Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:25

What does Ephesians 4:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:25 means

Because you have put on the new self, put away lying and speak truth with your neighbor. Honesty is foundational to Christian community: “we are members one of another.” Deceit tears the ligaments of the body; truth strengthens them. This command is not only about avoiding blatant lies but also forsaking all forms of falsehood—half-truths, concealment, and manipulation. Speaking truth requires courage and love, aiming at your neighbor’s good. In Christ’s body, candor and trust must replace suspicion and deceit, because we belong to each other and serve the same Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And so, putting away false words, let everyone say what is true to his neighbour: for we are parts one of another.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Wherefore, putting away the lying, speak truth each with his neighbour, because we are members one of another;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, putting away lying, speak ye the truth, every man with his neighbour. For we are members one of another.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore, having put off falsehood, speak truth every one with his neighbour, because we are members one of another.

Context

Moving from identity to practice, Paul now applies the new life to specific areas. The first is speech—truth versus falsehood. The rationale appeals to the body metaphor established earlier (verses 4, 16): believers are interconnected. This sets a pattern for the following commands (verses 26–32), each pairing a negative to put off with a positive to put on, often supplying a gospel motive. The next verse will address righteous handling of anger.

v.24and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

v.25This passage

v.26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 12:19

    The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12

    For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.

  • Zechariah 8:16

    These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;

  • Isaiah 59:3

    For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue muttereth wickedness.

  • Acts 5:3

    But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

  • Ephesians 5:30

    because we are members of his body.

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