Ephesians 4:21

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

If so be that {G1489} ye have heard {G191} him {G846}, and {G2532} have been taught {G1321} by {G1722} him {G846}, as {G2531} the truth {G225} is {G2076} in {G1722} Jesus {G2424}:

If you really listened to him and were instructed about him, then you learned that since what is in Yeshua is truth,

Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—

if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:

Commentary on Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4, transitions from doctrinal instruction to practical Christian living. Verse 21 serves as a pivotal statement, setting the stage for the radical transformation in conduct he calls for in the subsequent verses. It posits a foundational premise: the reality of the Ephesians' conversion and their instruction in the Christian faith.

Context

This verse flows directly from Paul's contrast between the futile way of life of Gentiles who do not know God (Ephesians 4:17-19) and the new life found in Christ. Paul assumes his readers have genuinely encountered Christ and received teaching consistent with His nature. This forms the foundational premise for Paul's subsequent exhortation to put off the old man and put on the new, a concept central to Christian sanctification and spiritual growth. The entire chapter emphasizes unity, maturity, and righteous living within the body of Christ, building upon the truth received.

Key Themes

  • Authentic Christian Experience: The phrase "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him" doesn't express doubt but rather functions as "since indeed" or "seeing that." It presumes a genuine conversion experience and ongoing discipleship among the believers in Ephesus. Their past spiritual education is the basis for their present ethical obligations.
  • Christ as the Source of Truth: The core message is "as the truth is in Jesus." This highlights that Jesus Christ is not merely a messenger of truth or a teacher of true doctrines, but He Himself is the embodiment of truth. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's truth, underscoring the biblical principle that Jesus Himself is the embodiment of truth.
  • Foundation for New Living: This verse serves as the bedrock for the moral transformation Paul commands. True Christian conduct is not based on mere rules or human philosophy, but on the living truth found exclusively in Jesus. To live rightly, one must first be grounded in Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "If so be that" is ei ge (εἴ γε), which often carries the sense of "since indeed" or "seeing that," suggesting an affirmation rather than a condition. Paul is affirming that the Ephesians have truly heard and been taught by Christ. The word "truth" is alētheia (ἀλήθεια), referring to reality, sincerity, and divine veracity. Here, it is profoundly personified in Jesus, indicating that He is the ultimate reality and standard by which all things are measured.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 4:21 serves as a powerful reminder of the source and standard of our faith. It challenges us to reflect on whether our lives truly reflect the truth we claim to have heard and been taught in Jesus. Our spiritual journey involves not just intellectual assent to doctrines but a deep, transformative encounter with Christ himself. This verse calls us to:

  1. Examine Our Foundation: Is our understanding of truth rooted in Jesus Christ, or in worldly wisdom, personal opinion, or cultural trends?
  2. Live Authentically: Our conduct should be consistent with the truth we have received. Hypocrisy is a denial of the truth in Jesus.
  3. Continue Learning: Being "taught by him" is an ongoing process. We are called to continually grow in our knowledge and application of Christ's teachings, leading to greater spiritual maturity and a life that honors God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  • Hebrews 3:7

    ¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

  • Hebrews 3:8

    Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

  • 1 John 5:10

    ¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

  • 1 John 5:12

    He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

  • Colossians 2:7

    Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

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