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Ephesians 4:27

Ephesians 4:27 in Multiple Translations

and do not give the devil a foothold.

Neither give place to the devil.

neither give place to the devil.

And do not give way to the Evil One.

and don't give the devil any opportunity.

Neither giue place to the deuill.

neither give place to the devil;

and don’t give place to the devil.

Neither give place to the devil.

Give not place to the devil.

by doing that, you will not allow the devil to make you do evil.

Don’t make it easy for the devil, the boss over the bad spirits, to get you to go wrong.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ephesians 4:27

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Ephesians 4:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μηδε διδοτε τοπον τω διαβολω
μηδε mēde G3366 nor Conj-N
διδοτε didōmi G1325 to give Verb-PAM-2P
τοπον topos G5117 place Noun-ASM
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM
διαβολω diabolos G1228 devilish/the Devil Adj-DSM
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Greek Word Reference — Ephesians 4:27

μηδε mēde G3366 "nor" Conj-N
This word means 'nor' or 'not even', used to continue a negative statement. It is often used to list things that are not true, like in Matthew 10:10, where Jesus says the disciples should not take extra clothes or sandals.
Definition: μηδέ negative particle, related to οὐδέ as μή to οὐ, __1. as conic., continuing a negation or prohibition, but not, and not, nor: preceded by μή, Mat.6:25 22:29, Mrk.12:24, Luk.14:12, al.; ἵνα μή, Jhn.4:15; ὅπως μή, Luk.16:26; μηδέ . . . μηδέ, neither . . . nor, Mat.10:10, 1Co.10:8-9. __2. As adv., strengthening a negation, not even: Mrk.2:2, 1Co.5:11, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: neither, nor (yet), (no) not (once, so much as) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:27; 1 Peter 3:14.
διδοτε didōmi G1325 "to give" Verb-PAM-2P
To give, as seen in Matthew 4:9 and John 1:12, means to bestow or grant something to someone, often with a sense of generosity or sacrifice, like God giving his only son in John 3:16
Definition: δίδωμι, [in LXX chiefly for נָתַן (53 words in all) ;] to give—in various senses, accusative to context—bestow, grant, supply, deliver, commit, yield: absol., Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Mat.4:9 5:31, Jhn.1:12, al. mult.; with dative of person(s), before ἐκ, Mat.25:8; id. with genitive part.. Rev.2:17; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.3:16, Rev.20:13, al.; δεξιάς, Gal.2:9; φίλημα, Luk.7:45; γνῶσιν, Luk.1:77; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:22; of seed yielding fruit, Mrk.4:7, 8; ἐργασίαν (Deiss., LAE, 117f.), Luk.12:58; with inf. fin., Mat.27:34, Mrk.5:43, Luk.8:55, Jhn.6:52, al.; with dative of person(s) and inf., Luk.1:74, al.; with accusative and inf., Act.2:27, Rev.3:9; with dupl. accusative, Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45, Eph.1:22 4:11, 2Th.3:9, 1Ti.2:6, al.; ἑαυτὸν δ. εἰς (Polyb., al.), Act.19:31; with dative of person(s), before κατά (MM, Exp., xi), Rev.2:28 (LXX); δ. ἵνα, Rev.3:9; δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἀνεῳγμένην, Rev.3:8. SYN.: δωρέομαι. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 380 NT verses. KJV: adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:21.
τοπον topos G5117 "place" Noun-ASM
The Greek word for place or location, used in the Bible to describe a specific spot or area, such as a home or a tract of land, as seen in Matthew 24:15 and Luke 10:1. It can also refer to a condition or opportunity. In Acts 12:17, it describes a specific location where Peter went.
Definition: τόπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מָקוֹם ;] place: Luk.4:37 10:1, 32 Jhn.5:13 6:10, Act.12:17, 1Co.1:2, al.; τ. ἅγιος (cf. Isa.60:13), Mat.24:15; ἔρημος, Mat.14:13, al.; πεδινός, Luk.6:17; ἄνυδρος (pl.), Mat.12:43, Luk.11:24; κατὰ τόπος (BV, in divers places), Mat.24:7, Mrk.13:8; τραχεῖς τ., Act.27:29; τ. διθάλασσος (which see), ib. 41; ἑτοιμάζειν τ., Jhn.14:2, 3; ἔχειν, Rev.12:6; διδόναι, Luk.14:9; with genitive defin., τ. βασάνου, Luk.16:28; τ. καταπαύσεως, Act.7:49; κρανίου, Mat.27:33, Mrk.15:22, Jhn.19:17; before οὗ, Rom.9:26; ὅπου, Mat.28:6, Mrk.16:6, Jhn.4:20 6:23 10:40 11:30 19:41; ἐν ᾧ, Jhn.11:6; ἐφ ̓ ᾧ, Act.7:33; of a place which a person or thing occupies, Rev.2:5 6:14 12:8; τ. μαχαίρας, Mat.26:52; ὁ ἴδιος τ., Act.1:25; of a place in a book, Luk.4:17 (cf. Clem. Rom., I Co., 8, 4). Metaphorical, of condition, station, occasion, opportunity or power: Act.25:16, Rom.12:19 15:23, Eph.4:27 (cf. Sir.38:12). SYN.: χώρα (extensive), region; χωρίον (enclosed), a piece of ground. τ. is "a portion of space viewed in reference to its occupancy, or as appropriated to a thing " (Grimm-Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 89 NT verses. KJV: coast, licence, place, X plain, quarter, + rock, room, where See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Luke 4:37; Hebrews 8:7.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
διαβολω diabolos G1228 "devilish/the Devil" Adj-DSM
The Greek word for the devil or a false accuser, used to describe Satan in the Bible, such as in Matthew 4:1 and Luke 4:2.
Definition: διάβολος, -ον (διαβάλλω, which see) [in LXX for שָׂטָן (as Job.1:6), exc. Est.7:4 8:1 (צַר, צָרַר) ;] slanderous, accusing falsely. As subst., ὁ, ἡ, δ.; __(a) generally (of. Es, ll. with), a slanderer, false accuser: 1Ti.3:6, 7 (CGT, in l., but see infr.) 3:11, 2Ti.3:3, Tit.2:3; __(b) as chiefly in LXX, of Satan, the Accuser, the Devil: Mat.4:1, 5, 8, 11 13:39 25:41, Luk.4:2, 3, 6, 13 8:12, Jhn.13:2, Act.10:38, Eph.4:27 6:11, 1Ti.3:6, 7 (but see supr.), 2Ti.2:26, Heb.2:14, Jas.4:7, 1Pe.5:8, Ju 9, Rev.2:10 12:9, 12 20:2, 10; εἶναι ἐκ τοῦ δ., Jhn.8:44, 1Jn.3:8; τέκνα τοῦ δ., 1Jn.3:10; υἱὸς, Act.13:10; metaphorically, of Judas, Jhn.6:70 (Cremer, 121; DCG, ii, 605).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: false accuser, devil, slanderer See also: 1 John 3:8; Luke 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8.

Study Notes — Ephesians 4:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
3 Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
4 Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
5 2 Corinthians 2:10–11 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
6 Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?

Ephesians 4:27 Summary

[This verse, Ephesians 4:27, is reminding us not to give the devil any opportunity to influence or control our lives. When we hold onto anger or sin, we are giving the devil a foothold, and he can use that to lead us further away from God. As it says in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. By walking in obedience to God and surrendering to His will, we can avoid giving the devil a foothold and instead live a life that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in Galatians 5:16-25.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to give the devil a foothold?

To give the devil a foothold means to provide an opportunity for Satan to gain influence or control in our lives, often through unrepented sin or unresolved anger, as warned in Ephesians 4:27 and supported by Ephesians 6:10-18, which reminds us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes.

How can we avoid giving the devil a foothold in our lives?

We can avoid giving the devil a foothold by living a life of obedience to God, confessing and repenting of sin, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, as instructed in Galatians 5:16-25 and 1 John 1:9, which emphasizes the importance of a clean heart and a right relationship with God.

Is it possible to take back a foothold that has been given to the devil?

Yes, it is possible to take back a foothold that has been given to the devil through repentance, forgiveness, and a deliberate choice to surrender to God's will and authority, as seen in James 4:7-10, which encourages us to submit to God and resist the devil, and in 1 Peter 5:8-11, which reminds us to be vigilant and stand firm in our faith.

What are some common ways that people give the devil a foothold in their lives?

Some common ways that people give the devil a foothold include unresolved anger, unconfessed sin, and a lack of forgiveness, as warned in Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 6:14-15, and Colossians 3:13, which emphasize the importance of forgiving others and living in harmony with one another.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways am I currently giving the devil a foothold in my life, and what steps can I take to repent and surrender to God?
  2. How does unresolved anger or unconfessed sin affect my relationship with God and others, and what can I do to address these issues?
  3. What are some specific areas in my life where I need to be more mindful of the devil's schemes and take steps to resist him, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8-11?
  4. How can I practically apply the principle of not giving the devil a foothold in my daily life, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping me to do so?

Gill's Exposition on Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil. Or "to the accuser", or "slanderer"; that is, to any adversary, that takes delight in slandering and reproaching the saints; give such no room, nor reason, to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil. Neither give place (i:e., room) to the devil (whose name implies he seeks in us scope to accuse) - by continuing "wrath." Keeping anger through the dark night is

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ephesians 4:27

Do not give advantage to the devil to possess your hearts, and put you upon more and greater evils: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Ephesians 4:27

27 Neither give place to the devil. Ver. 27. Neither give place, &c.] Vindictive spirits let the devil into their hearts; and though they defy him, and spit at him, yet they spit not low enough; for he is still at inn with them, as Mr Bradford speaketh. As the master of the pit often sets two cocks to fight together, to the death of both, and then, after mutual conquest, suppeth with both their bodies; so, saith Gregory, dealeth the devil with angry and revengeful men.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ephesians 4:27

(27) Neither give place (i.e., scope) to the devil.—The name “Devil” is used by St. Paul only in his later Epistles (see Ephesians 6:11; 1 Timothy 3:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:26; Titus 2:3); in the earlier Epistles (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) we have the name “Satan,” which is also found, less frequently, in the later also (1 Timothy 1:20; 1 Timothy 5:15). The latter name simply describes him as “the enemy “; the former describes one method of his enmity (as “the Tempter” another), for it signifies “one who sets at variance,” man with God, and man with man. Since this fiendish work is mostly contemplated as wrought by slander, the name is commonly taken to mean “the slanderer;” and when applied to human beings (as in 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3) it seems to convey some such meaning. But here the original sense suits the distinctive idea of the passage. In accordance with the general principle noted above, excess of wrath is forbidden, as giving opportunity to the enemy, who desires to break up unity, and “set at variance” those who should be one in Jesus Christ.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ephesians 4:27

Verse 27. Neither give place to the devil.] Your adversary will strive to influence your mind, and irritate your spirit; watch and pray that he may not get any place in you, or ascendancy over you. As the word διαβολος is sometimes used to signify a calumniator, tale-bearer, whisperer, or backbiter; (see in the original, 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 3:3, and Titus 2:3;) here it may have the same signification. Do not open your ear to the tale-bearer, to the slanderer, who comes to you with accusations against your brethren, or with surmisings and evil speakings. These are human devils; they may be the means of making you angry, even without any solid pretence; therefore give them no place, that you may not be angry at any time; but if, unhappily, you should be overtaken in this fault, let not the sun go down upon your wrath; go to your brother, against whom you have found your spirit irritated; tell him what you have heard, and what you fear; let your ears be open to receive his own account; carefully listen to his own explanation; and, if possible, let the matter be finally settled, that Satan may not gain advantage over either.

Cambridge Bible on Ephesians 4:27

27. give place to the devil] The rendering suggested by some, “to the calumniator,” the heathen or Jewish slanderer, is quite untenable, in view of St Paul’s use elsewhere of the word diabolos (lit., “Accuser”) for the great Enemy.“Give place”:—as to one who would fain intrude at a half-open door, intent on occupying the house. Personal anger gives just such a point d’appui to the Spirit of pride and hatred. “Wherever the devil finds a heart shut, he finds a door open” (Monod). And this is true not of individuals only, but of the Church and its life.

Barnes' Notes on Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil - This has respect probably to the exhortation in the former verse.

Whedon's Commentary on Ephesians 4:27

27. Place… devil—For whom a man in a passion is a very exposed and endangered object.

Sermons on Ephesians 4:27

SermonDescription
Manley Beasley Defective Consecration - Part 2 by Manley Beasley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of yielding all aspects of our lives to Jesus. He uses the analogy of owning a piece of land, where if we give 39 acres to Go
Anton Bosch Battle of the Mind 2 by Anton Bosch The video discusses the power of television and multimedia in delivering messages to our senses. It emphasizes that television and movies have a strong impact because they engage b
Jim Logan Spiritual Warfare - 8 "How We Can Help Others" by Jim Logan In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not treating special days like unbelievers do. They emphasize the need to read and understand the Bible to gain insight into
Bill McLeod When the Church Is Right With God by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative impact of indulging in sinful behavior. He shares a personal story of someone who was deeply affected by watching inappropriate
Chuck Smith How God Saved the Godly by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the challenges that teenagers face in a fallen world. He encourages them to stand up for Jesus Christ and abstain from the immorality o
Keith Daniel Lest After I Have Preached to Others I Should Be a Castaway by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of total surrender to God, warning against the dangers of hidden sins, idols, and compromise in the lives of preachers and Christians. It call
Shane Idleman The Door of Temptation Swings Both Ways by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming temptation by focusing on three key strategies: enduring temptation by saying no, closing the door to sin by cutting off provisi

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