Ephesians 4:28 kjv
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Ephesians 4:28 nkjv
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Ephesians 4:28 niv
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Ephesians 4:28 esv
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Ephesians 4:28 nlt
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
Ephesians 4 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 4:28 | Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may give to him who has need. | Col 3:12 (Put on the new self), 1 Thess 4:11 (Live quietly, do honest work), 2 Thess 3:11-12 (Work quietly and eat your own bread), Proverbs 14:23 (In all toil there is profit), Proverbs 10:4 (A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich), Proverbs 22:29 (Do you see a man skillful in his work?), 1 Timothy 5:8 (If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his family, he has denied the faith), 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Charge the rich not to be haughty, nor to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who furnishes us richly for all enjoyment, to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share), 2 Corinthians 9:7 (Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver), Luke 3:10-14 (John the Baptist's teaching to tax collectors and soldiers), Acts 20:35 (Remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'), Galatians 6:7 (Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap), John 6:12 (When they had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be wasted."), Titus 3:14 (And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful), Romans 12:11 (Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord), Philippians 2:3-4 (Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.), Hebrews 13:16 (Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God), 1 Peter 4:10 (As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace), Acts 4:32-35 (Early church sharing possessions), Matthew 25:34-40 (Parable of the sheep and goats, feeding the hungry). |
Ephesians 4 verses
Ephesians 4 28 Meaning
The verse instructs believers to stop stealing and instead to use their hands to do honest, productive work so they can share with those in need. It shifts the focus from taking to giving, emphasizing diligence and generosity.
Ephesians 4 28 Context
Ephesians 4 discusses the unity of the church and the new life believers are called to live. It contrasts the old life of sin and impurity with the new life in Christ. Verse 28 specifically addresses conduct, moving from speaking truth to now dealing with practices that harm others, like theft, advocating for honest labor and generosity as a demonstration of this transformed life within the community. The instruction comes after discussing putting off the old self and putting on the new self, emphasizing that this inner change should manifest in outward actions.
Ephesians 4 28 Word Analysis
- Let (let/may he): This introduces a command or an exhortation. It conveys an instruction or a permission based on the new identity in Christ.
- the: Definite article specifying "thief."
- thief (kleptēs - κλέπτης): One who steals stealthily, secretly appropriating another's property.
- steal (kleptō - κλέπτω): To steal, pilfer. The verse states this should cease.
- no (mēketi - μηκέτι): Not anymore, no longer. A prohibition against the previous action.
- more (used with mēketi): Emphasizes the cessation of the action.
- but (alla - ἀλλά): A conjunction introducing a contrast or an alternative.
- rather (mallon - μᾶλλον): More so, instead. Emphasizes the preferred or higher course of action.
- let (geneō - γινέσθω): To become, to cause to be. Another form of imperative, indicating a process or a transformation.
- him (autos - αὐτός): Pronoun referring to the former thief.
- labor (kopian - κοπιάν): To toil, exert oneself, work hard. Implies diligent and often strenuous effort.
- working (ergazestō - ἐργαζέσθω): Present passive imperative of ergazomai, to work, to perform labor, to be active. Doing a work that is proper and beneficial.
- with (en - ἐν): With, by, in. Indicates the instrument or means.
- his (cheir - χείρ): Hand(s). Specifically, manual labor.
- hands (plural implied): Emphasizes direct, personal involvement through one's own effort.
- what (ti - τί): Something.
- is (agathos - ἀγαθός): Good. Both morally good and beneficial or useful.
- good (as adjective modifying "what"): Pertaining to moral uprightness and beneficial results.
- that (hina - ἵνα): So that, in order that. Introduces a purpose clause.
- he (autos - αὐτός): He himself.
- may (metadidōmi - μεταδιδῷ): To give a share of, to impart, to distribute. The ability and action of sharing.
- give (present subjunctive of metadidōmi): Signifies the ongoing action or disposition to give.
- to (en - ἐν): In or among. In the context of.
- him (autos - αὐτός): The one.
- who (ō - ᾧ): Relative pronoun.
- has (echō - ἔχω): To have, possess. The state of possessing need.
- need (chreia - χρεία): Need, necessity, want. What is lacking and required.
Words/Phrases Group Analysis:
- "steal no more": This is a direct command to cease a sin formerly practiced, indicating a decisive break from the past.
- "but rather let him labor": This sets up a clear alternative. Labor is presented not merely as a way to avoid stealing but as a positive replacement, a form of redemption and restitution.
- "working with his hands": This specifically points to legitimate, honest, manual labor. It contrasts with illicit gain obtained by deceit or force, emphasizing self-sufficiency and honest provision.
- "what is good": The work itself must be morally upright and productive, contributing positively.
- "that he may give to him who has need": This is the ultimate purpose. The fruit of honest labor is not just personal sustenance but, crucially, generosity and support for the less fortunate within the community. This highlights a communal responsibility and the transformative power of grace that moves from receiving to giving.
Ephesians 4 28 Bonus Section
This teaching on working diligently and sharing with the needy echoes Old Testament principles. For example, the Law regulated how the poor were to be treated (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and how harvest remnants were to be left for them (Leviticus 23:22). The concept of "working with one's hands" is also celebrated in Proverbs, showing the value God places on productive activity. This verse shows how the ethic of the Old Testament law is fulfilled and intensified in the grace of the New Covenant, not as a burdensome obligation but as a natural outflow of a transformed heart. It’s about earning honorably and giving generously, embodying the self-sacrificing love demonstrated by Christ Himself, who though rich, became poor for our sake, so that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). The Apostle Paul, who was a tentmaker and supported himself through his labor, exemplifies this principle (Acts 18:1-3).
Ephesians 4 28 Commentary
This verse calls for a radical transformation from destructive behavior to constructive living. Stealing is seen as a manifestation of the old, corrupt self, while honest labor and generosity are hallmarks of the new self in Christ. The emphasis is on diligence in work, not for personal accumulation alone, but as a means to actively participate in the well-being of others, demonstrating love and fulfilling God’s purpose for the redeemed community. It's about dignity through honest work and dignity through selfless giving.
- Practical Application: Someone who previously stole should find a lawful job and dedicate themselves to it with diligence. The fruits of this honest work should then be used to support their family and also to bless others who are genuinely in need. It’s a call to move from being a burden or a parasite to being a contributor and a giver.