Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

That ye {G5209} put off {G659} concerning {G2596} the former {G4387} conversation {G391} the old {G3820} man {G444}, which {G3588} is corrupt {G5351} according {G2596} to the deceitful {G539} lusts {G1939};

then, so far as your former way of life is concerned, you must strip off your old nature, because your old nature is thoroughly rotted by its deceptive desires;

to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Commentary

Ephesians 4:22 is a foundational verse in Paul's exhortation to believers regarding their new identity and conduct in Christ. Following his call for unity in the Spirit, Paul transitions to practical instruction on how Christians are to live, contrasting their former pagan lifestyle with the renewed life they have received.

Context of Ephesians 4:22

The first half of Ephesians chapter 4 emphasizes the spiritual unity of the church, built upon common faith and gifts. Beginning in verse 17, Paul shifts focus to the ethical implications of this new life, urging believers to no longer walk "as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17). Verse 22, therefore, serves as a direct command to shed the characteristics of that former, unregenerate existence, setting the stage for the positive command to "put on the new man" in verse 24.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Transformation: The verse calls for a complete abandonment of the old way of life. It’s not about minor adjustments but a fundamental change in identity and behavior, a hallmark of being a new creation in Christ.
  • Renunciation of the "Old Man": The "old man" represents the unregenerate self, the sinful nature inherited from Adam, characterized by rebellion against God and self-centered desires. Believers are commanded to actively "put off" this former self, like discarding old, soiled clothing.
  • Corruption and Deceit: The verse explicitly states that the old man "is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." This highlights the inherent depravity of the sinful nature and the misleading promises of worldly desires that lead to moral decay and spiritual ruin.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Put off" (ἀποτίθημι - apotithēmi): This Greek verb literally means "to lay aside" or "to strip off," often used in the context of taking off clothes. It emphasizes a decisive, intentional act of discarding something.
  • "Former conversation" (τὴν προτέραν ἀναστροφὴν - tēn proteran anastrophēn): Here, "conversation" does not primarily mean speech, but rather one's entire manner of life, conduct, or behavior. It refers to the lifestyle lived before conversion to Christ.
  • "Old man" (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον - ton palaion anthrōpon): This phrase signifies the unregenerate human nature, subject to sin and alienated from God. It stands in direct contrast to the "new man" (verse 24), which is created in righteousness and holiness. This concept is also elaborated in Colossians 3:9-10.
  • "Deceitful lusts" (τὰς ἀπατηλὰς ἐπιθυμίας - tas apatēlas epithymias): These are desires that promise satisfaction or fulfillment but ultimately lead to disappointment, destruction, and spiritual death. They are inherently misleading and destructive, as illustrated by the parable of the sower where the deceitfulness of riches chokes the word.

Practical Application

Ephesians 4:22 calls believers to an ongoing process of sanctification. It's a daily choice to deny the urges of the sinful nature and align one's thoughts, words, and actions with the new identity received in Christ. This involves:

  1. Self-Examination: Honestly assessing areas where "deceitful lusts" might still influence behavior or thinking.
  2. Repentance: Turning away from old habits and sinful patterns.
  3. Active Disengagement: Deliberately choosing not to participate in activities or mindsets that align with the "old man."
  4. Embracing the New: Understanding that putting off the old is intrinsically linked to renewing the mind and putting on the new man, which is discussed in the subsequent verses.

This verse reminds us that Christian growth is not passive; it requires active participation in shedding the past and embracing the transformative power of God's Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 6:6 (53 votes)

    Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

  • Hebrews 12:1 (34 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • James 1:21 (31 votes)

    Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

  • 1 Peter 2:1 (27 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

  • 1 Peter 2:2 (27 votes)

    As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

  • Hebrews 3:13 (22 votes)

    But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

  • Titus 3:3 (19 votes)

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.