Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:2

What does Ephesians 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:2 means

A worthy walk starts with lowliness and meekness—humility of mind and gentleness in manner. Pride fractures fellowship; humility makes room for others. Longsuffering means patient endurance of people’s weaknesses without quick retaliation. Forbearing one another in love means actively putting up with others’ faults and irritations, not from cold tolerance but from warm, sacrificial love. These are the inner garments of unity. They reflect the character of Christ, who is gentle and patient with His people. Such virtues are not optional extras; they are the very atmosphere in which Christian community breathes. Without them, unity cannot be kept; with them, many offenses are covered and relationships are preserved.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

With all gentle and quiet behaviour, taking whatever comes, putting up with one another in love;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love;

Context

Having called believers to walk worthily (verse 1), Paul first names the heart-posture that sustains that walk. Before he states the creed of unity (verses 4–6) or the diversity of gifts (verses 7–11), he insists on the attitudes that make unity possible. Verse 2 focuses on character—humility, gentleness, patience, loving forbearance. Verse 3 will move from inner virtues to the active effort of maintaining unity. These relational graces prepare the church to receive and live out the oneness that God has already established in Christ.

v.1I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

v.2This passage

v.3giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Cross references

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

  • Numbers 12:3

    Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.

  • Galatians 6:2

    Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:

  • Psalms 138:6

    For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; But the haughty he knoweth from afar.

  • Proverbs 3:34

    Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.

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