Ephesians 4:25

KJV

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} putting away {G659} lying {G5579}, speak {G2980} every man {G1538} truth {G225} with {G3326} his {G846} neighbour {G4139}: for {G3754} we are {G2070} members {G3196} one of another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, stripping off falsehood, let everyone speak truth with his neighbor, because we are intimately related to each other as parts of a body.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:25 serves as a foundational ethical imperative for believers, calling them to decisively abandon falsehood and actively embrace truthfulness in all their interactions. This command is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in the profound theological reality of the church as the unified body of Christ, where each member's integrity directly impacts the health and function of the whole. It marks a clear departure from the deceptive practices of the "old man" and embodies the character of the "new man" created in righteousness and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4:25 is strategically placed within Paul's letter, marking a pivotal transition from theological exposition to practical Christian living. Following his fervent appeal for unity in the body of Christ and the proper functioning of spiritual gifts (see [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")), Paul shifts to specific ethical exhortations. Beginning in [Ephesians 4:17](/ephesians/4-17 "Ephesians 4:17 - Walking No Longer as Gentiles"), he urges believers to shed their former Gentile way of life, characterized by futility and ignorance. This culminates in the powerful imagery of "putting off the old man" and "putting on the new man," who is "created in righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New")). Ephesians 4:25 is the very first specific ethical instruction given in this new framework, highlighting the foundational importance of truthfulness as a hallmark of the transformed life in Christ. It sets the tone for subsequent commands regarding anger, stealing, and corrupt speech.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Greco-Roman world, while valuing philosophy and rhetoric, often exhibited a pragmatic approach to truth, where deception was acceptable if it served one's interests or preserved social harmony. Truthfulness was not always an absolute virtue, and lying was common in business, politics, and even personal relationships. Against this backdrop, Paul's command for radical honesty stood in stark contrast. Early Christian communities, often small and vulnerable, relied heavily on internal trust and integrity to survive and thrive. Their counter-cultural commitment to truth served as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a society often marked by deceit. Furthermore, the concept of a unified "body" was revolutionary, emphasizing interdependence and mutual responsibility in a world accustomed to hierarchical and individualistic structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Ephesians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **New Creation Ethics**, emphasizing that believers are no longer to live according to their former sinful patterns but are called to embody a new, righteous way of life that reflects God's character. The "putting off" and "putting on" imagery is crucial here, signifying a decisive break with the past and an active embrace of Christ-like virtues. Secondly, the verse highlights the essential role of **Community and Unity** within the church. The reason given for truthfulness—"for we are members one of another"—directly links individual ethical behavior to the health and cohesion of the entire body of Christ, a theme Paul develops extensively in [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). Lying erodes trust, damages relationships, and ultimately undermines the unity that Christ died to establish. Conversely, truth builds up and strengthens the fellowship. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **God's Character and Witness**, as truthfulness is an attribute of God Himself, and believers are called to reflect His nature to the world, becoming beacons of integrity in a world often characterized by deceit (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **putting away (Greek, _apotíthēmi'_):** This verb (G659) means "to put away, lay aside, strip off." It implies a decisive, deliberate, and permanent act, much like taking off old, dirty clothes that are no longer suitable. It is not merely a passive cessation but an active rejection of a former practice. In the context of the "old man" and "new man" imagery, it signifies a radical break with past sinful habits.
* **lying (Greek, _pseûdos'_):** This noun (G5579) refers to "a falsehood, a lie, deceit." It encompasses any form of untruth, whether spoken, implied, or acted out, that intentionally misrepresents reality. It is the opposite of truth and is inherently deceptive.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This noun (G225) denotes "truth, reality, sincerity, veracity." It is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses integrity, genuineness, and adherence to reality as God defines it. It implies transparency and an honest representation of oneself and the world.
* **members (Greek, _mélos'_):** This noun (G3196) refers to "a limb or part of the body." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe individual believers as integral parts of the corporate body of Christ, emphasizing their organic connection and interdependence.
* **one of another (Greek, _allḗlōn'_):** This reciprocal pronoun (G240) means "each other, one another." It highlights the mutual relationship and shared identity among believers within the body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that their actions affect one another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore putting away lying":** This phrase serves as a logical conclusion ("Wherefore" from G1352, _dió_) to the preceding exhortation to "put off the old man" ([Ephesians 4:22](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22 - Putting Off the Old Man")). It is a strong, active command for believers to decisively discard and renounce all forms of falsehood and deceit. This is not a suggestion but an imperative, indicating that lying is fundamentally incompatible with the new life in Christ.
* **"speak every man truth with his neighbour":** This is the positive counterpart to "putting away lying." It is an imperative ("speak" from G2980, _laléō_) that commands every single believer ("every man" from G1538, _hékastos_) to actively engage in truthful communication. The scope is broad, encompassing all interactions with one's "neighbour" (from G4139, _plēsíon_), which in a Christian context extends beyond immediate proximity to anyone with whom one interacts, especially fellow believers. This implies not just avoiding falsehoods, but actively cultivating honesty, transparency, and integrity in speech.
* **"for we are members one of another":** This clause provides the profound theological rationale ("for" from G3754, _hóti_) for the command. The unity of the church as the body of Christ, where believers are "members" (from G3196, _mélos_) mutually connected ("one of another" from G240, _allḗlōn_), means that individual actions have corporate consequences. Lying to a fellow member is akin to harming one's own body, disrupting its function and health. Truthfulness, conversely, fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and enables the body to grow and function properly in love.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Ephesians 4:25 to convey his urgent message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as the verbs "putting away" (implied imperative from the participle) and "speak" are direct commands, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of truthfulness for believers. This is part of a larger series of imperatives in [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity and New Life") that shift from theological exposition to ethical application. Secondly, Paul uses a potent **Metaphor**: the church as a "body" with believers as "members." This organic imagery highlights the profound interconnectedness of believers, making the point that a lie told to one member affects the entire organism. Just as a healthy body requires all its parts to function truthfully and harmoniously, so too does the church require integrity among its members. Finally, there is a clear **Contrast** between "lying" and "truth," which aligns with the broader thematic contrast in [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New") between the "old man" (characterized by deceit) and the "new man" (characterized by righteousness and truth). This antithesis emphasizes the radical transformation that occurs in Christ and the new ethical standard for His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to speak truth and put away lying is deeply embedded in the very character of God, who is Himself truth and cannot lie ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")). As believers are called to be imitators of God ([Ephesians 5:1](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1 - Imitators of God")), truthfulness becomes a fundamental aspect of their transformed identity and witness. This ethical imperative is not merely about avoiding sin but actively participating in the divine nature, reflecting Christ's own integrity to a watching world. Within the community of faith, truth is the essential bedrock for genuine fellowship, mutual trust, and effective ministry. Without truth, the bonds of love and unity are fractured, hindering the church's ability to fulfill its mission. Therefore, speaking truth is an act of worship, an expression of love for God and neighbor, and a vital contribution to the health and growth of the body of Christ.

* [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to One Another")
* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak the Truth to One Another")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:25 challenges us to a radical re-evaluation of our communication habits in every sphere of life. It moves beyond simply avoiding outright falsehoods to cultivating a lifestyle of transparent honesty and integrity. This means examining not only what we say, but how we say it, considering whether our words genuinely reflect reality, our intentions, and our commitment to building up others. In an age saturated with misinformation, half-truths, and carefully curated online personas, this verse calls believers to be unwavering beacons of truth, both in person and in digital spaces. Practicing truthfulness builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters genuine community, allowing the church to function as a healthy, unified body. It requires courage to speak truth when it's difficult or unpopular, and humility to admit when we are wrong. Ultimately, living out this command allows us to reflect the character of God, who is truth, and to bear a powerful witness to the world about the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—personal, professional, or digital—might I be tempted to compromise truthfulness, even subtly?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness (or lack thereof) impact the trust and unity within my family, friendships, or church community?**
* **Beyond simply avoiding lies, how can I actively cultivate a spirit of transparency and sincerity in my communication?**
* **What steps can I take today to "put away lying" and "speak truth with my neighbor" more consistently and courageously?**

### FAQ
**Why is lying considered so serious in the Christian faith, as highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: Lying is considered a grave sin in the Christian faith for several profound reasons, directly addressed by Ephesians 4:25. Firstly, it is fundamentally contrary to the nature and character of God, who is truth itself and cannot lie ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")). As believers are called to be imitators of God ([Ephesians 5:1](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1 - Imitators of God")) and reflect His image, engaging in falsehood is a direct contradiction of their new identity in Christ. Secondly, as the verse explicitly states, "we are members one of another." Lying to a fellow believer, or to anyone, damages the fabric of trust and unity within the community. It introduces deception, erodes relationships, and hinders the healthy functioning of the "body of Christ." It is an act of disunity. Thirdly, lying is associated with the "old man," the former way of life characterized by sin and deceit, which believers are commanded to "put away" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New")). It is a practice of the kingdom of darkness, whose ruler is described as "a liar and the father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, a Liar")). Therefore, truthfulness is not merely a moral guideline but a spiritual imperative, essential for Christian integrity, community health, and a faithful witness to God's character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:25, with its command to "put away lying" and "speak truth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a speaker of truth but the embodiment of truth itself, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In a world steeped in deception and falsehood, Jesus perfectly lived out the command of this verse, demonstrating absolute integrity and transparency in all His words and actions. His very life was a revelation of God's truth to humanity, culminating in His sacrificial death which was the ultimate act of truth, exposing the reality of sin and God's righteous love. As believers, we are called to "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Putting On the New Man")), and this new man is conformed to the image of Christ. Therefore, our commitment to truthfulness is not just a moral obligation but a participation in Christ's own character, enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is the "Spirit of truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). When we speak truth with our neighbor, we are reflecting the very nature of our Head, Jesus Christ, and building up His body, the church, which is called to be "the pillar and ground of the truth" in the world ([1_timothy/3-15](/1-timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church, Pillar and Ground of Truth")).

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

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Zechariah 8:16

These [are] the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Proverbs 12:22

¶ Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Romans 12:5

So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Proverbs 8:7

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 12:17

¶ [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.