4:23 4:23

Ephesians 4:24

4:25 4:25

Bible Versions

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
And {G2532} that ye put on {G1746} the new {G2537} man {G444}, which {G3588} after {G2596} God {G2316} is created {G2936} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343} and {G2532} true {G225} holiness {G3742}.
and clothe yourselves with the new nature created to be godly, which expresses itself in the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth.
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Commentary on Ephesians 4:24 (KJV)

Ephesians 4:24 is a foundational verse in Paul's epistle, calling believers to embrace their transformed identity in Christ. It follows a strong exhortation to abandon the former way of life and serves as a positive command for Christian conduct.

Context

In Ephesians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul transitions from theological exposition (chapters 1-3) to practical instruction for Christian living. He urges believers to walk "worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1), emphasizing unity in the Spirit. Verses 17-24 specifically contrast the old, corrupt Gentile way of life—characterized by futility of mind, ignorance, and hardness of heart—with the new life learned in Christ. Having just instructed believers to "put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" (Ephesians 4:22), this verse presents the positive counterpart: the active embracing of a new spiritual reality.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Transformation: The core message is one of radical change, moving from a life dominated by sin to one aligned with God's nature. This is not merely moral improvement but a fundamental shift in identity and character.
  • Divine Creation: The phrase "which after God is created" highlights that this "new man" is not self-generated but a divine work. It's a spiritual recreation, echoing the original act of creation and emphasizing God's active role in our sanctification. This concept resonates with the idea of being a "new creature" in Christ.
  • Righteousness and True Holiness: These are the defining characteristics of the "new man."
    • Righteousness (Greek: dikaiosyne): Implies right standing with God and right conduct in all relationships, reflecting God's justice and moral perfection.
    • True Holiness (Greek: hosiotēs): Refers to genuine piety, moral purity, and reverence towards God, distinguishing it from superficial or outward religious observance. The KJV's addition of "true" emphasizes its authenticity and depth.

Linguistic Insights

The term "new man" translates from the Greek kainos anthropos. The word kainos signifies "new" in quality, freshness, or superiority, rather than merely new in time (which would be neos). This emphasizes that the transformation is profound, resulting in a fundamentally different kind of person. The word "created" (Greek: ktisthenta) points to a divine act, paralleling God's original creation of humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27).

Practical Application

Ephesians 4:24 calls believers to actively "put on" this new identity. This is not a passive reception but an ongoing commitment to live out the transformation God has worked within us. It means:

  • Intentional Living: Consciously choosing thoughts, words, and actions that align with righteousness and holiness, reflecting Christ's character.
  • Daily Renewal: Recognizing that spiritual growth is a continuous process, requiring daily submission to God's will and reliance on His Spirit.
  • Authenticity: Living a life of genuine integrity, where inner character matches outward conduct, driven by a deep love for God and others.

This verse reminds us that our Christian walk is a journey of progressively embodying the divine nature we have received through faith, manifesting the attributes of God in our daily lives.

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.

  • Colossians 3:10

    And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • Colossians 3:14

    And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

  • Ephesians 6:11

    Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Romans 6:4

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
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