Ephesians 4:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:22 serves as a pivotal command within Paul's ethical exhortation to believers, urging them to decisively abandon their former, unregenerate way of life. This verse calls for a radical disengagement from the "old man"—the sinful self characterized by a lifestyle driven by corrupt and misleading desires—as a foundational step in embracing their new identity and conduct in Christ, setting the stage for the positive command to "put on the new man."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4 marks a significant transition in Paul's letter, moving from theological exposition (chapters 1-3) to practical application and ethical instruction (chapters 4-6). The chapter begins with an appeal for unity within the body of Christ, grounded in shared faith and diverse spiritual gifts, as seen in [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity and Gifts in the Body of Christ"). Beginning in [Ephesians 4:17](/ephesians/4-17 "Ephesians 4:17 - No Longer Walk as Gentiles"), Paul shifts to contrasting the former pagan lifestyle with the new life in Christ. Verse 22, therefore, is a direct imperative to "put off" the characteristics of that former existence, explicitly detailing the nature of the "old man" that must be shed, thereby preparing the reader for the subsequent positive command to "put on the new man" in [Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Putting on the New Man").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ephesian church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. Many Gentile believers had come from a background of polytheism, idolatry, and moral practices that were antithetical to Christian ethics. Paul's exhortation here directly addresses the need for a radical break from the prevailing pagan culture, which often glorified self-indulgence and lacked a transcendent moral code. The "former conversation" (manner of life) would have been deeply ingrained, reflecting societal norms and personal habits prior to conversion. The concept of "putting off" and "putting on" clothing was a common metaphor in the ancient world for a change in status or identity, making Paul's instruction immediately relatable and impactful for his audience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. It emphasizes the theme of **Radical Transformation** that accompanies conversion, highlighting that Christian life is not merely an amendment of old habits but a fundamental change of identity and nature, as also articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). It underscores the **Renunciation of the "Old Man,"** representing the unregenerate, Adamic nature, which is inherently corrupt and driven by sinful desires. This theme is further developed in [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New"), where believers are likewise commanded to shed their former selves. Finally, it exposes the **Deceitfulness of Sin,** revealing how worldly "lusts" (desires) promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to corruption and spiritual decay, echoing warnings found in passages like [Mark 4:19](/mark/4-19 "Mark 4:19 - The Deceitfulness of Riches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put off (Greek, _apotíthēmi'_):** From G659, this verb literally means "to lay aside," "to strip off," or "to cast off." It is often used in the context of removing clothing. In this verse, it signifies a decisive, intentional, and complete act of discarding or renouncing a former way of life, emphasizing that this is not a passive process but an active disengagement from the old self.
* **old (Greek, _palaiós'_), man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** From G3820 and G444 respectively, "old" denotes something antique, worn out, or not recent, while "man" refers to a human being. Combined, "the old man" (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον) represents the unregenerate, Adamic nature—the totality of one's former self and conduct prior to regeneration in Christ. This "old man" is characterized by its alienation from God and its enslavement to sin, standing in stark contrast to the "new man" (verse 24) created in righteousness.
* **deceitful (Greek, _apátē'_), lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** From G539 and G1939 respectively, "deceitful" refers to delusion or trickery, while "lusts" describes a strong longing or desire, often for what is forbidden or inappropriate. "Deceitful lusts" (τὰς ἀπατηλὰς ἐπιθυμίας) highlight the inherently misleading and destructive nature of sinful desires. These desires promise satisfaction, pleasure, or fulfillment, but they ultimately lead to moral corruption, spiritual ruin, and profound disappointment, ensnaring individuals in a cycle of depravity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye put off concerning the former conversation":** This opening clause functions as a direct command to the Ephesian believers. "Put off" (ἀποτίθημι) signifies a deliberate and decisive act of divestment, much like shedding old, soiled garments. "Concerning the former conversation" (τὴν προτέραν ἀναστροφὴν) refers not to speech, but to one's entire manner of life, conduct, or behavior lived prior to conversion. It encompasses all the habits, attitudes, and moral practices characteristic of their unregenerate state.
* **"the old man":** This phrase identifies the object to be "put off." "The old man" (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον) is a theological concept representing the unregenerate human nature, inherited from Adam, which is enslaved to sin and alienated from God. It embodies the totality of one's identity and disposition before receiving new life in Christ. This is the very self that must be decisively discarded.
* **"which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;":** This final clause describes the inherent nature and driving force of "the old man." The "old man" "is corrupt" (φθειρόμενον, from G5351, meaning to decay, spoil, or deprave), indicating an ongoing process of moral and spiritual deterioration. This corruption is not random but occurs "according to" (κατά, G2596) or in conformity with "the deceitful lusts" (τὰς ἀπατηλὰς ἐπιθυμίας). These are desires that are inherently misleading, promising satisfaction but delivering only ruin, thereby perpetuating the cycle of corruption within the unregenerate self.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **literary devices** in Ephesians 4:22 to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "the old man" is presented as a garment to be "put off." This vivid imagery draws on the common practice of changing clothes, symbolizing a radical change in identity and status. Just as one discards worn-out or dirty clothing, believers are to decisively shed their former sinful way of life. The phrase "deceitful lusts" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the human characteristic of "deceit" to abstract desires, emphasizing their active, misleading power. These lusts are not merely passive inclinations but active agents that trick and ensnare, leading to corruption. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play, setting up the "old man" against the "new man" (introduced in verse 24). This structural contrast highlights the dramatic and necessary transformation from a life of corruption to one of righteousness and holiness in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:22 is foundational to understanding the Christian doctrine of sanctification, which is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. It underscores that salvation is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative work that demands a radical break from the past. The "old man" represents the totality of our fallen, Adamic nature, characterized by sin and alienation from God. To "put off" this old man is to actively disengage from the patterns of thought, desire, and behavior that are contrary to God's will. This command highlights the believer's active role in cooperation with the Holy Spirit in pursuing holiness, recognizing that the inherent corruption of the old nature, driven by deceitful lusts, is incompatible with the new life received in Christ. This theological truth calls for continuous self-examination and repentance, ensuring that our daily walk reflects our new identity.

* [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified")
* [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Man")
* [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:22 presents a profound call to intentionality in the Christian life. It reminds us that our salvation in Christ is not an excuse for passive acceptance of our sinful inclinations, but rather the empowerment to actively divest ourselves of the "old man." This involves a daily, conscious decision to identify and renounce thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that stem from our unregenerate nature. The "deceitful lusts" are particularly insidious because they promise satisfaction or freedom, yet ultimately lead to spiritual bondage and moral decay. Therefore, genuine spiritual growth requires a vigilant self-awareness, discerning the subtle ways these desires might still influence our choices. Putting off the old man is intrinsically linked to embracing the new identity we have in Christ, a process that demands renewal of the mind and a commitment to living out the righteousness and holiness that are now ours by grace. This verse challenges us to live consistently with the profound transformation God has already initiated within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "deceitful lusts" (desires that promise fulfillment but lead to corruption) do I still struggle with in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I "put off" the "old man" today, actively disengaging from past patterns of thinking or behaving?**
* **How does understanding the "corruption" of the old man motivate me to rely more fully on the Holy Spirit for transformation?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "former conversation" in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "conversation" (Greek: _anastrophē_) does not primarily refer to speech or talking, as it often does in modern English. Instead, it signifies one's entire manner of life, conduct, or behavior. Therefore, "the former conversation" refers to the lifestyle, habits, and moral practices that believers engaged in before their conversion to Christ, particularly those characteristic of pagan or unregenerate living, as further described in [Ephesians 4:17-19](/ephesians/4-17-19 "Ephesians 4:17-19 - The Futility of the Gentile Mind").

**Who or what is "the old man" that believers are commanded to put off?**

Answer: "The old man" (Greek: _ton palaion anthrōpon_) is a theological term used by Paul to describe the unregenerate human nature, the totality of one's identity and disposition that is alienated from God and enslaved to sin. It represents the inherited sinful nature from Adam, which is inherently corrupt and driven by self-centered desires and rebellion against God. Believers are commanded to "put off" this old self, signifying a complete and decisive break from its dominion, in contrast to "putting on the new man" as described in [Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Putting on the New Man").

**How do "deceitful lusts" lead to corruption?**

Answer: "Deceitful lusts" (Greek: _apatēlas epithymias_) are desires that promise satisfaction, happiness, or fulfillment but are inherently misleading and ultimately destructive. They deceive by offering a false sense of pleasure or gain, but in reality, they lead to moral decay, spiritual emptiness, and alienation from God. This corruption (Greek: _phtheirō_) refers to a process of spoiling, wasting, or depraving. The lusts are "deceitful" because they obscure the harmful consequences of pursuing them, leading individuals further into sin and away from true life in Christ, much like the "deceitfulness of riches" that chokes the word in [Matthew 13:22](/matthew/13-22 "Matthew 13:22 - The Parable of the Sower").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:22, with its command to "put off... the old man," finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "old man," corrupt and enslaved by deceitful lusts, represents humanity under the dominion of sin and death, a condition from which we are utterly incapable of freeing ourselves. However, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, decisively broke the power of this "old man." As [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified with Christ") declares, "our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." This means that in Christ, the legal and spiritual power of our former, sinful self has been nullified. Our union with Christ in His death and resurrection means that we have died to sin and been raised to newness of life, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ"). Therefore, the command to "put off the old man" is not a burdensome legalistic requirement, but a joyful imperative to live out the reality of what Christ has already accomplished for us. He is the one who enables us to shed the corrupting influence of sin and to walk in the righteousness and holiness that are now ours through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, leading us into a life transformed by the Spirit, as promised in [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit").

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

Romans 6:6

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

¶ 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

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

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

1 Peter 2:2

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

Hebrews 3:13

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

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