Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:21

What does Ephesians 4:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:21 means

Paul assumes their genuine conversion: they heard Christ and were taught in Him, because truth resides in Jesus. To hear the gospel is to hear His voice; to be taught as a Christian is to be located “in Him,” united to Him. “Truth in Jesus” centers truth not in abstract ideas but in the incarnate Lord—His words, works, and ways. This grounds Christian ethics: we obey because we belong to Him and have learned reality from Him. The content that follows—putting off the old, renewing the mind, and putting on the new—is not human philosophy, but the curriculum of the living Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If in fact you gave ear to him, and were given teaching in him, even as what is true is made clear in Jesus:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if so be ye did hear him, and in him were taught, as truth is in Jesus;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If so be that you have heard him and have been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

if ye have heard him and been instructed in him according as [the] truth is in Jesus;

Context

Expanding on verse 20, this verse clarifies that Christian learning is personal and union-based: hearing Christ, taught in Him, anchored in truth in Jesus. It sets up the threefold instruction of verses 22–24, which will describe the decisive break with the old self, the ongoing renewal of the mind, and the adoption of the new self. The flow emphasizes that ethics flows from union with Christ and conformity to His truth.

v.20But ye did not so learn Christ;

v.21This passage

v.22that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 85:10

    Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • Luke 10:16

    He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me.

  • John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • John 1:17

    For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

  • Psalms 45:4

    And in thy majesty ride on prosperously, Because of truth and meekness and righteousness: And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

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