Ephesians 4:27
What does Ephesians 4:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 4:27 means
Do not give the devil a foothold. Sinful anger, unresolved conflict, and other breaches in love open doors for his destructive work. He thrives where bitterness, division, and deceit go unchecked. Believers must be vigilant, closing off such opportunities by quick repentance, forgiveness, and peacemaking. The warning recognizes a real adversary but places responsibility on believers to deny him access. Spiritual warfare is often waged in the ordinary arenas of relationships, where small compromises can become strategic openings if left unaddressed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000neither give place to the devil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither give place to the devil.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901neither give place to the devil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And do not give way to the Evil One.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862neither give place to the devil;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Give not place to the devil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890neither give room for the devil.
Context
This brief command intensifies the exhortation of verse 26. After urging timely resolution of anger, Paul names the spiritual consequence of neglect—space for the devil. It ties the ethical instructions to the larger cosmic conflict hinted in Ephesians. The flow then moves to another area of practical change in verse 28: from stealing to honest work and generosity. The pattern remains: put off vice, put on virtue, supply a gospel reason.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:16
withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
- Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- 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?
- James 4:7
Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- 2 Corinthians 2:10
But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ;
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