Ephesians 4 20

Ephesians 4:20 kjv

But ye have not so learned Christ;

Ephesians 4:20 nkjv

But you have not so learned Christ,

Ephesians 4:20 niv

That, however, is not the way of life you learned

Ephesians 4:20 esv

But that is not the way you learned Christ! ?

Ephesians 4:20 nlt

But that isn't what you learned about Christ.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 20 Meaning

You were taught to put away your former way of life, concerning your former conduct, to put off the old man. This verse signifies a complete transformation in belief and action, leaving behind the old sinful nature to embrace a new, Christ-centered identity. It's a call to radical discipleship, abandoning old habits and adopting the teachings of Christ.

Ephesians 4 20 Context

Ephesians chapter 4 is a pivotal section discussing the unity of the church and how believers should live out their faith in practical terms. Following the profound theological exposition of God's plan of salvation through Christ in the preceding chapters, Paul now transitions to exhortations for conduct that upholds this unity. Verse 20 comes in the context of Paul detailing how believers, once living in the futility of the Gentiles, have been taught the truth in Jesus. This verse specifically marks the turning point from understanding the truth to the active, ongoing process of living according to it, contrasting the "old way of life" with the "new life" in Christ.

Ephesians 4 20 Word Analysis

• humeis (ὑμεῖς): "you" (plural). Emphasizes that this instruction is directed to the entire body of believers in Ephesus, not just individuals.
• houtos (οὕτως): "thus" or "so". Indicates that the following instruction is a consequence of or in accordance with what has been taught.
• eMathete (ἐμάθετε): "learned" or "taught". This is in the perfect tense, signifying a past action with continuing results; the teaching received has permanently impacted their understanding.
• en (ἐν): "in" or "by". Denotes the sphere or manner in which they learned.
• A_uto_ (αὐτῷ): "Him" (referring to Christ). Learning was done "in Him," signifying that Christ is the source and substance of the truth they received.
• ``per`i_ (περὶ): "concerning" or "about". Introduces the subject matter of their learning.
• ``te_n` (τὴν): "the" (definite article, feminine accusative singular). Refers to a specific way of life.
• proter`a_n (προτέραν): "former" or "previous". It refers to the way of life and conduct before conversion.
• anastraphe_n (ἀναστροφῆς): "conduct" or "manner of life". This describes the way a person lives out their beliefs in daily actions and behavior.
• um`n (ὑμῶν): "your" (genitive plural). Possessive, indicating the conduct that belonged to them previously.
• fhthele`ra_n (φθορᾶς): "corruption" or "decay". This highlights the moral and spiritual deterioration inherent in the former life, linked to sinful indulgence.

Phrase/Passage Group Analysis:

• houtos eMathete en Auto perite_n proteran anastrafe_n umon, te_n fhthelera_n: "Thus you learned in Him concerning the former conduct of yours, the corrupt." This entire phrase underscores that the process of learning truth in Christ necessarily involves recognizing and discarding the previous, corrupted way of life. The passive voice of "learned" (passive of manthano) implies divine or apostolic instruction, where they have been taught and are now acting upon that teaching. The "former conduct" is characterized by "corruption," indicating its inherent destructiveness and God-dishonoring nature.

Ephesians 4 20 Bonus Section

This verse functions as a crucial hinge, bridging the theological foundation of chapters 1-3 with the practical applications in chapters 4-6. It sets the stage for subsequent instructions on putting off specific sins like lying, anger, and immoral speech (4:25, 4:29) and putting on virtues like truthfulness, forgiveness, and kindness. The concept of the "old man" and the "new man" is a common Pauline theme, appearing also in Colossians and Romans, signifying the fundamental change that occurs at salvation, where believers are "renewed in knowledge" and actively participate in "putting off" the old and "putting on" the new creation in Christ. The essence is not mere behavior modification, but an internal transformation reflected in outward conduct, empowered by the Spirit and centered on Christ.

Ephesians 4 20 Commentary

The core message of Ephesians 4:20 is that genuine discipleship involves a transformative break from the past. Believers have been divinely instructed and enlightened by Christ Himself, leading them to a new understanding of their "former way of life" – a life marked by spiritual decay and sinful corruption. This "putting off" is not a gradual improvement but a decisive renunciation of the old self, acknowledging its inherent brokenness and God-disqualifying nature. The perfect tense of "learned" emphasizes that this realization is a permanent aspect of their new identity in Christ, requiring them to actively live out this truth by "putting off" those old behaviors and mindsets that characterize the corrupt former life.

• Practical Application: When you encounter old thought patterns or behavioral tendencies that stem from your pre-Christian life, recognize them as remnants of the "old man" that have been corrupted. Instead of yielding to them, remember the truth you've learned in Christ and consciously choose to reject them, relying on the Holy Spirit's power to live in accordance with your new identity.