Ephesians 4:20

KJV

But ye have not so learned Christ;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} ye {G5210} have {G3129} not {G3756} so {G3779} learned {G3129} Christ {G5547};

Complete Jewish Bible

But this is not the lesson you learned from the Messiah!

Berean Standard Bible

But this is not the way you came to know Christ.

American Standard Version

But ye did not so learn Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:20 stands as a stark declaration of the radical transformation experienced by believers in Christ, contrasting their new life with the spiritual darkness and moral depravity characteristic of unregenerate humanity. This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's letter, moving from a description of the Gentile way of life, alienated from God, to an earnest exhortation for Christians to live out the implications of their new identity and spiritual education in Jesus. It asserts that true discipleship to Christ inherently demands a fundamentally different worldview, set of values, and pattern of conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a sharp antithesis to the preceding passage in [Ephesians 4:17-19](/ephesians/4-17-19 "Ephesians 4:17-19 - The Futility of the Gentile Mind"), where Paul vividly describes the spiritual and moral condition of the unregenerate Gentiles. He portrays their "futility of mind," "darkened understanding," "alienation from the life of God," and their giving themselves over to "sensuality, to practice every kind of impurity with greediness." Immediately following this bleak picture, Paul declares, "But ye have not so learned Christ," signaling a dramatic shift. This statement then sets the stage for the subsequent ethical exhortations in [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New Man"), where believers are commanded to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." The verse thus serves as the theological grounding for the practical demands of Christian living that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center, a hub of commerce, and a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions. It was particularly known for its devotion to Artemis (Diana), whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and for its widespread practice of magic and occult arts. The moral climate was often permissive, characterized by idolatry, sexual immorality, and a general lack of spiritual discernment among the pagan populace. For the Ephesian believers, many of whom were converts from this very pagan background, the challenge was not merely intellectual assent to new doctrines but a complete break from ingrained cultural norms and former ways of life. Paul's words here are a direct call for them to embody a distinct counter-cultural identity, demonstrating that their Christian faith was not just another philosophy but a transformative reality that demanded a radically different ethical and moral existence from the surrounding Gentile world.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major themes throughout Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation**, emphasizing that conversion to Christ is not merely a change of belief but a profound reorientation of one's entire being, leading to a life fundamentally distinct from the world's patterns. This transformation is rooted in truly "learning Christ," which points to the theme of **Discipleship and Experiential Knowledge of Christ**. It implies more than intellectual acquisition of facts about Jesus; it signifies a personal, ongoing apprenticeship where one internalizes His teachings, character, and the very Spirit of God, as seen in the call to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling"). Lastly, this verse highlights the **Ethical Implications of Faith**, consistently linking theological truth with practical ethics. Paul argues that genuine belief in Christ inherently demands a corresponding ethical transformation, leading to a life of "righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - The New Man in Righteousness and Holiness")), which stands in sharp contrast to the "impurity and greediness" of the old life ([Ephesians 4:19](/ephesians/4-19 "Ephesians 4:19 - Given Over to Sensuality")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as a strong adversative, indicating a sharp contrast or opposition. In this context, it marks a pivotal shift from Paul's description of the pagan way of life in [Ephesians 4:17-19](/ephesians/4-17-19 "Ephesians 4:17-19 - The Futility of the Gentile Mind") to the distinct experience and calling of believers. It emphatically separates the "ye" (believers) from the "they" (unregenerate Gentiles), highlighting the fundamental difference that Christ makes.
* **learned (Greek, _manthánō'_):** This verb means "to learn," "to understand," or "to be a disciple." It denotes more than mere intellectual apprehension; it implies an experiential, transformative process of instruction and appropriation. To "learn Christ" is to become His apprentice, to internalize His teachings, character, and way of life, resulting in a profound change of one's inner being and outward conduct. It speaks to a deep, personal discipleship that shapes one's entire worldview.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** Derived from the verb "to anoint," this term refers to the Messiah, the Anointed One. As the direct object of "learned," "Christ" is not merely a doctrine or a set of teachings, but the living Person Himself. The Ephesians did not just learn *about* Christ, but they learned *Christ*—His very person, character, and redemptive work became the subject and source of their spiritual formation and new identity. This emphasizes the personal and relational nature of Christian discipleship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But":** This opening conjunction signals a dramatic and intentional contrast. It serves as a sharp break from the preceding verses, which detail the moral and spiritual depravity of those alienated from God. It immediately sets the believers apart.
* **"ye have not so":** The pronoun "ye" (referring to the Ephesian believers) is emphasized, distinguishing them from the "Gentiles" described earlier. The adverb "so" directly refers back to the manner of life just depicted in [Ephesians 4:17-19](/ephesians/4-17-19 "Ephesians 4:17-19 - The Futility of the Gentile Mind")—a life characterized by futility, darkened understanding, hardness of heart, and moral impurity. Paul asserts that the believers' experience and spiritual education are fundamentally different from this pagan way.
* **"learned Christ;":** This is the core assertion. It implies that the believers' encounter with Jesus Christ, their conversion, and their ongoing discipleship have imparted to them a new understanding, a new nature, and a new way of living that is diametrically opposed to the "old self." To "learn Christ" signifies a transformative process where Christ Himself is both the teacher and the content of the learning, leading to a life that reflects His character and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, as the verse stands in direct opposition to the detailed description of pagan life in the preceding verses. The "but" (G1161 _dé_) emphatically marks this sharp contrast, highlighting the fundamental difference between those who are "alienated from the life of God" and those who "have learned Christ." This creates a dramatic **Juxtaposition** of two distinct ways of life. Furthermore, the phrase "learned Christ" functions as a profound **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "Christ" stands for the entire body of truth, doctrine, and transformative experience associated with Him. It is not merely learning facts *about* Christ, but learning the *way of life* that embodies Christ's character and teachings, making Christ Himself the curriculum of their spiritual education.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:20 is a powerful theological statement affirming the discontinuity between the old life in Adam and the new life in Christ. It underscores the profound truth that genuine conversion is not merely an intellectual assent but a radical, holistic transformation that impacts one's entire being—mind, will, and affections. To "learn Christ" is to be discipled by the very embodiment of truth and righteousness, resulting in a new moral compass and a distinct way of living that reflects God's character. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent call to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self," emphasizing that the Christian life is an active, ongoing process of aligning one's conduct with one's new identity in Christ, moving from the darkness of ignorance to the light of God's truth and holiness.

* [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Man and Put On the New")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:20 challenges believers to deeply consider what it truly means to "learn Christ." It's far more than acquiring theological knowledge; it's an immersive, transformative apprenticeship where the very character and teachings of Jesus become the mold for our lives. This verse calls us to examine whether our daily thoughts, words, and actions genuinely reflect the truth we claim to have learned from Him. Are we actively shedding the patterns of the old self—the futility, impurity, and hardness of heart that characterize a life apart from God—and embracing the righteousness and holiness that are ours in Christ? It reminds us that our faith is not passive, but a dynamic force that should visibly distinguish us from the world around us, compelling us to live lives that honor our new identity and the profound spiritual education we have received from our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my life currently reflect the "old self" described in Ephesians 4:17-19, and how can I intentionally "put off" those patterns?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "learn Christ" in my daily routines, relationships, and decision-making?**
* **Am I actively allowing the character and teachings of Jesus to shape my worldview and ethical choices, or am I passively conforming to worldly norms?**
* **How does my life demonstrate a clear distinction from the "futile thinking" and "darkened understanding" that Paul describes as characteristic of those alienated from God?**

### FAQ
**What is the deeper meaning of "learned Christ" beyond simply knowing facts about Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "learned Christ" (Greek: _emathete ton Christon_) signifies a profound, experiential, and transformative process of discipleship, not merely intellectual acquisition of information. It implies that Christ Himself is both the teacher and the subject of the learning. To "learn Christ" means to internalize His character, teachings, and the very essence of His person, allowing Him to shape one's worldview, values, and conduct. It's akin to an apprentice learning a trade directly from a master craftsman, where the learning involves not just theory but practical application, imitation, and ultimately, becoming like the master. This learning results in a radical departure from the "old self" and a new way of living in "righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - The New Man in Righteousness and Holiness")). It's a continuous process of spiritual formation that leads to a life distinct from the patterns of the world ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ as the embodiment of all truth and the source of all genuine transformation. When Paul declares, "But ye have not so learned Christ," he points to Jesus as the singular, perfect Teacher and the very content of the new life. Christ is not merely a doctrine to be studied, but a living Person to be known and emulated. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and to "learn Christ" is to progressively conform to His image, shedding the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires and putting on the new self, "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New Man")). This learning is enabled by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to guide believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Therefore, the call to "learn Christ" is a call to continuous discipleship under the perfect Master, who invites us to "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Learn from Me")), ultimately leading us to live out the mind of Christ ([Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - Have This Mind Among Yourselves")).

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

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

John 6:45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

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.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.