Ephesians 4 27

Ephesians 4:27 kjv

Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27 nkjv

nor give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27 niv

and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:27 esv

and give no opportunity to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27 nlt

for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 27 Meaning

This verse warns believers against providing any opportunity, foothold, or sphere of influence for the devil within their lives. It connects specifically to sinful actions and attitudes mentioned immediately before, indicating that persistent or unaddressed sin opens a pathway for evil's destructive work, allowing the adversary to gain an advantage.

Ephesians 4 27 Context

Ephesians chapter 4 shifts from the doctrinal foundations of chapters 1-3 (God's plan for redemption, the church as Christ's body) to practical Christian living. Paul exhorts believers to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Eph 4:1), emphasizing unity in the Spirit, growth into Christ-likeness, and putting off the "old man" of sin while putting on the "new man" of righteousness. Verse 27 follows a series of specific commands aimed at embodying this new identity: speak truth (Eph 4:25), manage anger without sin (Eph 4:26), do not steal but work honestly (Eph 4:28), and let no corrupting talk come from your mouth (Eph 4:29). The direct link from verse 26 ("do not let the sun go down on your wrath") to verse 27 highlights how unresolved anger is a particularly potent entry point for the devil's influence. Historically, Gentile converts, forming a significant portion of the Ephesian church, came from cultures where such ethical distinctions were often absent, and gods were not necessarily models of virtue. Paul's instruction is a radical call to a holy, distinct life in Christ that stands in stark contrast to pagan immorality and provides no ground for evil forces to exploit.

Ephesians 4 27 Word analysis

• Nor (μηδέ - mēde):

  • This strong negative conjunction means "and not," "nor," or "not even."
  • It serves to emphatically connect and reinforce the preceding negative commands.
  • It indicates that giving place to the devil is a direct consequence to be avoided, linked tightly with the prohibitions against falsehood, unrighteous anger, and destructive speech.

• give place (δότε τόπον - dote topon):

  • δότε (dote): This is the aorist imperative plural form of the verb didomi, meaning "to give," "to grant," "to allow," or "to yield."
  • As an imperative, it is a direct command to the believers (plural) not to actively allow or concede anything.
  • τόπον (topon): This is the accusative singular of the noun topos, meaning "place," "space," "room," "ground," "opportunity," "foothold," "advantage," or "opening."
  • It signifies an allocated space or a strategic advantage.
  • Together, "give place" conveys the idea of surrendering ground, providing a strategic opening, or creating an opportunity.

• to the devil (τῷ διαβόλῳ - tō diabolō):

  • τῷ (tō): The dative masculine singular article indicating direction or the recipient.
  • διαβόλῳ (diabolō): This is the dative singular of diabolos, from which the English word "devil" is derived. It means "slanderer," "accuser," or "adversary."
  • In the New Testament, diabolos consistently refers to Satan, the chief opponent of God and humanity. He operates through deception, division, accusation, and temptation to destroy.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Nor give place": This phrase underlines the believer's responsibility to actively prevent any potential advantage for evil. It's not about passive defense but deliberate action to deny Satan access. It emphasizes closing off vulnerabilities that may arise from unmortified sin.
  • "give place to the devil": This specific warning highlights the spiritual consequence of yielding to sin (especially the specific sins just listed). When believers harbor sin, like unrighteous or unresolved anger, they essentially create a spiritual beachhead, allowing the adversary to extend his influence or operations within their lives. It indicates a reciprocal relationship: our unaddressed sin provides the means for Satan to work.

Ephesians 4 27 Bonus section

• The passive acceptance or cultivation of sinful attitudes provides the "place" (Greek topos implies territory or space) that the adversary then occupies or operates within. This is why immediate repentance and forgiveness are so crucial (cf. 2 Cor 2:10-11).
• The devil does not need permission or have inherent power over a Christian redeemed by Christ, but sin (rebellion against God) creates a point of vulnerability or access, essentially providing an invitation for him to exercise destructive influence.
• This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare being intertwined with our daily moral and ethical choices. Our ethical conduct has spiritual ramifications beyond mere human interaction.
• The warning here implicitly advocates for spiritual discipline and vigilance, consistently checking one's heart and actions for any areas that could be leveraged by the enemy.

Ephesians 4 27 Commentary

Ephesians 4:27 acts as a solemn spiritual injunction against allowing any ground for the adversary. It directly connects the believer's practical choices regarding sin to the devil's potential influence. To "give place" is to create an opening, offer a strategic advantage, or yield a sphere of operation to Satan. This is not about the loss of salvation or inherent susceptibility to demon possession for a genuine believer, but rather about allowing the adversary to sow discord, cause spiritual hindrance, ignite bitterness, exploit weaknesses, or tempt one deeper into sin. Unconfessed, unresolved, or persistent sin, particularly anger or resentment as implied by the immediate context (v. 26), is highlighted as such an "opening." The devil is ever vigilant, seeking opportunities to exploit human weaknesses. Therefore, living righteously, characterized by truthfulness, swift resolution of anger, and wholesome speech, serves as a primary defense, effectively denying the enemy any foothold.Examples: Unforgiveness provides an ongoing opportunity for bitterness to root and for division within relationships, which the devil can exploit. Holding onto pride might prevent a person from confessing sin, thereby prolonging the "place" for destructive patterns. Harboring jealousy allows envy to fester, which can lead to actions detrimental to both oneself and others, orchestrated by the adversary's promptings.