Ephesians 4:9 Ephesians 4:10 Ephesians 4:11 Ephesians 4:12 Ephesians 4:13 Ephesians 4:14 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:16 Ephesians 4:17 Ephesians 4:18 Ephesians 4:19 Ephesians 4:20 Ephesians 4:21 Ephesians 4:22 Ephesians 4:23 Ephesians 4:24 Ephesians 4:25 Ephesians 4:26 Ephesians 4:27 Ephesians 4:28 Ephesians 4:29 Ephesians 4:30 Ephesians 4:31 Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32 KJV

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Previous Verse
« Ephesians 4:31
Next Verse
Ephesians 5:1 »

Ephesians 4:32 Bible Commentary

Ephesians 4:32 Commentary

Verse: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Overview

This verse encapsulates the Apostle Paul's instructive appeal to the believers in Ephesus, emphasizing the virtues of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It is situated within a broader discourse on Christian conduct and unity within the body of Christ. The virtues mentioned are not mere suggestions but essential characteristics of a true Christian life.

Exegesis and Analysis

  • Kindness: The call to be "kind one to another" highlights the transformative nature of Christian love. Kindness is an active expression of love that embodies a spirit of generosity and selflessness.
  • Tenderheartedness: The term 'tenderhearted' denotes a heartfelt compassion towards others. Adam Clarke expresses that this quality invites believers to empathize deeply with the struggles and sufferings of their fellow believers.
  • Forgiveness: The directive to "forgive one another" underscores the centrality of forgiveness in the Christian faith. Matthew Henry notes that forgiveness is often predicated on the understanding of God’s forgiveness towards us in Christ. This points to the essential need to mirror the divine grace we have received.
  • Christ's Example: The phrase "even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" serves as the theological foundation for Christian forgiveness. Albert Barnes emphasizes that our willingness to forgive should stem from the realization of God's completed work through Christ, painting a picture of profound grace and mercy.

Theological Themes

This verse opens discussions on several theological themes including:

  • Grace and Forgiveness: Reflecting on the undeserved grace of God, the command to forgive posits an ethical framework that compels believers to act in accordance with their spiritual reality.
  • Unity in the Body of Christ: The context of Ephesians emphasizes unity. Paul exhorts the church to reflect the love of Christ in their interpersonal relationships, portraying the communal nature of faith.
  • Imitation of Christ: The call to emulate Christ’s forgiveness and love reinforces the believer's identity and mission within the church and the world.

Expository Insights

Paul's exhortation serves as a spiritual roadmap for the body of believers. It invites a reflective consideration of our relationships and interactions, urging a response of obedience to God's commands. Albert Barnes articulates that believers, equipped with knowledge of God's forgiving nature, are to create environments of kindness and understanding.

Practical Applications

In the modern Christian context, Ephesians 4:32 carries significant practical implications:

  • Church Dynamics: Churches today must cultivate an atmosphere of kindness and forgiveness, offering a space for healing and reconciliation.
  • Personal Relationships: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their personal grudges and learn to extend grace to those who may have wronged them, fostering healthier relationships.
  • Community Engagement: Believers are called to embody these values in their communities, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions beyond the walls of the church.

Conclusion

The directives laid out in Ephesians 4:32 serve as a vital reminder of the ethical implications of the Christian faith. Through kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, believers are called to mirror and proclaim the grace of God extended towards them. Pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars are encouraged to delve deeply into this verse, allowing it to challenge and shape their perspectives and practices in Christian living.

Ephesians 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

Ephesians 4:1 Ephesians 4:2 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:4 Ephesians 4:5 Ephesians 4:6 Ephesians 4:7 Ephesians 4:8 Ephesians 4:9 Ephesians 4:10 Ephesians 4:11 Ephesians 4:12 Ephesians 4:13 Ephesians 4:14 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:16 Ephesians 4:17 Ephesians 4:18 Ephesians 4:19 Ephesians 4:20 Ephesians 4:21 Ephesians 4:22 Ephesians 4:23 Ephesians 4:24 Ephesians 4:25 Ephesians 4:26 Ephesians 4:27 Ephesians 4:28 Ephesians 4:29 Ephesians 4:30 Ephesians 4:31 Ephesians 4:32

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »