Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:20

What does Ephesians 4:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:20 means

“But ye did not so learn Christ” marks a decisive contrast. Christianity is not merely learning about morals; it is learning a Person. To learn Christ means to know Him as Lord and Savior and to be shaped by His truth and life. The lifestyle of verses 17–19 does not match the lesson we receive in Him. Conversion enrolls us in a new way of life. The fruit of knowing Christ is a break with the old practices and a movement toward holiness. The gospel school changes both our Teacher and our curriculum: no longer the world’s pattern, but Christ’s example and instruction.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But ye did not so learn Christ;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But ye have not so learned Christ;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But ye did not so learn Christ;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this was not the teaching of Christ which was given to you;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and ye did not so learn the Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But you have not so learned Christ:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But ye have not thus learnt the Christ,

Context

This verse turns from the negative depiction of the Gentile walk (verses 17–19) to the positive reality of Christian discipleship. It prepares for verse 21’s clarifying phrases about hearing and being taught in Christ, and then for the specific content of that teaching in verses 22–24 (put off, be renewed, put on). The shift is from darkness and sensuality to truth and transformation, grounded in personal relationship with Christ.

v.19who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

v.20This passage

v.21if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:

Cross references

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

  • Romans 6:1

    What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

  • 1 John 2:27

    And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • Titus 2:11

    For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

  • Luke 24:47

    and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;

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