Keraia
Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:16

Unity in the Body · Ephesians 4:1–16
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Translations

Modern
From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.
Traditional
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Literal
…from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of its supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
Latin
…ex quo totum corpus compactum et connexum per omnem juncturam subministrationis, secundum operationem in mensuram uniuscujusque membri, augmentum corporis facit in ædificationem sui in caritate.

Original

Greek
English
From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

Notes

Ephesians 4:16

  • Each part of the body of Christ has an important role and helps other parts grow. Christ, the head of the body, works through each part. He makes them fit together. He is the ultimate source of growth (see Colossians 2:19).

  • When all believers serve effectively, the whole body will be healthy, growing, and full of love (compare 1 Corinthians 8:1). Love is the most important factor in Christian growth (1 Corinthians 13:1–13).

Ephesians 4:7–16

Though believers share a common faith, God has given different special abilities to each individual believer for building up the church community.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Spiritual Maturity The Church

Parallels

Psalm 133:1–3 1 Corinthians 1:10–17

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Body of Christ Descent into Hell False Prophets Heaven Letter to the Ephesians Prophets, False Spirit of God Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Biology Church Anniversary Church is Edified by the Word Church: Unity of Edification is the Object of The Church's Union in Christ Edification: Described Growing Up Harmony Head: The Body Supported and Supplied By Individuality Joining Church My Brother's Keeper Not Going to Church Physiology: Figurative Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Righteous: Described Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Church is Edified by the Word Union with Christ: As Head of the Church Union with Christ: Necessary to Growth in Grace