Ephesians 4:2

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Ephesians 4:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

King James Version KJV

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

American Standard Version ASV

with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Bible in Basic English BBE

With all gentle and quiet behaviour, taking whatever comes, putting up with one another in love;

Free Bible Version FBV

Don't think proudly of yourselves; be gentle and patient, showing tolerance to each other in love.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

With all humblenesse of minde, and meekenesse, with long suffering, supporting one an other through loue,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,

World English Bible WEB

with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.

Translation for Translators T4T

Always be humble, and do not demand your own rights. Be patient with each other, and, because you love each other, endure each other’s ◄irritating behavior/behavior that you do not like►.

Plain English Version PEV

Don’t think that you are more important than other people. You have to be good to other people, you have to listen to them and try to understand them. Don’t get angry with each other, but you have to love each other all the time.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 4:2

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Word Study

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Ephesians 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK μετα πασης ταπεινοφροσυνης και πραοτητος μετα μακροθυμιας ανεχομενοι αλληλων εν αγαπη

μετα meta G3326 with/after Prep

πασης pas G3956 all Adj-GSF

ταπεινοφροσυνης tapeinophrosunē G5012 humility Noun-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

πραοτητος prautēs G4240 gentleness Noun-GSF

μετα meta G3326 with/after Prep

μακροθυμιας makrothumia G3115 patience Noun-GSF

ανεχομενοι anechō G430 to endure Verb-PNP-NPM

αλληλων allēlōn G240 one another C-GPM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

αγαπη agapē G26 love Noun-DSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 4:2

μετα meta G3326 "with/after" Prep

Means with or after, showing accompaniment, as in being among a group or following someone, like Jesus with his disciples in Mark 1:13. It can also show cause and effect. The KJV translates it as after, among, or with. It is used in many New Testament books, including Matthew and Luke.

Definition: μετά (before vowel μετ᾽; on the neglect of elision in certain cases, V. WH, App., 146 b), prep. with genitive, accusative (in poet, also with dative), [in LXX for אַחַד ,עִם ,אֵת, etc.]. __I. C. genitive, __1. among, amid: Mrk.1:13, Luk.22:37 (LXX, ἐν) 24:5, Jhn.18:5, al.; διωγμῶν, Mrk.10:30. __2. Of association and companionship, with (in which sense it gradually superseded σύν, than which it is much more frequently in NT; cf. Bl., §42, 3): with genitive of person(s), Mat.8:11 20:20 Mrk.1:29 3:7 Luk.5:30, Jhn.3:22, Gal.2:1, al. mult.; εἶναι μετά, Mat.5:25, Mrk.3:14, al.; metaphorically, of divine help and guidance, Jhn.3:2, Act.7:9, Php.4:9, al.; opposite to εἶναι κατά, Mat.12:30, Luk.11:23; in Hellenistic usage (but see M, Pr., 106, 246f.), πολεμεῖν μετά = cl. π., with dative, to wage war against (so LXX for נִלְחַם עִם, 1Ki.17:33), Rev.2:16, al.; with genitive of thing(s), χαρᾶς, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16, al.; ὀργῆς, Mrk.3:5, al. __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, behind, after: Heb.9:3. __2. Of time, after: Mat.17:1, Mrk.14:1, Luk.1:24, Act.1:5, Gal.1:18, al.; μετὰ τοῦτο, Jhn.2:12, al.; ταῦτα, Mrk.16:[12], Luk.5:27, Jhn.3:22, al; with inf. artic. (BL, §71, 5; 72, 3), Mat.26:32, Mrk.1:14, al. __III. In composition, __1. of association or community: μεταδίδωμι, μετέχω, etc. __2. Exchange or transference: μεταλλάσσω, μετοικίζω, etc. __3. after: μεταμέλομαι. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 444 NT verses. KJV: after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:6; Acts 25:12; 1 Peter 1:11.

πασης pas G3956 "all" Adj-GSF

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

ταπεινοφροσυνης tapeinophrosunē G5012 "humility" Noun-GSF

The quality of being humble, like the humility Paul describes in Acts 20:19 and Ephesians 4:2.

Definition: ταπεινοφροσύνη, -ης, ἡ (ταπεινόφρων) lowliness of mind, humility: Act.20:19, Eph.4:2, Php.2:3, Col.3:12, 1Pe.5:5; of a false humility, Col.2:18, 23 (rare outside of NT, but found in bad sense in FlJ, BJ, iv, 9, 2; also in Epictet., see Tr., Syn., § xlii).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind) See also: 1 Peter 5:5; Colossians 2:23; Philippians 2:3.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πραοτητος prautēs G4240 "gentleness" Noun-GSF

Gentleness, or meekness, is a quality of being humble and mild. It is seen in the Bible as a virtue, especially in 1 Corinthians 4:21 and Galatians 5:23.

Definition: πραΰτης (Rec. -ότης, exc. Ja, 1Pe, ll. with, where πρᾳύτης), -ητος, ἡ, late form of πραότης, [in LXX: Psa.45:4 90:10 132:1 (עַנְוָה, עֱנוּת, Est.5:1, Sir.6:1-37 * ;] gentleness, meekness: 1Co.4:21, 2Co.10:1, Gal.5:23 6:1, Eph.4:2, Col.3:12 (see Lft., in l), 2Ti_2:25, Tit.3:2, Jas.1:21 3:13, 1Pe.3:15.† SIN.: ἐπιεικία, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: meekness See also: 1 Corinthians 4:21; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15.

μετα meta G3326 "with/after" Prep

μακροθυμιας makrothumia G3115 "patience" Noun-GSF

Patience refers to longanimity and fortitude, as seen in Colossians 1:11 and 2 Timothy 3:10. It involves experiencing troubles and difficulties with endurance, and is also a characteristic of God's forbearance in Romans 2:4.

Definition: μακροθυμία, -ας, ἡ (μακρό-θυμος), [in LXX: Pro.25:15 (אַף אֹרֶךְ), Jer.15:15 (אַף אָרֵךְ) Isa.57:15, Sir.5:11, 1Ma.8:4 * ;], patience, longsuffering: of men, esp. in experiencing troubles and difficulties, Col.1:11, 2Ti.3:10, Heb.6:12, Jas.5:10; of God's forbearance, Rom.2:4 9:22, 2Co.6:6, Gal.5:22, Eph.4:2, Col.3:12, 1Ti.1:16, 2Ti.4:2, 1Pe.3:20, 2Pe.3:15.† SYN.: ὑπομονή (cf. Lft., Col., 138; Tr., Syn., liii) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: longsuffering, patience See also: 1 Peter 3:20; Colossians 3:12; Hebrews 6:12.

ανεχομενοι anechō G430 "to endure" Verb-PNP-NPM

To endure means to put up with something difficult, like in Matthew 17:17 and 2 Corinthians 11:1. It's about bearing with people or situations, even when it's hard.

Definition: ἀν-έχω [in LXX chiefly for אָפַק hithp. ;] to hold up; in NT always mid., to bear with, endure: in cl. most frequently with accusative, but in NT with genitive of person(s), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41, 2Co.11:1 11:19, Eph.4:2, Col.3:13; before μικρόν τι, with genitive of person(s) and with genitive of thing(s), 2Co.11:1; with dative of thing(s), 2Th.1:4 (v M, Th., in l); before εἴ τις, 2Co.11:20; absol., 1Co.4:12, 2Co.11:4; to bear with = to listen to, with genitive of person(s), Act.18:14; with genitive of thing(s), 2Ti.4:3, Heb.13:22 (cf. προσανέχω and MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Acts 18:14; Hebrews 13:22.

αλληλων allēlōn G240 "one another" C-GPM

This word means one another, indicating mutual action or relationship. In Matthew 25:32 and John 13:22, it describes how people interact with each other.

Definition: ἀλλήλων (genitive pl.), dative -οις, -αις, accusative -ους, -ας, -α (no nom.), recipr. pron. (ἄλλος), of one another, mutually: Mat.25:32, Mrk.4:41, Jhn.13:22, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with G3326 (μετά) or G4314 (πρός)) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:5; John 4:33; 1 Peter 1:22.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

αγαπη agapē G26 "love" Noun-DSF

Unconditional love or affection, like the love God shows to humanity in John 3:16. It's also used to describe love between people, like in John 13:35.

Definition: ἀγάπη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX for אַהֲבָה, which is also rendered by ἀγάπησις and φιλία ;] love, goodwill, esteem. Outside of bibl. and eccl. books, there is no clear instance (with Deiss., LAE, 18:4, 70:2, cf. the same writer in Constr. Quar., ii, 4; and with MM, VGT, see word, cf. Dr. Moulton in Exp. Times, xxvi, 3, 139). In NT, like ἀγαπάω, -ῶ, __1. Of men's love: __(a) to one another, Jhn.13:35; __(b) to God, 1Jn.2:5. __2. Of divine love; __(a) God's love: to men, Rom.5:8; to Christ, Jhn.17:26; __(b) Christ's love to men: Rom.8:35. __3. In pl., love feasts: Ju 12 (DB, iii, 157). SYN.: φιλία. ἀ., signifying properly (see: ἀγαπάω) love which chooses its object, is taken over from LXX, where its connotation is more general, into NT, and there used exclusively to express that spiritual bond of love between God and man and between man and man, in Christ, which is characteristic of Christianity. It is thusdistinct from φιλία, friendship (Jas.4:4 only), στοργή, natural affection (in NT only in compounds, see: ἄστοργος) and ἔρως, sexual love, which is not used in NT, its place being taken by ἐπιθυμία. (Cf. ἀγαπάω; and see Abbott, Essays, 70f.; DB, vol. i., 555; Cremer, 13, 593; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love See also: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Peter 4:8.

Study Notes — Ephesians 4:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ephesians 4:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 4:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 4:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 4:2
Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 4:2
Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
Sermons on Ephesians 4:2

Context — Unity in the Body

1As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:

2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Colossians 3:12–13	Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
2	1 Corinthians 13:7	It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
3	1 Corinthians 13:4–5	Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.
4	Romans 15:1	We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
5	Matthew 11:29	Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
6	Galatians 5:22–23	But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
7	1 Timothy 6:11	But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
8	Matthew 5:3–5	“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
9	Proverbs 3:34	He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
10	Numbers 12:3	Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.

Ephesians 4:2 Summary

[Ephesians 4:2 teaches us to live with humility, gentleness, and patience, and to love and accept one another, just as Jesus loves and accepts us. This means being kind and understanding towards others, even when they may be difficult to get along with, and being patient with them as we would want them to be patient with us (Matthew 7:12). By living out these characteristics, we can build strong, loving relationships with those around us, and bring glory to God. As we strive to live out these qualities, we can look to Jesus as our example, who demonstrated humility and gentleness throughout His life on earth (Philippians 2:3-8).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to walk in humility and gentleness as mentioned in Ephesians 4:2?

Walking in humility and gentleness means having a humble attitude and being kind to others, just as Jesus demonstrated in His life on earth, as seen in Matthew 11:29 and Philippians 2:3-8.

How can we bear with one another in love as instructed in this verse?

Bearing with one another in love involves being patient and understanding towards others, even when they may be difficult to get along with, as taught in Colossians 3:13 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Is it really possible to live out the characteristics mentioned in Ephesians 4:2 in our daily lives?

Yes, it is possible to live out these characteristics when we surrender to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, as promised in Galatians 5:22-23 and Philippians 2:13.

What role does patience play in our relationships with others according to this verse?

Patience plays a crucial role in our relationships with others, as it allows us to endure difficult situations and respond in a loving manner, rather than reacting in anger or frustration, as taught in Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20.

Reflection Questions

How can I demonstrate humility and gentleness in my interactions with others today?
What are some ways I can show patience and understanding towards those around me?
How can I bear with someone who is difficult to get along with, and still show them love and kindness?
What would my relationships look like if I consistently walked in humility, gentleness, and patience, and how can I start making changes in this direction?

Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Lowliness , [in classic Greek, tapeinophrosunee (G5012) is meanness of spirit: the Gospel elevated the word to

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness, or humility; submissiveness of mind, whereby we esteem others better than ourselves, . A virtue peculiar to Christians, unknown to philosophers: see ,13. And meekness; whereby we are not easily provoked, or offended with the infirmities of others: this is opposed to peevishness, as the former to pride. With long-suffering; whereby we bear with greater or repeated injuries, . Forbearing one another; or supporting, i.e. bearing with the infirmities, frowardness, or moroseness of others, so as not to cease to love them, and do them good. In love; not out of any carnal affection, or for our own advantage, but out of love, which is wont to make men patient and long-suffering, .

Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ver. 2. With all lowliness and meekness] These are virtutes collectaneae, as Bernard calleth them, a pair of twin sisters, never asunder.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

(1) Ephesians 4:1-6, although cast in a hortatory form contain the final summary of the great doctrine of the Epistle—the UNITY OF THE CHURCH—in words which have all the glowing freedom of spiritual enthusiasm, and all the clear-cut precision of a creed. Thus (a) the ground of that unity is laid in that spiritual communion of each soul with the “one Spirit,” the “one Lord,” and the “one God and Father of all,” which underlies all outward ordinance, and which no power of man can either give or take away, (b) The means of entering that unity is the “one baptism,” ordained by Christ Himself, universal in the Christian world, capable of being ministered (though irregularly) by any Christian hand, (c) The graces, which in germ are conditions, and in full growth are effects, of such unity are the “one hope,” the “one faith,” the one “bond of peace” or charity. These last most of all depend on the “fellow-working” of man—primarily in the soul receiving them, and secondarily in all who can influence it for good and for evil. We have here a perfect and exhaustive exposition of the unity of the Church, on which depend the other qualities of “Holiness,” “Catholicity,” and “Apostolicity” ascribed to it in the Creed. In other passages the essential life of the Church is attributed, now to the revelation of the Father (Matthew 16:17-18), now to the indwelling presence of the Son (Matthew 28:20), now to the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38-39). Here all are united in one comprehensive view. The order, however, is natural, not artificial. The exhortation to peace naturally leads to the conception of one Body, animated by the “one Spirit”; next, the remembrance of their calling leads to the “one Lord,” who called them to Him in one faith and by one baptism; and all ends in the contemplation of the “one God and Father,” who is not only above all and through all His creation, but specially in those who are adopted to a new sonship in Christ. (See John 14:22-23.) In its completeness and depth this passage stands alone. It is interesting to compare and contrast with it the equally celebrated passage occupying the corresponding place in the Colossian Epistle (Colossians 3:1-4), and to gather from this the mingled similarity and difference in the main idea of those two Epistles—the Ephesian Epistle dwelling especially on the unity and regeneration of the whole body, the Colossian Epistle on the sole Headship and Deity of Christ.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

Verse 2. With all lowliness] It is by acting as the apostle here directs that a man walks worthy of this high vocation; ταπεινοφροσυνη signifies subjection or humility of mind. Meekness] The opposite to anger and irritability of disposition. Long-suffering] μακροθυμια. Long-mindedness-never permitting a trial or provocation to get to the end of your patience. Forbearing one another] ανεχομενοιαλληλων. Sustaining one another-helping to support each other in all the miseries and trials of life: or, if the word be taken in the sense of bearing with each other, it may mean that, through the love of God working in our hearts, we should bear with each other's infirmities, ignorance, &c., knowing how much others have been or are still obliged to bear with us.

Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 4:2

2. with all lowliness] So, exactly, Acts 20:19, in St Paul’s review of his own “walk” at Ephesus; “serving the Lord with all lowliness.”—“With”:—the idea is strictly of accompaniment, attendance. But in view of actual N. T. usage of the preposition this must not be pressed. Lowliness was to characterize them.Observe the moral lesson here. The first and most characteristic effect of the heights and depths of Divine privilege and spiritual experience just unfolded is to be the sincerest and most unselfish humility.lowliness] The Gr. word imports an unaffected lowly estimate of self. See Trench’s Synonyms of the N. T., under ταπεινοφροσύνη, πραότης. It is a distinctively Christian grace, viewed as a thing always to be sought and cherished. Pagan ethics, at best, just recognized it as right where necessary, but not as good and happy per se. The Gospel puts its obligation and its blessedness on the same footing for all believers, as all absolutely dependent for all true good upon the mercy of Another.The corresponding adjective is used (Matthew 11:29) by our Lord of Himself. Trench remarks that we have Him there recognizing His entire dependence as Man on the Father. Not moral defect but “creatureliness,” he says, is the thought there. “In His human nature He must be the pattern of all … creaturely dependence.”Observe the force of the phrase; “all lowliness.” The grace was to have the most unreserved scope and exercise.meekness] See Trench again, as just above. The Gr. word imports gentle and entire submission under trial, whatever the trial be, in the consciousness that no other attitude can be right for self. Meekness thus rests “on deeper foundations than its own, namely on those which lowliness has laid for it, and it can only continue while it continues to rest on these.” In this respect “it is a grace in advance of lowliness” (Trench).longsuffering] Grouped with “meekness,” Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12. It so far differs from it as not necessarily to import the patience or submission due to a sense that a chastisement is right, but rather patience for whatever good reason; e. g. largeness of view of things, or deep internal peace and joy.—It is used of the Divine patience, Romans 2:4; Romans 9:22; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15.forbearing one another in love] Here was to be the special motive to “longsuffering,” the family-affection of fellow-members of Christ. It is implied that there were sure to be occasions for such forbearance. Cp. Colossians 3:13.

Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness - Humility; see the notes on Acts 20:19, where the same Greek word is used; compare also the following places, where the same Greek word occurs: Phi 2:3, “in lowliness of mind, let

Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

2. With—It must be specially noted that St. Paul here specifies the virtues conducive to the unity which he is preparing to enforce. Lowliness—The reverse of the love of “pre-eminence,” imputed by St.

Sermons on Ephesians 4:2

	Sermon	Description
	Others by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio
	Who Is the Cult? by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of true commitment to following Jesus, challenging the congregation to reflect on their level of dedication and action in living out the teach
	Judging or Esteeming? by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who was critical of preachers and caused disruptions during church business meetings for 25 years. The preacher the
	Our Great Need for Church Elders by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being broken by God in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. He uses the example of Moses, who initially thought he co
	K-441 True Reconciliation (2 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and patience in discerning and addressing issues within the church and the world. He criticizes the spirit of prid
	Getting Back to Basics: The Love We Had at First by Robert Wurtz II	In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on getting back to basics. They discuss the importance of becoming fishers of men and evangelizing to win souls for God. The speak
	Follow After Righteousness - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness and faith, highlighting the dangers of pursuing material wealth, the significance of building our lives on faith ra