Ephesians 4:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

With {G3326} all {G3956} lowliness {G5012} and {G2532} meekness {G4236}, with {G3326} longsuffering {G3115}, forbearing {G430} one another {G240} in {G1722} love {G26};

Complete Jewish Bible

Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:2 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, transitioning from profound theological exposition to practical Christian living. It lays out foundational virtues—lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearance—that are essential for believers to cultivate within the community. These qualities, to be exercised "in love," serve as the bedrock for maintaining the spiritual unity of the body of Christ, reflecting the character of God and fostering harmonious relationships among those called by His grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4:2 immediately follows Paul's earnest appeal in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling") for believers to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." The preceding three chapters of Ephesians are rich in theological doctrine, establishing the cosmic plan of God for the church, the mystery of Gentile inclusion, and the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers in Christ. Chapter 4 marks a crucial shift from indicative (what God has done) to imperative (how believers should live). Verse 2, therefore, provides the specific character traits that enable believers to live out the glorious truths of their calling, setting the stage for the subsequent exhortations on unity in [Ephesians 4:3-6](/ephesians/4-3-6 "Ephesians 4:3-6 - Unity of the Spirit"). These virtues are the practical means by which the theological reality of one body in Christ is manifested in daily life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse population, prominent temple of Artemis (Diana), and a mix of Greek, Roman, and Eastern religious and philosophical influences. Pride, self-assertion, and social status were highly valued in Greco-Roman society, where humility was often seen as weakness or servility. Against this backdrop, Paul's emphasis on "lowliness" (humility) and "meekness" (gentle strength) was counter-cultural and revolutionary. The early Christian communities, composed of people from various social strata, ethnic backgrounds (Jew and Gentile), and cultural norms, faced significant challenges in maintaining unity. Paul's exhortations in this verse provided specific virtues necessary to overcome internal divisions and external pressures, demonstrating a distinct, Christ-like way of life that contrasted sharply with the prevailing societal values.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Virtues**, presenting a list of essential character traits that should mark the believer's life. These are not optional but foundational for spiritual maturity and communal health. Secondly, it directly supports the theme of **Unity in the Body of Christ**, which is explicitly articulated in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit"). The virtues in verse 2 are the practical means by which this unity is fostered and preserved, preventing discord and promoting harmony. Thirdly, the phrase "in love" highlights **Love as the Foundation** for all Christian conduct. The divine, self-sacrificial love (agape) that permeates [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love") is the ultimate motivation and atmosphere in which these virtues are to be exercised, ensuring that they are not mere external behaviors but expressions of a transformed heart. This emphasis on love as the overarching principle is consistent with Paul's teaching throughout his epistles, such as in [Colossians 3:14](/colossians/3-14 "Colossians 3:14 - Love as the Bond of Perfection").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lowliness (Greek, _tapeinophrosýnē'_):** From G5012, this term signifies "humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty." In the New Testament, it denotes humility, a humble estimate of oneself, and freedom from pride. Unlike the ancient Greek world where it often carried negative connotations of abjectness or servility, biblical lowliness is a positive virtue, reflecting a realistic self-assessment in light of God's greatness and grace. It is the opposite of arrogance and self-exaltation.
* **Meekness (Greek, _praiótēs'_):** From G4236, this word means "gentleness, by implication, humility." It describes a disposition of controlled strength, not weakness. It is the quality of being gentle, mild, and submissive to God's will, even in the face of provocation. It implies a calm and balanced temper, not easily provoked to anger or resentment, and a willingness to yield rather than assert oneself aggressively.
* **Longsuffering (Greek, _makrothymía'_):** From G3115, this term refers to "longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude." It describes patience, especially in enduring offenses, injuries, or difficult people over a long period without giving up or retaliating. It is a slowness to anger and a willingness to wait patiently for God's timing and justice, rather than seeking immediate retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With all lowliness and meekness":** This opening phrase sets the tone for the Christian walk. "Lowliness" (humility) is the inward disposition of a humble mind, recognizing one's dependence on God and valuing others above oneself. "Meekness" (gentleness) is the outward expression of this humility, manifesting as controlled strength and mildness in interactions, rather than harshness or self-assertion. The "all" emphasizes that these qualities should characterize every aspect of the believer's attitude and conduct.
* **"with longsuffering":** This virtue speaks to the endurance of difficult circumstances and, more specifically, difficult people. It is the capacity to bear with provocation, injustice, or annoyance over an extended period without losing patience or retaliating. It implies a profound inner calm and a commitment to grace, even when challenged.
* **"forbearing one another":** This phrase, built upon the preceding virtues, describes the active practice of patience and tolerance within the community. "Forbearing" (from G430, _anéchomai_) means "to hold oneself up against," "to endure," or "to put up with." It is the willingness to tolerate and show patience towards the faults, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, and imperfections of fellow believers, rather than reacting in anger, judgment, or withdrawal. It acknowledges that all are imperfect and require grace.
* **"in love;":** This concluding phrase is crucial, serving as the overarching atmosphere and motivation for all the preceding virtues. The "love" (from G26, _agápē_) here is not merely human affection but divine, self-sacrificial love. It means that lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearance are not practiced out of obligation or mere politeness, but as genuine expressions of Christ's love poured out through the believer. Love provides the context, the power, and the purpose for living out these challenging virtues in community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Climax**. Paul lists a series of virtues: lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearance. This enumeration serves to provide a concrete and comprehensive set of character traits for the believer's walk. The phrase "in love" acts as a **Climax** or **Controlling Principle**, elevating the preceding virtues from mere ethical behaviors to expressions of divine agape. Love is not just another item on the list but the essential context and motivation that gives meaning and power to all the others. Furthermore, the use of the preposition "with" (G3326, _metá_) repeatedly emphasizes the **Accompaniment** of these virtues with the Christian's walk, suggesting they are integral components of their very being and conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:2 articulates the practical outworking of the believer's new identity in Christ, moving from theological truth to ethical living. The virtues listed are not merely humanistic ideals but reflect the very character of God and Christ, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit. They are essential for demonstrating the reality of the unified body of Christ to a watching world and for fostering genuine fellowship within the church. The emphasis on humility, gentleness, and patience underscores the counter-cultural nature of the Christian faith, where strength is found in self-denial and service rather than self-assertion and dominance. These virtues are indispensable for maintaining the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" mentioned in the subsequent verse, recognizing that internal harmony is a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel.

* [Colossians 3:12-13](/colossians/3-12-13 "Colossians 3:12-13 - Put on Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Do Nothing from Selfish Ambition, But in Humility Count Others More Significant Than Yourselves")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:2 calls believers to a profound transformation of character that impacts every relationship. It challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and cultivate deep, Christ-like virtues that foster genuine community. In a world often marked by pride, impatience, and division, these qualities stand out as radical expressions of God's grace at work in His people. Reflecting on lowliness means honestly assessing our own pride and self-sufficiency, seeking to serve rather than be served. Meekness invites us to respond to provocation with gentle strength, trusting God's sovereignty rather than reacting in anger. Longsuffering and forbearance are daily disciplines, requiring us to extend grace and patience to others, just as Christ has extended it to us. Ultimately, these virtues are not about our own strength, but about allowing the love of God to flow through us, transforming our interactions and building up the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to practice lowliness (humility)?**
* **How does "meekness" (gentle strength) differ from weakness, and how can you cultivate it in your daily interactions?**
* **Think of a relationship where you need to exercise more "longsuffering" or "forbearance." What practical steps can you take this week?**
* **How does the command to practice these virtues "in love" change your perspective on their importance and difficulty?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "longsuffering" and "forbearing"?**

Answer: While closely related and often used together, "longsuffering" (Greek: _makrothymía_) and "forbearing" (Greek: _anéchomai_) have distinct nuances. "Longsuffering" primarily refers to an internal quality or disposition—the capacity or patience to endure difficult people or circumstances over a long period without giving in to anger or despair. It's a slowness to wrath and a willingness to wait. "Forbearing," on the other hand, describes the active expression of this patience in a relational context. It means "to hold oneself up against" or "to put up with" the faults, weaknesses, or annoying habits of others. It implies a conscious choice to tolerate and endure imperfections in fellow believers rather than reacting negatively or breaking fellowship. So, longsuffering is the inner virtue, while forbearing is the outward action of bearing with others. Both are essential for maintaining unity, as highlighted in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of "lowliness" (humility), as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"), where He, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Jesus perfectly displayed "meekness," famously declaring Himself "meek and lowly in heart" in [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). His meekness was not weakness but controlled power, evident in His submission to the Father's will even unto death on the cross ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, Christ's entire ministry was an act of "longsuffering" and "forbearance" towards a rebellious humanity, bearing with our sins and imperfections, and enduring the cross for our sake ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His patient endurance of suffering and His willingness to "bear our griefs and carry our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant")) exemplify these virtues. Most profoundly, all of Christ's actions were motivated and saturated "in love," the divine _agape_ that led Him to lay down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Therefore, believers are called to walk in these virtues not merely as ethical mandates, but as a direct imitation of their Savior, who perfectly modeled the character required for true spiritual unity.

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

Colossians 3:12

¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Romans 15:1

¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.