Ephesians 4 25

Ephesians 4:25 kjv

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25 nkjv

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4:25 niv

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:25 esv

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25 nlt

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 25 Meaning

This verse commands believers to abandon all forms of deceit and actively speak the truth in their interactions with others. The foundational reason given for this is the intrinsic unity of believers, who are intimately connected to one another as integral parts of the same spiritual body, the Body of Christ. Therefore, dishonesty harms the entire community, while truthfulness fosters its health and unity.

Ephesians 4 25 Context

Ephesians 4 initiates a crucial shift in Paul's letter, moving from foundational theological doctrines (Chapters 1-3) to practical ethical imperatives for Christian living (Chapters 4-6). The chapter opens with a passionate appeal for believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" (v. 1), emphasizing unity in the Spirit amidst diversity of spiritual gifts (v. 1-16). Following this, Paul draws a sharp contrast between the "old self," characteristic of the Gentile lifestyle marked by futility of mind and deceit (v. 17-19), and the "new self," learned in Christ and created in righteousness and true holiness (v. 20-24). Verse 25 is the very first specific exhortation in a series of commands (often framed as "put off" and "put on") illustrating how to embody this new identity in practical, everyday life. It sets the tone for a radical transformation of behavior, starting with the fundamental issue of honesty and integrity in speech and relationships, driven by the profound reality of Christian communal identity.

Historically, truth-telling in the Greco-Roman world was often secondary to expediency, rhetorical skill, or self-interest. Sophistry and political deception were not uncommon. Paul’s command, therefore, served as a distinct ethical polemic against prevalent cultural norms that blurred the lines of truth and falsehood. It directly countered a worldview where verbal dexterity could circumvent honesty.

Ephesians 4 25 Word analysis

• Therefore (Διό - Dio): A strong conjunction that logically links what follows to the preceding section (Eph 4:17-24). It signifies that the practical commands are a necessary consequence of putting off the old self and putting on the new, Christ-like nature.
• putting away (ἀποθέμενοι - apothemenoi): A participle derived from a verb meaning "to lay off," "to take off" (like clothes), or "to cast aside." It implies a decisive and complete rejection or disowning of a former characteristic or practice. This links directly to the "putting off the old self" imagery in Eph 4:22.
• falsehood (τὸ ψεῦδος - to pseudos): This term refers not merely to isolated instances of telling lies, but to the very essence of untruth, deceit, or mendacity as a pervasive characteristic. It encompasses all forms of misrepresentation, insincerity, and dishonesty. In a theological sense, falsehood is rooted in the devil, the "father of lies" (Jn 8:44).
• let each one of you (ἕκαστος - hekastos): Emphasizes individual responsibility. The command is not just for leaders or a select few, but for every single member of the Christian community. It points to a pervasive expectation of truthfulness among all believers.
• speak the truth (ἀλήθειαν λαλεῖτε - aletheian laleite): This is the positive command that contrasts directly with "putting away falsehood."
  • Aletheia (truth) signifies not just factual accuracy but also genuineness, reality, and integrity. It aligns with God's character (Titus 1:2) and Christ's person (Jn 14:6).
  • Laleite (speak) is in the imperative mood, demanding active and ongoing speech that reflects truth. It implies transparency and honesty in communication, not just abstinence from outright lies.
• with his neighbor (μετὰ τοῦ πλησίον αὐτοῦ - meta tou plēsion autou): Refers primarily to fellow believers within the Body of Christ, highlighting the context of intra-community relationships. However, in broader biblical teaching (Lev 19:18, Rom 13:9-10), "neighbor" extends to all humanity, making this command applicable universally, though with particular emphasis within the church.
• for (ὅτι - hoti): Introduces the reason or motivation for the command. It grounds the ethical imperative in theological reality.
• we are members (μέλη ἐσμέν - melē esmen): Employs the metaphor of the church as a living organism, the Body of Christ (Eph 4:4, 16). Each believer is a part (a "member" or "limb") of this unified body.
• one of another (ἀλλήλων - allēlōn): Denotes mutual interconnectedness and interdependence. Actions taken by one member directly affect the others. This reinforces the organic unity of the Body and underlines why truth-telling is crucial for its health and function.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore, putting away falsehood,": This phrase marks a clear break from the old pagan lifestyle and the old self. "Putting away" implies a deliberate, conscious act of shedding the characteristic of deceit. It's an internal and external transformation flowing from the new identity in Christ.
• "let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor,": This is the positive, proactive command. It emphasizes active, transparent communication rather than mere absence of lies. "Each one of you" underlines the universal applicability and personal responsibility within the Christian community, and "with his neighbor" limits it to interpersonal, communal interactions where truth-telling fosters trust and unity.
• "for we are members one of another.": This powerful theological statement provides the deep motivation and logical necessity for truthfulness among believers. As interdependent parts of Christ's single body, lies uttered by one member wound the entire body, disrupt its harmonious function, and ultimately hinder its growth and witness. Conversely, truth builds up and strengthens the mutual bond.

Ephesians 4 25 Bonus section

• The call to put away falsehood aligns deeply with God's character. As Scripture testifies, God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb 6:18), and His very essence is truth. Therefore, as children of God and imitators of Christ, believers are called to embody this divine attribute in their lives and words.
• The connection between falsehood and the devil is significant. Jesus identifies Satan as the "father of lies" (Jn 8:44), emphasizing that deceit is an inherent characteristic of the adversary. Thus, putting away falsehood is a definitive act of aligning with God's kingdom and resisting the dominion of darkness.
• While primarily focusing on verbal communication ("speak the truth"), the underlying principle of "putting away falsehood" extends to integrity of action, thought, and intent. True discipleship encompasses an authentic inner state that naturally expresses itself in truthful speech and conduct.
• The phrase "speak the truth in love" from Eph 4:15 serves as an important counterbalance to Eph 4:25. It clarifies that speaking truth is not a license for harshness, insensitivity, or self-righteous judgment. Truth must always be delivered with grace, respect, and a genuine desire for the neighbor's good and the body's edification.

Ephesians 4 25 Commentary

Ephesians 4:25 stands as the inaugural and foundational ethical command within Paul's practical exhortations. It demands a radical departure from falsehood, which is characterized as belonging to the "old self" that believers have renounced (Eph 4:22). This is not merely about refraining from an occasional lie but involves a comprehensive shedding of all forms of deceit and insincerity in one's character and conduct. The subsequent command, to "speak the truth," emphasizes the active cultivation of integrity, honesty, and transparency in verbal communication. This transformation is deeply rooted in the Christian's new identity, being "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:24), for God Himself is the God of truth.

The critical motivation for this command is the profound spiritual unity of believers: "for we are members one of another." This refers to the church as the organic Body of Christ (Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:12-27). Just as a physical body cannot function properly when its parts are dishonest with each other (e.g., nerve impulses sending false signals), the spiritual body cannot thrive or display its unity when members deceive each other. Lies, gossip, misrepresentations, or hidden motives corrode trust, fracture fellowship, and hinder the Spirit's work. Speaking the truth, on the other hand, builds genuine relationships, fosters accountability, promotes mutual understanding, and ultimately enables the Body to "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph 4:15). This command is crucial for maintaining both the purity of individual Christian character and the integrity of the believing community's witness to the world.

• Examples: Instead of fabricating excuses for tardiness, simply admit one's oversight. Rather than exaggerating details to impress, state facts plainly. Instead of allowing harmful rumors to persist through silence, gently speak clarifying truth where appropriate, remembering to do so "in love" (Eph 4:15).