Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:1

What does Ephesians 4:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:1 means

Paul appeals as “the prisoner in the Lord,” reminding them that his chains are tied to Christ’s cause, not to crime. He urges believers to live in a way that fits their calling. God has called them by grace into His family and kingdom; their daily conduct should match that high privilege. “Walk” speaks of steady, ordinary life—habits, choices, relationships. Worthiness does not mean deserving salvation, but living appropriately to what God has done. Their calling in chapters 1–3 involved election, adoption, redemption, and access to the Father. Now, gratitude and reverence should shape behavior. The gospel that rescued them must also govern them, so that belief and behavior agree.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I then, the prisoner in the Lord, make this request from my heart, that you will see that your behaviour is a credit to the position which God's purpose has given you,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Call upon you, then, do I--the prisoner of the Lord--to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I, the prisoner in [the] Lord, exhort you therefore to walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye have been called,

Context

This verse marks the transition from doctrine (chapters 1–3) to duty (chapters 4–6). After praising God’s grace and praying for strength, Paul now says “therefore,” applying truth to life. He begins broadly with the believer’s “walk,” then drills down into specific virtues (verses 2–3) and the theological ground for unity (verses 4–6). From there he will address diversity of gifts (verses 7–11) and the aim of maturity (verses 12–16). The opening call frames everything that follows as a response to God’s gracious calling.

v.1This passage

v.2with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  • Colossians 1:10

    to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

  • Ephesians 3:1

    For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—

  • 1 Corinthians 4:16

    I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

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