Ephesians 4:32 kjv
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 nkjv
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 niv
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 esv
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 nlt
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4 32 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 4:2 | Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. | Gentleness/Patience |
| Col 3:12 | Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. | Spiritual Garments |
| Luke 6:36 | Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. | God's Mercy Paralleled |
| Matt 6:14-15 | For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. | Forgiveness Condition |
| Col 3:13 | Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. | Mutual Forgiveness |
| 1 Peter 3:8 | Finally, all of you, should be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. | Unified Heart |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others. | Humility and Others' Interests |
| 2 Cor 2:10 | When you forgive anyone, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if it has been forgiven—has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. | Apostolic Authority/Forgiveness |
| Eph 4:31 | Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. | Negative Discarded |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another deeply. Prefer one another over yourselves. | Brotherly Love |
| Eph 5:1 | Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. | Imitation of God |
| Luke 17:3-4 | If your brother or sister sins, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times return to you, saying ‘I am repentant,’ you must forgive them. | Repeated Forgiveness |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance and kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. | Fruit of the Spirit |
| Heb 8:12 | For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. | Covenant Forgiveness |
| Isa 43:25 | I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sins no more. | God's Forgiving Act |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. | God is Love Source |
| Eph 5:2 | Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. | Christ's Love as Model |
| Matt 5:7 | Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. | Beatitudes-Mercy |
| Eph 4:29-30 | Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. | Edifying Speech/Spirit Grief |
| John 13:34-35 | "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” | Christ's Commandment |
Ephesians 4 verses
Ephesians 4 32 Meaning
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian conduct stemming from divine action. It calls for a reciprocal graciousness within the Christian community, mirroring the boundless forgiveness shown by God through Christ. The imperative nature of the verbs "be kind," "be tenderhearted," and "forgive" highlights that these are not optional suggestions but essential elements of a life transformed by God's grace. It’s about embodying the love received from Christ in our interactions with others.
Ephesians 4 32 Context
Ephesians 4 is a pivotal chapter transitioning from doctrinal teaching about the unity of the church to practical exhortations for Christian living. Following discussions on unity in faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity in Christ, Paul addresses the transformation of the believer’s character and conduct. Verses 25-32 specifically deal with putting off the old way of life and putting on the new self in Christ. This includes truthful speech, righteous anger management, ceasing theft, edifying speech, and letting go of bitterness. Verse 32, therefore, serves as the climax of these ethical instructions, summarizing the positive actions that should replace negative behaviors, rooted in the foundational reality of God's forgiveness towards believers through Christ. The original audience, primarily Gentiles and Jews within the Ephesian church, were learning to live out their new identity in Christ, transcending previous societal enmities and habits.
Ephesians 4 32 Word Analysis
- And (kai): This is a coordinating conjunction used extensively to connect clauses, indicating addition, sequence, or a close relationship between ideas. Here, it links "kind" and "tenderhearted" and "forgiving," presenting them as interwoven aspects of godly character.
- Be (ginomai): A verb meaning "to become," "to be," or "to come into being." Here it’s in the imperative mood, functioning as a strong exhortation or command to actively cultivate these characteristics. It implies a process of transformation, not just a static state.
- Kind (chrēstos): Means "good," "gracious," "kindly," "useful," "beneficial." It refers to active goodness and beneficence, a readiness to do good. It's a benevolence that extends towards others, stemming from inner goodness.
- To (eis): A preposition typically indicating "into," "to," or "towards." Here, "to one another" (eis allēlous) emphasizes the reciprocal nature of these actions within the community of believers.
- One another (allēlous): This reciprocal pronoun highlights the interactive aspect of Christian community. Kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness are meant to flow mutually among believers.
- Tenderhearted (eusēmpathos): A compound word formed from "eusemos" (well-regarded, noble) and "pathos" (suffering, emotion). It signifies sympathetic understanding, empathy, and a readiness to feel with and for others, especially their suffering or needs. It conveys a gentle, compassionate disposition.
- Forgiving (charizomenoi): The present active participle of "charizomai," which means "to forgive," "to grant," or "to bestow freely." In the passive voice, it means "to be forgiven." Here, in the active participle, it carries the sense of "actively forgiving," or "exercising forgiveness." It stresses an ongoing, voluntary act of releasing offense, much like a gift or a favor is granted.
- One another (allēlous): Repeats the reciprocal emphasis, reinforcing that forgiveness, like kindness and tenderheartedness, is a mutual responsibility within the body of Christ.
- As (kathōs): A comparative conjunction indicating similarity or the manner in which something is done. It introduces the ground or reason for these actions: God’s own forgiving acts in Christ.
- God (theos): Refers to the one true God of the Bible.
- In (en): A preposition indicating location, association, or means.
- Christ (Christō): Refers to Jesus, the Messiah. The phrase "in Christ" signifies the sphere of relationship and the means through which believers are united to God and recipients of His forgiveness.
- Forgave (echarisato): The aorist active indicative of "charizomai." This past tense verb points to God’s completed action of forgiveness, accomplished through the atoning work of Christ. It signifies a definitive act that provides the model and the motive for human forgiveness.
- You (hymēn): The plural pronoun refers to the believers to whom Paul is writing, and by extension, all Christians.
Grouped Word Analysis:
- Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another: This trio represents active, inward disposition and outward actions directed towards fellow believers. They are interconnected virtues that create a healthy, grace-filled community.
- As God in Christ forgave you: This phrase establishes the ultimate source and paradigm for Christian behavior. It’s not an arbitrary ethical code but a response to the overwhelming forgiveness received from God. The forgiveness extended by believers is meant to mirror, reflect, and honor the forgiveness God has bestowed. The prepositional phrase "in Christ" signifies that this forgiveness is mediated through Christ's redemptive work.
Ephesians 4 32 Bonus Section
The concept of "forgiving as the Lord forgave you" implies a forgiveness that is complete, unconditional (from God’s perspective of us), and extends to the very root of offenses, just as Christ’s sacrifice covers all sin. This also connects to the concept of the "forgiveness of sins" articulated in creeds and foundational to the Gospel message. The term "tenderhearted" (eusēmpathos) carries a richness that suggests feeling with others not just in their pain but also in their spiritual journey and growth, promoting mutual edification. The linkage between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness is so strong that, in the parallel passage in Colossians 3:13, it is stated as a direct command, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you," highlighting that failure to forgive would call into question the genuineness of one's experience of God's own forgiveness. This verse powerfully underscores that the supernatural work of God in salvation is intended to produce supernatural transformation in interpersonal relationships.
Ephesians 4 32 Commentary
This verse commands believers to actively embody kindness, empathy, and forgiveness towards each other. These qualities are not mere social pleasantries but fundamental expressions of the new life in Christ. The grounding for such behavior is profound: it is the direct response to, and reflection of, God's own infinite forgiveness of sins made possible through Jesus Christ. When we are shown such grace, we are empowered and compelled to extend that same grace to others. It implies a conscious choice to release grievances and embrace others with compassion, recognizing that our own standing before God is rooted in His unmerited favor. This creates a virtuous cycle within the church, fostering unity, healing, and spiritual growth.
- Practical Application Example: If a fellow church member unintentionally offends you, rather than holding onto resentment (contrary to Eph 4:31), choose to recall the immense forgiveness you have received from God through Christ. Extend grace by offering understanding and letting the matter go.
- Practical Application Example: When a sibling in faith stumbles, instead of condemnation, offer tenderheartedness, seeking to understand their struggle and extend forgiveness as you yourself have been forgiven.