Ephesians 4 16

Ephesians 4:16 kjv

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16 nkjv

from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16 niv

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:16 esv

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:16 nlt

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 16 Meaning

This verse reveals how the church, the body of Christ, experiences spiritual growth and edification. It originates from Christ, the Head, and functions as an integrated whole. Each member, like a distinct "joint" or "part," is equipped by divine provision to fulfill its specific role. When all parts effectively work together, empowered by a unifying love, the entire body grows to maturity and strengthens itself spiritually. It emphasizes mutual dependence and active participation for corporate health and development in Christ.

Ephesians 4 16 Context

Ephesians chapter 4 shifts from theological doctrines concerning Christ and the Church (chapters 1-3) to practical exhortations for Christian living (chapters 4-6). The chapter begins with a plea for unity in the Spirit (Eph 4:1-3), emphasizing the "seven ones" (one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God - Eph 4:4-6) as the foundation for this unity. Following this, Paul discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts bestowed by Christ upon individuals (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers - Eph 4:7-11). The purpose of these gifts, as stated in Eph 4:12-13, is to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This objective prevents spiritual immaturity and being swayed by false doctrines (Eph 4:14). Verse 15 provides the immediate bridge to verse 16, stating, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, Christ." Ephesians 4:16, therefore, explains how this corporate growth "into Him" occurs – through the synergistic functioning of all members, supplied by Christ and empowered by love. The cultural context reflects Paul's concern for nascent church communities striving for cohesion amidst diverse backgrounds and potential false teachings, promoting a functional unity where every believer plays a vital, God-given part.

Ephesians 4 16 Word analysis

• From whom (ἐξ οὗ - ex hou): This prepositional phrase refers directly back to "Him who is the head, Christ" in verse 15. It highlights Christ as the singular, ultimate source and ultimate director of the church's growth and vitality. The church's life, sustenance, and direction flow exclusively from Him.
• The whole body (πᾶν τὸ σῶμα - pan to sōma): Emphasizes the entire community of believers, without exception. No part is extraneous or inactive; every believer is included in this organic unity. It reinforces the universal nature of the Church, not just local congregations.
• Joined and knit together (συναρμολογούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον - synarmologoumenon kai symbibazomenon): These are powerful Greek compound verbs.
  • Synarmologoumenon: Means "fitted together," or "built together with." It suggests an intricate, precise fitting of distinct components to form a harmonious structure, like perfectly crafted masonry. It implies design and inter-connectivity.
  • Symbibazomenon: Means "knit together," "held together," or "united." It implies a bringing together and holding securely in place, causing parts to cohere. The image is of ligaments and sinews securely fastening parts. Together, these two verbs convey a complete and intricate cohesion, showing how the parts are both assembled and held in functional relationship.
• By every joint (διὰ πάσης ἀφῆς - dia pasēs aphēs): Aphēs (joint, ligament) is a medical term referring to connecting points or means of articulation within the body. Paul employs precise biological language. "Every joint" implies that each connecting point—every person who provides a means of connection, nurture, or function within the body—is essential. It signifies all the various means by which spiritual energy and supplies are distributed throughout the body.
• Of the supply (τῆς ἐπιχορηγίας - tēs epichorēgias): Epichorēgia originally referred to the complete provision of a chorus for a theatrical production, signifying abundant and comprehensive supply. Here, it refers to the spiritual resources, strength, and grace supplied by Christ through these connecting points (the "joints"). This divine supply is precisely what enables each part to function and the whole body to thrive.
• When each part is working properly / according to the effective working of each individual part (κατ’ ἐνέργειαν ἑνὸς ἑκάστου μέρους - kat' energeian henos hekastou merous): Energeian refers to effective power or divine working. It speaks of the divine energy or enablement for effective spiritual action. This phrase highlights that each individual member of the body has a specific, God-given function that must be exercised. It's not passive membership; active, Spirit-empowered contribution from every unique part is required for corporate growth. "Working properly" implies efficiency and faithfulness to one's appointed task.
• Makes bodily growth (τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ σώματος ποιεῖται - tēn auxēsin tou sōmatos poieitai): Auxēsis means "increase" or "growth." The verb poieitai (makes) indicates that the body itself is the agent of its growth, but it does so through the individual, effective functioning of its members, enabled by the divine supply from the Head. This growth is holistic, affecting the entire body. It's not just numerical growth, but spiritual maturity and strength.
• And upbuilds itself (εἰς οἰκοδομὴν ἑαυτοῦ - eis oikodomēn heautou): Oikodomē means "building up," "edification," or "construction." The body builds itself up; this signifies internal strengthening, maturity, and structural integrity. It's a continuous process of mutual encouragement and development within the community.
• In love (ἐν ἀγάπῃ - en agapē): Agapē refers to divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. This is the essential atmosphere, motive, and ultimate character of all true Christian growth and edification. All activities and functions within the body must be rooted in and driven by this love. It ensures that growth is wholesome and constructive, preventing unhealthy or self-serving expressions of gifts.

Ephesians 4 16 Bonus section

The concept of supply (epichorēgias) flowing through the joints (aphēs) speaks to both direct provision from Christ (e.g., His Spirit, grace, truth) and the indirect means by which these are transmitted among believers through their active participation and mutual service. The "joints" can represent individuals who, through their ministries or relationships, connect, distribute, and enable the spiritual flow necessary for the body. The health of the body is thus dependent on the health of these connections and the willingness of each part to facilitate the flow of life from Christ. This metaphor of a living, growing organism emphasizes dynamic spiritual vitality, contrasting with a static, organizational view of the church. The phrase "upbuilds itself" highlights the church's self-edifying capacity, empowered by the Spirit and Christ's leadership, suggesting an intrinsic drive towards maturity rather than just external maintenance. This implies responsibility not just for individual growth, but for actively contributing to the spiritual advancement of the entire fellowship.

Ephesians 4 16 Commentary

Ephesians 4:16 provides a vivid physiological analogy for the spiritual growth and healthy functioning of the church. At its core, the verse affirms Christ as the indispensable Head from whom all life, connection, and spiritual supply originate. The church, as His body, is depicted as a complex, perfectly fitted organism where every member (each part) is intricately linked to others (joined and knit together) through various means of connection (every joint).

The crucial element is the supply of spiritual life and grace, flowing from Christ through these interconnections. For the body to grow and strengthen (makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself), it's essential that each part is working properly. This underscores the vital importance of every believer's active and Spirit-empowered contribution. No member is superfluous; each plays a unique role in the corporate well-being. This collective and individual action, however, is not merely functional; it is fundamentally empowered and characterized in love. Love is the very medium through which genuine growth occurs, ensuring that all ministries and interactions lead to authentic edification rather than division or self-promotion. This divine love, shared amongst members, facilitates harmony, unity, and genuine spiritual maturation within the body of Christ.

• Example for practical usage: A church deciding on a new outreach program, where every member feels their ideas and contributions (their 'joint' or 'part working properly') are valued and are implemented in a spirit of love for the community and for Christ. This allows for diverse gifts (teaching, organizing, prayer, outreach) to come together and build up the church’s witness and capacity to serve, leading to holistic growth. Another example would be two members, one with the gift of teaching and another with the gift of helps, serving side by side. The teacher's message is strengthened by the helper's practical support, and both minister in love, contributing to the overall spiritual health of those they serve.