Ephesians 4:1 kjv

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:1 nkjv

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:1 niv

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1 esv

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

Ephesians 4:1 nlt

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 1 Meaning

Ephesians 4:1 serves as a pivotal transition, bridging the theological foundation of chapters 1-3 with the practical exhortations of chapters 4-6. It emphasizes that a believer's conduct should align with their divine calling in Christ. Paul, as "a prisoner for the Lord," implores believers to live a life suitable and consistent with the glorious and high calling they have received from God, emphasizing responsibility arising from identity.

Ephesians 4 1 Context

Ephesians 4:1 marks a crucial transition in the book of Ephesians. Chapters 1-3 lay the profound theological groundwork, detailing God's eternal plan, the mystery of the church, and the blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ—including election, redemption, adoption, and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into one body. This foundational understanding establishes who believers are in Christ. Chapters 4-6 then transition to the practical outworking of these truths, emphasizing Christian conduct and responsibility. Verse 4:1 acts as the hinge, connecting the "indicative" (what God has done) to the "imperative" (how believers should live). Historically, the church in Ephesus was surrounded by a pagan culture characterized by idolatry, immorality, and divisive social structures. Paul's exhortation to "walk worthy" stands in stark contrast to such worldly behaviors, calling believers to embody their new identity in Christ through ethical living and unity, challenging contemporary pagan beliefs in self-serving ethics.

Ephesians 4 1 Word analysis

• I therefore, (παρακαλῶ οὖν, parakalō oun):
  • παρακαλῶ (parakalō): Means to appeal, urge, exhort, or beseech. It's not a mere suggestion but a heartfelt, strong pastoral appeal. It implies inviting someone to one's side, often for comfort or counsel, here, for proper conduct.
  • οὖν (oun): The conjunction "therefore" logically links the preceding doctrinal truths (chapters 1-3, emphasizing the spiritual riches and divine calling believers possess) to the subsequent practical responsibilities (chapters 4-6, outlining how they should live). It signifies that behavior should be a logical outcome of belief.
• a prisoner (δέσμιος, desmios):
  • Literally "one who is bound," a captive. Paul uses his imprisonment not as a weakness but as a credential. His suffering is not incidental but for the Lord and for the Gospel. This gives significant weight and authenticity to his appeal, demonstrating he practices what he preaches.
• for the Lord, (ἐν κυρίῳ, en Kyriō):
  • More accurately, "in the Lord," which implies being united with Christ, but here contextually carries the meaning "on account of the Lord," "for the Lord's sake," or "because of the Lord." It underscores that Paul's imprisonment is a direct consequence of his service and allegiance to Christ, not a random misfortune.
• urge you (παρακαλῶ, parakalō):
  • Repetition of the earlier term, reinforcing the deep earnestness and pastoral concern of Paul.
• to walk (περιπατῆσαι, peripatēsai):
  • A common biblical idiom for conduct, manner of life, or habitual behavior. It refers to the ongoing, daily course of one's life, not just isolated acts. It suggests a journey or a progressive way of living.
• in a manner worthy (ἀξίως, axiōs):
  • Meaning suitably, appropriately, or corresponding to the weight/value. It doesn't mean earning salvation but living consistently with the immense value of the calling received. It implies a congruency between inner identity and outer action. Our lives should measure up to the high standard of God's call, reflecting His glory.
• of the calling (τῆς κλήσεως, tēs klēseōs):
  • Refers to God's divine summons or invitation. In Ephesians, this "calling" is vast, encompassing election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's one body. It is an unmerited, efficacious call to salvation, relationship with God, and participation in His eternal purpose.
• to which you have been called (ἧς ἐκλήθητε, hēs eklēthēte):
  • The repetition of "called" (from the root of κλῆσις) emphasizes the divine origin and nature of this calling. It is God's initiative, and it is a past, completed action that resulted in their current status. This underscores the objective reality and immensity of their spiritual position before any human response.

Ephesians 4 1 Bonus section

• The passive voice of "you have been called" emphasizes that God is the primary actor in the Christian's calling. It's not something human beings initiate or earn.
• The nature of Paul's parakalō (urge) is persuasive and relational, typical of pastoral exhortation. It's less of a command and more of an appeal based on shared conviction and understanding of God's grace.
• "Walk worthy" implies a journey. Christian living is a dynamic process, not a static state. It involves progress, vigilance, and intentional choices day by day.
• The contrast implicit in "worthy" is with living unworthily, which would negate or discredit the high status and profound blessings God has bestowed. It’s about not bringing shame to the name by which we are called.

Ephesians 4 1 Commentary

Ephesians 4:1 functions as the hinge for the entire epistle, signaling a vital transition from divine revelation to human responsibility. Paul's opening "therefore" (οὖν) makes it clear that sound doctrine (chapters 1-3) must always precede, inform, and necessitate Christian practice (chapters 4-6). The identity given by God through Christ is the immutable foundation for the behavior expected of believers. By referring to himself as "a prisoner for the Lord," Paul invests his plea with authority rooted in personal sacrifice and steadfast allegiance to Christ, lending credibility to his urgent exhortation. The imperative to "walk in a manner worthy" (ἀξίως περιπατῆσαι) is not about earning salvation but about reflecting the glory and significance of the "calling" (κλῆσις) that God has already bestowed. This "calling" is a high, holy, and eternal summons to relationship and purpose within His kingdom. Therefore, the Christian life is a continuous journey (walking) where daily conduct should be congruent with the magnificent spiritual realities received. This pursuit of worthy living immediately sets the stage for the specific outworkings of unity, humility, purity, and love described in the subsequent verses.