Ephesians 4:14

KJV

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} we henceforth be {G5600} no more {G3371} children {G3516}, tossed to and fro {G2831}, and {G2532} carried about with {G4064} every {G3956} wind {G417} of doctrine {G1319}, by {G1722} the sleight {G2940} of men {G444}, and cunning craftiness {G1722}{G3834}, whereby {G4314} they lie in wait {G3180} to deceive {G4106};

Complete Jewish Bible

We will then no longer be infants tossed about by the waves and blown along by every wind of teaching, at the mercy of people clever in devising ways to deceive.

Berean Standard Bible

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

American Standard Version

that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:14 serves as a crucial warning to believers, emphasizing the vital importance of spiritual maturity. It highlights the perilous state of immaturity, describing it as being like vulnerable children, easily swayed and destabilized by the ever-shifting currents of false teachings and deceptive human manipulations. The verse underscores that the purpose of Christ's gifts to the church is to equip believers to stand firm in truth, discerning and resisting the cunning strategies of those who seek to lead them astray.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's exhortation for Christian unity and maturity in [Ephesians chapter 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians Chapter 4 - Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ"). Paul begins the chapter with an earnest appeal for believers to "walk worthy of the calling" by demonstrating humility, gentleness, patience, and love, striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")). He then grounds this unity in the shared realities of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Sevenfold Unity")). Following this, Paul explains how Christ, after His ascension, bestowed diverse spiritual gifts upon His church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers ([Ephesians 4:7-11](/ephesians/4-7-11 "Ephesians 4:7-11 - Christ's Gifts to the Church")). The explicit purpose of these gifts, as stated in [Ephesians 4:12-13](/ephesians/4-12-13 "Ephesians 4:12-13 - Purpose of the Gifts"), is "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Verse 14 then presents the negative consequence of failing to achieve this maturity: remaining susceptible to error and deception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Ephesus, faced a myriad of philosophical, religious, and spiritual influences. Syncretism was rampant, and various Gnostic ideas, Jewish legalism, pagan cults, and philosophical schools vied for adherence. False teachers, often charismatic and persuasive, could easily infiltrate nascent Christian communities, promising deeper knowledge or alternative paths to salvation. These "winds of doctrine" were not merely abstract ideas but concrete, often dangerous, teachings that threatened to undermine the core truths of the Gospel. The "sleight of men" and "cunning craftiness" reflect the reality of ancient sophistry and rhetorical manipulation, where skilled speakers could twist arguments and deceive audiences for personal gain or to promote their own agendas, much like the warnings found in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy and Empty Deceit"). Believers, especially new converts, lacked the theological grounding to discern truth from error, making them particularly vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ephesians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Maturity vs. Immaturity**. Paul consistently calls believers to grow beyond spiritual infancy, moving from "milk" to "solid food" ([Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12-14 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - From Milk to Solid Food")). Immaturity is characterized by instability and susceptibility to external influences, while maturity brings discernment, steadfastness, and a firm grounding in truth. Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive **Danger of False Doctrine**. The imagery of "every wind of doctrine" vividly portrays the unpredictable, powerful, and potentially destructive nature of teachings that deviate from the apostolic faith. This theme is echoed throughout Paul's epistles, as he frequently warns against those who preach "another gospel" or distort the truth ([Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - No Other Gospel")). Finally, the verse exposes the reality of **Deception and Cunning** employed by those who propagate error. It reveals that false teaching is not merely an intellectual mistake but often involves deliberate manipulation and malicious intent, as those who promote it "lie in wait to deceive." This necessitates believers to be not only knowledgeable but also acutely discerning, recognizing that spiritual warfare involves contending against deceptive tactics ([2 Corinthians 11:13-15](/2_corinthians/11-13-15 "2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - False Apostles Disguised")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doctrine (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** (G1319) From _didaskalos_ (teacher); refers to instruction, teaching, or the content of what is taught. In this context, it signifies the body of beliefs or principles being propagated, whether true or false. The "wind of doctrine" thus refers to a teaching that is unstable, lacking firm foundation, and capable of blowing believers off course.
* **tossed to and fro (Greek, _klydōnízomai'_):** (G2831) Middle voice verb, derived from _klydōn_ (a wave or surge). It literally means "to be agitated by waves," or "to fluctuate." Figuratively, it powerfully conveys the instability, lack of steadfastness, and emotional or intellectual wavering of someone without firm doctrinal grounding, akin to a ship without an anchor in a storm.
* **sleight (Greek, _kybeía'_): (G2940)** From a word for "cube" or "die" (as in dice for playing); it denotes gambling, and by extension, artifice, trickery, or fraud. This word paints a picture of dishonest manipulation, suggesting that false teachers "play games" with truth, using cunning tricks and deceptive maneuvers to win over unsuspecting individuals.
* **cunning craftiness (Greek, _panourgía'_):** (G3834) From _panourgos_ (all-working, i.e., capable of anything, often in a bad sense); it signifies adroitness, but specifically in a negative sense, meaning trickery, unscrupulousness, or sophistry. This term emphasizes the deceptive skill and moral depravity of those who employ false teachings, indicating a calculated and often unethical cleverness designed to mislead.
* **to deceive (Greek, _plánē'_):** (G4106) Feminine noun, meaning "a wandering," "a straying," or "error." Objectively, it refers to fraudulence or deception; subjectively, it describes a straying from orthodoxy or piety. The phrase "lie in wait to deceive" (using _methodeía_ G3180, which means "trickery" or "wile," and _plánē_) highlights the deliberate and strategic nature of the deception, implying a planned ambush of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That we henceforth be no more children,"**: This opening clause states the desired outcome of spiritual maturity—to cease being like infants. Spiritually, "children" (_nḗpios_, G3516) are characterized by immaturity, a lack of discernment, and vulnerability to external influences, much like a literal child who is easily misled or frightened. The goal is to grow out of this state.
* **"tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,"**: This vivid imagery describes the instability of spiritual children. "Tossed to and fro" (_klydōnízomai_) evokes a ship without a rudder, violently agitated by waves. "Carried about" (_periphérō_, G4064) suggests being passively transported without direction. The "wind of doctrine" (_ánemos didaskalías_, G417 G1319) metaphorically represents various false teachings, which are unpredictable, powerful, and capable of blowing believers off course from the stable truth of the Gospel.
* **"by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"**: This final clause exposes the source and nature of the deceptive "winds." "Sleight of men" (_kybeía_, G2940) implies trickery, manipulation, or dishonest gambling, suggesting that false teachers play games with truth. "Cunning craftiness" (_panourgía_, G3834) reinforces this, pointing to a clever and unscrupulous skill in deception. The phrase "whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (_methodeía_, G3180, leading to _plánē_, G4106) reveals the malicious intent and strategic nature of these deceivers, who actively plot and ambush believers with their errors.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 4:14 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a vivid picture of spiritual immaturity and the dangers it faces. The central metaphor of believers as "children" immediately conveys vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of developed understanding. This is powerfully extended by the **Simile** of being "tossed to and fro, and carried about," which likens these immature believers to a ship or object adrift on turbulent waters, highlighting their instability. The "wind of doctrine" is a potent **Metaphor** for false teachings, emphasizing their pervasive, unpredictable, and forceful nature, capable of blowing believers off course. The phrases "sleight of men" and "cunning craftiness" use **Figurative Language** to describe the manipulative tactics of false teachers, drawing on the imagery of trickery or dishonest games. The final phrase, "whereby they lie in wait to deceive," employs **Personification** and **Anticipation**, suggesting that deception is an active, lurking enemy, strategically planning to ensnare the unwary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the necessity of spiritual growth and discernment within the Christian life. It underscores that the gifts Christ gives to His church are not merely for individual edification but collectively for the body's stability and protection against error. The call to move beyond spiritual childhood is a call to intellectual and spiritual robustness, enabling believers to distinguish truth from falsehood, light from darkness. This discernment is not innate but cultivated through diligent study of God's Word, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and participation in a community committed to sound doctrine. The presence of "winds of doctrine" and "cunning craftiness" highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where deception is a primary weapon of the enemy, making a firm grasp of biblical truth an essential defense.

* [1 Corinthians 14:20](/1_corinthians/14-20 "1 Corinthians 14:20 - Be Mature in Understanding")
* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - Turning Away from Sound Doctrine")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy and Empty Deceit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:14 serves as an urgent and timeless summons for every believer to actively pursue spiritual maturity and discernment. In an age saturated with information, diverse ideologies, and competing spiritual claims, the "winds of doctrine" are as prevalent and powerful as ever. True spiritual growth involves more than just accumulating knowledge; it requires developing a robust framework of biblical truth that enables us to critically evaluate teachings, discern motives, and stand firm against anything that deviates from the Gospel. This means cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God through His Word and prayer, engaging in thoughtful theological reflection, and submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It also necessitates active participation in a local church that upholds sound doctrine and provides faithful teaching, allowing us to be equipped and edified within a discerning community. Our stability in faith is not merely for our own benefit but also so that we can contribute to the steadfastness of the entire body of Christ, resisting the deceptive tactics that seek to undermine the church's witness and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively pursue spiritual maturity in my daily life, moving beyond the vulnerability of a "child" in faith?**
* **What "winds of doctrine" or subtle deceptions might be subtly influencing my beliefs or the beliefs within my community today, and how can I test them against the unchanging standard of God's Word?**
* **In what specific ways can I contribute to fostering an environment of discernment and sound doctrine within my local church, helping others to stand firm against error?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "no more children" in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: To be "no more children" in a spiritual sense means to grow out of spiritual immaturity and instability. Just as a physical child is easily influenced, lacks full understanding, and is dependent on others, a spiritual "child" is vulnerable to false teachings, lacks deep discernment, and may be swayed by emotions or charismatic personalities rather than by biblical truth. Spiritual maturity, by contrast, involves a firm grounding in sound doctrine, the ability to discern good from evil, and steadfastness in faith, as described in [Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12-14 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - From Milk to Solid Food"), where believers are encouraged to move beyond "milk" to "solid food" by exercising their senses to discern good and evil. It signifies a state of being firmly established in Christ, able to withstand spiritual pressures and deceptions.

**How can I identify a "wind of doctrine" or "cunning craftiness" in practice?**

Answer: Identifying a "wind of doctrine" or "cunning craftiness" requires active discernment and a solid foundation in God's Word. "Winds of doctrine" often present themselves as new insights, deeper truths, or more "relevant" interpretations, but they typically deviate from the core tenets of biblical Christianity. They might overemphasize certain aspects of truth while neglecting others, twist Scripture out of context, or appeal to emotions and personal experiences over objective revelation. "Cunning craftiness" refers to the manipulative tactics of those who propagate these errors. This can involve flattery, creating division, using fear or guilt, or subtly undermining established biblical authority. To identify them, you must constantly compare what you hear or read against the whole counsel of [Scripture](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Sufficiency of Scripture"), pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")), seek counsel from mature, biblically sound leaders, and be wary of teachings that lead to division, moral compromise, or a diminished view of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth and the source of all spiritual stability. While the verse warns against being "tossed to and fro" by false doctrines, Christ is the unchanging anchor for our souls, "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). He is not merely a teacher of doctrine, but the living Word, the Truth incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), against whom no "wind of doctrine" can ultimately prevail. It is through our union with Him, as the Head of the Church, that we receive the spiritual gifts and the necessary nourishment to grow into maturity, "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining Maturity in Christ")). The purpose of escaping spiritual childhood is to become more like Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")). He is the Good Shepherd who protects His sheep from the deceptive wiles of wolves ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11-12 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd")), ensuring that those who truly belong to Him will not be snatched away by the "sleight of men" or "cunning craftiness" ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish")). Thus, our defense against deception and our path to maturity are found solely in abiding in Christ and His unchanging truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hebrews 5:12

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.