Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:32

What does Ephesians 4:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:32 means

Instead of bitterness and malice, be kind—actively doing good—and tenderhearted—compassionate and empathetic. Forgive one another, not lightly or grudgingly, but as God also in Christ forgave you. God’s forgiveness is the pattern and power for ours. He took initiative, bore the cost, and restored us. When we remember how freely we were pardoned, we can extend pardon. This ethic embodies the gospel: a community marked by mercy, where wrongs are confessed and forgiven. Such kindness and forgiveness reflect the heart of the Father and the grace of the Son, and they preserve the unity of the Spirit in love.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And be ye kind one to another: merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and be to one another kind, compassionate, forgiving one another, so asGod also in Christ has forgiven you.

Context

This closing verse provides the positive alternative to the vices of verse 31 and ties the entire section to the gospel: forgive as you were forgiven in Christ. It completes the chapter’s movement from unity rooted in God’s work (verses 1–6), through gifts for growth (verses 7–16), to the new life that renounces the old ways and practices love (verses 17–32). This conclusion prepares for the next call to imitate God and walk in love, keeping Christ’s self-giving at the center of Christian conduct.

v.31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice:

v.32This passage

Cross references

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

  • 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;

  • Psalms 145:9

    Jehovah is good to all; And his tender mercies are over all his works.

  • Luke 1:78

    Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us,

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Acts 28:2

    And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

  • Proverbs 19:22

    That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.

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