Ephesians 4:15

KJV

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} speaking the truth {G226} in {G1722} love {G26}, may grow up {G837} into {G1519} him {G846} in all things {G3956}, which {G3739} is {G2076} the head {G2776}, even Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in every respect grow up into him who is the head, the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

American Standard Version

but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:15 encapsulates a profound call for Christian maturity, urging believers to engage in truthful communication rooted in love. This verse highlights that such authentic and compassionate interaction is the divine pathway for the church, as a collective body and as individual members, to grow into the full stature and character of Christ, who is the ultimate Head and source of all spiritual nourishment and direction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4 opens with a fervent appeal for unity within the body of Christ, grounded in the foundational truths of "one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all" ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Unity of the Spirit")). Following this, Paul expounds on the diverse spiritual gifts bestowed by Christ upon His church, explaining their purpose: "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - Purpose of Spiritual Gifts")). This progression culminates in the goal of spiritual maturity, preventing believers from being "no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - Warning Against Instability")). Verse 15 then provides the positive, active means by which this maturity is achieved and its ultimate destination.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians from prison, likely Rome, around A.D. 60-62. Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis (Diana), and a significant Jewish population. The early Christian community in Ephesus, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, faced challenges of internal disunity and external pressures from false teachings. Paul's emphasis on unity, maturity, and the proper functioning of spiritual gifts was directly relevant to fostering a cohesive and resilient church in such a complex environment. The concept of a "head" guiding a "body" was a common metaphor in ancient thought, readily understood by the recipients as denoting authority, direction, and vital connection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Unity**, demonstrating how truthful and loving communication is essential for the harmonious functioning of the church, the "body of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Call to Unity")). Secondly, it develops the theme of **Spiritual Maturity**, presenting growth into Christ as the ultimate aim of all Christian life and ministry, moving beyond spiritual infancy ([Ephesians 4:13-14](/ephesians/4-13-14 "Ephesians 4:13-14 - Attaining Maturity")). Thirdly, it highlights **Christ's Headship**, emphasizing His supreme authority and role as the source of life and direction for the church, a concept central to Paul's theology in this letter and elsewhere, such as in [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church"). Finally, it introduces the critical balance of **Truth and Love**, asserting that these two virtues are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent for genuine spiritual growth and healthy relationships within the believing community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speaking the truth (Greek, _alētheúō'_):** From G226, meaning "to be true (in doctrine and profession)." This word implies more than merely uttering factual statements; it encompasses living truthfully, embodying integrity, and practicing sincerity in all aspects of life. It refers to a consistent lifestyle of truthfulness, not just occasional verbal declarations.
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, meaning "affection or benevolence," specifically referring to God's unconditional, self-sacrificial love. This is not sentimental affection but a deliberate, active, and benevolent concern for the well-being of others, which serves as the indispensable context and motivation for speaking truth.
* **Grow up (Greek, _auxánō'_):** From G837, meaning "to grow ('wax'), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)." This term denotes a continuous, progressive process of development and increase, indicating that spiritual maturity is not a static state but an ongoing journey of transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But speaking the truth in love":** This clause presents the active means by which spiritual growth occurs. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) contrasts with the instability described in the preceding verse, introducing the positive alternative. "Speaking the truth" (G226, _alētheúō_) implies both verbal honesty and a life lived in accordance with divine truth. This truthfulness must be exercised "in love" (G1722, _en_ G26, _agápē_), meaning that love is the sphere, the atmosphere, and the guiding principle for all truth-telling. Without love, truth can be harsh or destructive; without truth, love can be sentimental and unmoored.
* **"may grow up into him in all things":** This phrase articulates the desired outcome and direction of the truth-in-love dynamic. The verb "may grow up" (G837, _auxánō_) signifies a process of increasing maturity and development. The goal is to grow "into him" (G1519, _eis_ G846, _autós_), referring to Christ, indicating a progressive conformity to His character and likeness. This growth is comprehensive, extending "in all things" (G3956, _pâs_), touching every aspect of a believer's life—thoughts, words, actions, and relationships.
* **"which is the head, even Christ":** This final clause identifies the ultimate authority and source of life for the growing body of believers. Christ is unequivocally declared as "the head" (G3739, _hós_ G2076, _estí_ G2776, _kephalḗ_), a metaphor signifying His supreme authority, leadership, and the vital connection through which life and direction flow to the church. The addition "even Christ" (G5547, _Christós_) explicitly names the Head, reinforcing His central and indispensable role in the church's growth and unity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the church is depicted as a "body" and Christ as its "head." This organic imagery powerfully conveys the idea of interconnectedness, dependence, and the vital flow of life and direction from Christ to His followers. The concept of "growing up into him" is an **Anthropomorphism** applied to the spiritual body, suggesting a natural, developmental process akin to physical maturation. The phrase "speaking the truth in love" is a brilliant example of **Juxtaposition**, bringing together two seemingly distinct concepts—truth (often associated with objective fact) and love (often associated with subjective emotion)—to highlight their necessary interdependence for healthy Christian living. This creates a powerful **Paradox** for those who might separate truth from love, emphasizing that one without the other is incomplete or even detrimental.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:15 is a theological cornerstone, underscoring the dynamic nature of Christian discipleship and community. It teaches that spiritual maturity is not a passive state but an active pursuit, achieved through intentional and relational engagement. The synthesis of truth and love is paramount, revealing that authentic Christian communication is neither abrasive nor compromising, but rather a balanced expression of divine character. This verse highlights the church's ultimate teleological aim: to increasingly reflect the image and character of Christ, its Head, in every facet of its existence, both individually and corporately. This growth is not merely for individual sanctification but for the edification and health of the entire body, enabling it to fulfill its mission in the world.

* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak Truth to One Another")
* [1 Corinthians 13:6](/1_corinthians/13-6 "1 Corinthians 13:6 - Love Rejoices in Truth")
* [Colossians 2:19](/colossians/2-19 "Colossians 2:19 - Christ as the Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:15 serves as a profound challenge and guide for every believer and for the church as a whole. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our communication patterns, urging us to consider whether our words and actions are truly characterized by both unwavering truth and genuine, self-sacrificial love. In a world often polarized by harsh truths or sentimental falsehoods, this verse provides a divine blueprint for healthy interaction, fostering environments where honesty can flourish without causing harm, and where love can build up without compromising integrity. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is not merely to accumulate knowledge or perform duties, but to progressively embody the very nature of Christ in all aspects of our lives, becoming more like our Head. This journey of growing up into Christ, through the daily practice of speaking the truth in love, is the essence of mature discipleship and the pathway to a vibrant, unified church that truly reflects its Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I find it challenging to speak the truth in love, and why?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater balance between truth and love in my interactions with others, especially within my Christian community?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally "grow up into Christ" in a specific area where I need spiritual maturity?**
* **How does the understanding of Christ as the "head" influence my willingness to submit to His guidance and allow Him to shape my character?**

### FAQ

**What does "speaking the truth in love" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Speaking the truth in love" means communicating honestly and transparently, not just verbally but through our actions and lifestyle, while always being motivated by genuine care, compassion, and a desire for the other person's good and spiritual growth. It's about delivering truth with grace, seeking to build up rather than tear down. For example, if a fellow believer is engaging in a harmful behavior, speaking the truth in love would involve gently and humbly addressing the issue, not to condemn or shame, but to restore and encourage them toward repentance and growth, as seen in [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently"). It avoids both harsh, unloving truth and sentimental, truth-compromising love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and the perfect manifestation of "love" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Jesus consistently spoke the truth, even when it was challenging or confrontational, but He always did so from a heart of profound compassion and a desire for redemption, as evidenced in His interactions with the Samaritan woman ([John 4:7-26](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) or the rich young ruler ([Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Man")). Furthermore, Christ is explicitly declared as "the head" of the church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")), the One into whom believers are to grow in "all things." Our growth into Him is a process of becoming increasingly like the One who perfectly integrated truth and love, culminating in His sacrificial death—the ultimate act of truth (revealing sin's cost) and love (providing salvation) on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, the call to speak the truth in love and grow into Christ is a call to participate in His very nature and mission, reflecting His character to a world desperately in need of both His truth and His love.

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

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Zechariah 8:16

These [are] the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 2:21

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,