Ephesians 4:26

KJV

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

KJV (with Strong's)

Be ye angry {G3710}, and {G2532} sin {G264} not {G3361}: let {G1931} not {G3361} the sun {G2246} go down {G1931} upon {G1909} your {G5216} wrath {G3950}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Be angry, but don’t sin — don’t let the sun go down before you have dealt with the cause of your anger;

Berean Standard Bible

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,

American Standard Version

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:26 provides profound instruction on the righteous management of anger within the Christian life, acknowledging anger as a natural human emotion while simultaneously setting strict boundaries to prevent it from escalating into sin. Paul commands believers to engage with anger in a way that does not defile, and crucially, to resolve any lingering resentment or wrath promptly, ideally before the day's end, thereby safeguarding against spiritual vulnerability and maintaining healthy relationships within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's practical exhortations in Ephesians 4, which mark a significant shift from the theological doctrines of chapters 1-3 to the ethical implications of Christian living. Having established the unity of the Spirit and the call to walk worthy of one's calling in Christ ([Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")), Paul then outlines specific behaviors that characterize the "new man" versus the "old man" ([Ephesians 4:17-24](/ephesians/4-17-24 "Ephesians 4:17-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")). Immediately preceding this verse, Paul addresses the importance of truth-telling within the community ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to One Another")), making the transition to anger management a natural progression for fostering healthy interpersonal dynamics among believers. The subsequent verse, [Ephesians 4:27](/ephesians/4-27 "Ephesians 4:27 - Give No Place to the Devil"), directly links unresolved anger to spiritual vulnerability, underscoring the urgency and spiritual significance of the command in verse 26.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, anger was often viewed in complex ways. Some philosophical schools, like the Stoics, advocated for the complete suppression of all passions, including anger, seeing them as irrational and disruptive. Others, like the Peripatetics, believed anger could be useful if properly managed. Against this backdrop, Paul's instruction offers a uniquely Christian perspective. It neither advocates for complete suppression nor unbridled expression. The phrase "let not the sun go down upon your wrath" likely draws upon common ancient wisdom or proverbs emphasizing the importance of timely reconciliation, perhaps even reflecting practices in Jewish law or tradition that encouraged swift resolution of disputes to prevent the hardening of hearts or the escalation of conflict. The agrarian society's rhythm, tied to the setting sun, would have made this a very tangible and immediate deadline for resolving interpersonal strife.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 4:26 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and broader Christian theology. It highlights the theme of **Christian ethics and conduct**, demonstrating that the new life in Christ is not merely theoretical but demands practical, transformed behavior, particularly in emotional self-governance. It underscores the importance of **emotional stewardship**, teaching believers that while emotions like anger are natural, they must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit and the will of God, preventing them from leading to sin. The verse also speaks to **interpersonal relationships within the church**, emphasizing reconciliation and the swift resolution of conflict as vital for maintaining unity and love among believers, a core concern throughout [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Living Out Our Calling"). Finally, by linking unresolved anger to giving "place to the devil" in [Ephesians 4:27](/ephesians/4-27 "Ephesians 4:27 - Give No Place to the Devil"), it introduces the theme of **spiritual warfare**, revealing how unmanaged emotions can become a foothold for demonic influence, thereby hindering one's spiritual walk and the church's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **angry (Greek, _orgízō_):** From G3710, this verb means "to provoke or enrage, i.e. (passively) become exasperated." The present imperative form "Be ye angry" (KJV) or "Be angry" (ESV) indicates a command that acknowledges the possibility or even inevitability of experiencing anger. It implies that the emotion itself, when arising from a righteous cause (e.g., injustice, sin), is not inherently sinful, but rather the *response* to it is what must be carefully managed.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartánō_):** From G264, this verb means "to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin." Coupled with the negative particle "not" (G3361, _mḗ_), the phrase "sin not" is a prohibitive command ("do not be sinning" or "do not continue to sin"). This immediately sets the boundary for the permissible expression of anger, ensuring that the emotion does not lead to sinful thoughts, words, or actions (e.g., bitterness, malice, vengeance, destructive speech).
* **wrath (Greek, _parorgismós_):** From G3950, this noun denotes "rage" or "exasperation." It describes a provoked, settled, or lingering indignation, distinct from a sudden outburst of anger (which might be _thymos_). The command "let not the sun go down upon your wrath" specifically targets this type of persistent, festering anger, urging its swift resolution to prevent it from hardening into resentment or bitterness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye angry":** This clause acknowledges the reality of anger as a human experience. It is not a command to *become* angry, but rather an allowance or recognition that anger will arise. The imperative mood here suggests that when anger does occur, it must be engaged with consciously and responsibly, rather than suppressed or allowed to control. It implies a righteous anger, a response to genuine evil or injustice, akin to God's own righteous indignation.
* **"and sin not":** This is the crucial qualification. While anger is acknowledged, its expression must be strictly controlled to avoid transgression against God's law or harm to others. This means anger must not lead to malice, vengeful thoughts, harsh words, violence, or any other behavior that violates Christian love and righteousness. The emphasis is on the *management* of anger, ensuring it does not become a vehicle for sin.
* **"let not the sun go down upon your wrath":** This is a direct, practical command for immediate resolution. "Wrath" (parorgismós) here refers to a more settled, lingering indignation. Paul instructs believers not to allow this provoked anger to fester overnight. The setting sun serves as a vivid, tangible deadline, urging swift reconciliation, forgiveness, or at least the active pursuit of resolution before a new day begins. This prevents bitterness from taking root and becoming chronic, which could severely damage relationships and one's spiritual well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Ephesians 4:26 to convey his urgent message. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Be ye angry," "sin not," "let not") directly commands and instructs the believers, leaving no ambiguity about the expected action. This direct address underscores the importance and non-negotiable nature of the teaching. Furthermore, the phrase "let not the sun go down upon your wrath" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Idiom**. The setting sun is not merely a temporal marker but a symbolic boundary, representing the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one, thereby emphasizing the urgency of resolving conflict before it calcifies. This vivid imagery makes the command memorable and actionable. Finally, the verse features **Juxtaposition** in "Be ye angry, and sin not," presenting a paradox that challenges the common understanding of anger as inherently sinful. By placing these two ideas side-by-side, Paul clarifies that the emotion itself is not the problem, but rather its sinful expression, thus demanding careful discernment and self-control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:26 offers profound theological insights into the nature of human emotion, sin, and the Christian's transformed life. It teaches that anger, in its purest form, can be a righteous response to injustice or evil, reflecting God's own holy indignation against sin. However, it quickly warns against allowing this emotion to devolve into sinful expressions, highlighting the human propensity to corrupt even righteous impulses. The command to resolve anger swiftly underscores the theological importance of reconciliation, peace, and unity within the body of Christ, echoing the very essence of the Gospel message that breaks down dividing walls and fosters new relationships in Christ. Unresolved anger is presented as a spiritual vulnerability, a "place" where the enemy can gain a foothold, thus connecting emotional health directly to spiritual warfare and the believer's walk in holiness.

* [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19-20 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger")
* [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Slow to Anger")
* [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off Anger, Wrath, Malice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:26 challenges believers to engage in a profound process of self-awareness and spiritual discipline regarding their emotions. It compels us to honestly examine the source and nature of our anger: Is it righteous indignation against sin and injustice, or is it rooted in selfishness, pride, or personal offense? The imperative to "sin not" in our anger demands that we control our reactions, refraining from harsh words, vengeful actions, or allowing bitterness to take root. This requires reliance on the Holy Spirit to cultivate self-control and to respond in ways that honor God and build up others. The command to resolve anger before sundown is a radical call to proactive reconciliation and forgiveness. It urges us to prioritize peace in our relationships, to humble ourselves, and to seek resolution promptly, preventing the corrosive effects of lingering resentment. This practice fosters healthier relationships, protects our own spiritual well-being, and denies the enemy a foothold in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the common triggers for my anger, and do I typically respond in ways that "sin not"?**
* **In what ways do I allow anger or resentment to "go down upon the sun," and what steps can I take to prioritize swift reconciliation?**
* **How does unresolved anger in my life potentially "give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27), and what spiritual disciplines can help me overcome this vulnerability?**

### FAQ
**Is all anger inherently sinful for a Christian?**

Answer: No, Ephesians 4:26 explicitly states, "Be ye angry, and sin not." This indicates that anger itself is not always sinful. There is a concept of righteous anger, which mirrors God's own holy indignation against sin, injustice, and evil. For example, Jesus displayed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). The sin lies not in the emotion of anger, but in how it is expressed, whether it leads to malice, bitterness, vengeful actions, or ungodly speech. The challenge for believers is to discern the source of their anger and ensure its expression remains within the bounds of God's righteousness.

**What if I can't resolve the conflict or anger before the sun goes down? Does that mean I've sinned?**

Answer: The phrase "let not the sun go down upon your wrath" is a powerful idiom emphasizing urgency and the importance of swift reconciliation. While it sets an ideal, it's not a rigid legalistic deadline that condemns you if circumstances prevent immediate resolution. The core principle is to prevent anger from festering and turning into bitterness or resentment. If full resolution isn't possible by sundown, the command still implies taking *action* towards resolution, such as initiating a conversation, expressing a willingness to reconcile, or at least releasing the bitterness in your heart through prayer and forgiveness. The goal is to not allow the *wrath* (lingering, provoked anger) to persist and harden your heart, thereby giving "place to the devil" ([Ephesians 4:27](/ephesians/4-27 "Ephesians 4:27 - Give No Place to the Devil")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:26, with its nuanced command regarding anger, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of righteous anger, demonstrating that it is possible to be angry at sin and injustice without sinning. We see this powerfully when He cleanses the temple, overturning tables and driving out merchants ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), an act born of zeal for His Father's house, not personal malice. His anger was always pure, directed at unrighteousness, hypocrisy, and spiritual blindness, never at individuals in a way that led to sin. Furthermore, Christ's entire mission is one of reconciliation, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between people ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He calls His followers to be peacemakers ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")) and to forgive those who wrong them, just as they have been forgiven ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive One Another")). The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers us to put off the old self with its anger and wrath, and to put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")), enabling us to manage our emotions in a way that reflects Christ's character and fosters the unity He died to establish.

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

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Psalms 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Psalms 37:8

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 14:29

¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.