Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:26

What does Ephesians 4:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:26 means

Anger is not always sinful, but it is dangerous. “Be ye angry, and sin not” recognizes there is a place for righteous indignation at evil. Yet anger must be governed. Do not let it linger—“let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Unresolved anger hardens into bitterness and invites further sin. Deal with offenses promptly and peaceably. Confess, confront with love, forgive, and seek reconciliation. The new self does not suppress all feeling but channels it under God’s rule, ensuring that even zeal for right does not become a vehicle for wrong.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be angry without doing wrong; let not the sun go down on your wrath;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

be angry and do not sin; let not the sun go down upon your wrath,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Be angry: and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your anger.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Be angry, and do not sin; let not the sun set upon your wrath,

Context

Continuing practical exhortations, this verse follows truthfulness (verse 25) by addressing the volatile area of anger. It balances permission and prohibition, acknowledging legitimate anger while warning against sin and delay. The next verse (27) will add a spiritual danger—giving place to the devil—showing that interpersonal failures can become footholds for the enemy. Together, these instructions foster unity and protect the church’s peace.

v.25Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

v.26This passage

v.27neither give place to the devil.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 3:5

    And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored.

  • Deuteronomy 24:15

    in his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it (for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it); lest he cry against thee unto Jehovah, and it be sin unto thee.

  • Romans 12:19

    Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

  • Numbers 25:7

    And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation, and took a spear in his hand;

  • Ecclesiastes 7:9

    Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

  • Psalms 37:8

    Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.

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