Ephesians 4 24

Ephesians 4:24 kjv

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:24 nkjv

and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24 niv

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24 esv

and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24 nlt

Put on your new nature, created to be like God ? truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 24 Meaning

Ephesians 4:24 exhorts believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ. It calls for the active appropriation of a renewed spiritual self, distinct from the former sinful nature. This "new man" is supernaturally brought into being by God's power, reflecting His character and manifesting in a life characterized by genuine ethical uprightness and authentic piety, fundamentally rooted in divine truth. It's a transformative putting on of God’s nature as image bearers.

Ephesians 4 24 Context

Ephesians chapter 4 shifts from doctrinal truths in chapters 1-3 to practical application for Christian living. The initial verses (4:1-16) focus on maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, highlighting various spiritual gifts that contribute to the edification of the body of Christ. Verses 17-24 form a crucial turning point, contrasting the futile, immoral, and darkened ways of the "old man" (Gentile lifestyle before Christ) with the transformative imperative of living in the "new man" after conversion. This particular verse (4:24) serves as the positive command, following the negative command to "put off" the old self (v. 22) and the command to be "renewed in the spirit of your mind" (v. 23). It is an ethical summons rooted in the believer's new identity received in Christ. Historically, it was a sharp contrast to pagan practices marked by spiritual ignorance, moral depravity, and impurity, offering a radical new path for believers in a morally permissive world.

Ephesians 4 24 Word analysis

• and that you put on: καὶ ἐνδύσασθαι (kai endysasthai). "Endysasthai" is an infinitive, indicating the command or purpose flowing from what was previously said (being taught truth as it is in Jesus). It means to "clothe oneself" or "to put on." This is not a passive reception but an active, conscious choice and a continuous appropriation of a new way of living. It signifies the embracing of a new identity and lifestyle, like donning a garment. This active "putting on" parallels the removal of the old self described earlier.
• the new man: τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον (ton kainon anthrōpon). "Kainon" means "new" in quality, fresh, superior, or of a different, superior kind, as opposed to "neos" which refers to newness in time. "Anthrōpon" means "man" or "person." This "new man" refers to the regenerated self, the believer's new identity and nature in Christ, shaped by His life, death, and resurrection. It contrasts sharply with the "old man" (v. 22), representing the former unregenerate, fallen nature and sinful pattern of life. It implies a total transformation of one's being and character.
• who was created according to God: τὸν κατὰ Θεὸν κτισθέντα (ton kata Theon ktisthenta). "Ktisthenta" is an aorist passive participle meaning "having been created." This highlights the divine initiative: this "new man" is not a self-improvement project but a supernatural work of God. The phrase "kata Theon" means "according to God," implying that the new creation is formed in conformity to God's nature, His character, and His original design for humanity (Gen 1:26). It's a restoration of the divine image. This is a polemic against any human-centric efforts at moral improvement; true transformation is God's work.
• in righteousness and true holiness: ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ὁσιότητι τῆς ἀληθείας (en dikaiosynē kai hosiotēti tēs alētheias).
  • righteousness: δικαιοσύνῃ (dikaoisynē). Refers to ethical rightness, conformity to God's moral standard, integrity in character and conduct. It's living justly and equitably in relation to God and others.
  • holiness: ὁσιότητι (hosiotēti). This term primarily relates to piety and reverence towards God, fulfilling one's duty to Him, expressing devoutness. It's often seen as spiritual purity, distinct from moral purity but closely intertwined.
  • true: τῆς ἀληθείας (tēs alētheias). "Of truth" or "true." This emphasizes the genuine, authentic nature of this righteousness and holiness. It distinguishes this divinely empowered transformation from mere external conformity, hypocrisy, or the false holiness practiced in some pagan cults which could be external and ritualistic but morally corrupt. This righteousness and holiness are not merely outward acts but flow from an inner disposition of truth.

Words-group analysis

• "put on the new man": This is an active imperative that summarizes the goal of sanctification. It is not just abandoning sin, but embracing and living out the new spiritual identity that God has provided. It speaks to lifestyle, attitudes, and actions that embody this regenerated state.
• "created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness": This phrase defines the nature and outcome of the "new man." It explicitly states the divine origin (created by God), the divine pattern (according to God's nature), and the key characteristics of this new being (righteousness and true holiness). This triad underscores the comprehensive transformation of character that is divinely initiated and divinely patterned, leading to moral excellence and authentic piety.

Ephesians 4 24 Bonus section

The imagery of "putting on" clothes was common in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought to symbolize taking on a new identity, character, or disposition. In this context, it vividly illustrates the deliberate choice and effort required from the believer to live consistently with their God-given new nature. It’s an ongoing process of conforming one’s thoughts, words, and actions to the character of Christ, facilitated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This call for a renewed life is not an invitation to strive for human perfection in one's own strength but to align oneself with the finished work of God in creating the "new man," continually drawing on His power and truth.

Ephesians 4 24 Commentary

Ephesians 4:24 functions as a foundational ethical imperative for believers. Having already stripped away the "old man"—the patterns of behavior and thought aligned with unregenerate human nature—the Christian is called to actively embrace and manifest the "new man." This new self is not merely an improved version of the old but a wholly new creation, inaugurated by God. Its essence lies in mirroring God's character, particularly His righteousness, which concerns uprightness in action and relation to justice, and true holiness, which relates to inner spiritual purity and devoutness toward God. The emphasis on "true" distinguishes this holiness from superficial religious observance or outward appearance, ensuring it stems from the transformative power of God's Spirit operating through truth. This verse thus articulates both the divine origin of the believer’s new identity and the active, ethical outworking of that identity in daily life, calling for congruence between what we are in Christ and how we live.