Ephesians 4:28

KJV

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G2813} him that stole {G2813} steal {G2813} no more {G3371}: but {G1161} rather {G3123} let him labour {G2872}, working {G2038} with his hands {G5495} the thing which is good {G18}, that {G2443} he may have {G2192} to give {G3330} to him that needeth {G5532}{G2192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The thief must stop stealing; instead, he should make an honest living by his own efforts. This way he will be able to share with those in need.

Berean Standard Bible

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

American Standard Version

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:28 presents a foundational command for transformed living, moving beyond the mere cessation of a sinful practice—stealing—to the active embrace of its antithesis: diligent, honest labor. This labor is not for self-enrichment alone, but is explicitly purposed for the generous provision and charitable giving to those in genuine need, thereby manifesting the radical ethical and social implications of Christian conversion and the new identity in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, specifically in the section (beginning at [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")) where he transitions from theological exposition (chapters 1-3) to practical exhortation (chapters 4-6). Paul urges believers to "walk worthy of the calling" ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")) they have received, emphasizing unity in the Spirit ([Ephesians 4:2-16](/ephesians/4-2-16 "Ephesians 4:2-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")) and a radical transformation from their former pagan ways. [Ephesians 4:17-32](/ephesians/4-17-32 "Ephesians 4:17-32 - Putting Off the Old Self") details the "putting off the old man" and "putting on the new man," providing concrete examples of ethical shifts. Verse 28 follows injunctions against lying ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood")), sinful anger ([Ephesians 4:26-27](/ephesians/4-26-27 "Ephesians 4:26-27 - Dealing with Anger")), and precedes commands against corrupting speech ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")) and bitterness ([Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Removing Bitterness")), all illustrating the practical outworking of a renewed mind and spirit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire, in which Ephesus was a prominent city, had a significant problem with theft, ranging from petty pilfering to organized banditry. Many early Christians would have come from various social strata, including those who previously engaged in dishonest means of livelihood due to poverty, lack of opportunity, or ingrained habits. The Greco-Roman world also had varying views on manual labor; while some philosophers disdained it, Jewish and early Christian traditions often valued honest work. Paul himself, a tentmaker ([Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul the Tentmaker")), consistently modeled and taught the dignity of labor, emphasizing self-sufficiency and the ability to support others, as seen in his instructions to the Thessalonians ([2_thessalonians/3-10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Work or Don't Eat")). The concept of communal care for the needy was also a hallmark of the early Christian community, distinguishing it from many pagan societies.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 4:28 contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation and New Creation**, emphasizing that conversion to Christ involves not just a change in belief but a fundamental reorientation of behavior and ethics. The "new man" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - The New Man in Christ")) acts differently, moving from destructive habits to constructive ones. Secondly, it highlights the **Dignity and Purpose of Honest Labor**. Work is not merely a means to personal survival but a morally good act, a "thing which is good," that reflects God's design for human flourishing. Finally, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Generosity and Sacrificial Giving**. The ultimate aim of honest labor is not accumulation for oneself, but the capacity to share with the less fortunate, embodying the selfless love and compassion characteristic of Christ and His followers, as seen in the early church's practice of sharing resources ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church Shared All Things")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **steal (Greek, _kléptō_):** This primary verb means "to filch" or "to take by stealth." In the context of the Eighth Commandment ([Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment")), it encompasses any dishonest acquisition of another's property. Paul's command "steal no more" signifies a complete cessation of this illicit activity, demanding a fundamental ethical shift for the believer.
* **labour (Greek, _kopiáō_):** Derived from a word meaning "fatigue" or "weariness," this verb implies strenuous, diligent, and often exhaustive effort. It speaks to hard, persistent work, not merely casual activity. This choice of word emphasizes that the alternative to stealing is not idleness, but rather a committed and often physically demanding engagement in productive activity.
* **good (Greek, _agathós_):** This word signifies something inherently good in quality, character, or action, often with a moral or beneficial connotation. When applied to "the thing which is good" that one works with their hands, it implies not just legitimate or legal work, but work that is morally upright, beneficial to society, and aligned with God's will, contrasting sharply with the inherently evil act of stealing.
* **have (Greek, _échō_):** A versatile verb meaning "to hold," "possess," or "to be able." In this context, it denotes the capacity or means that results from diligent labor. The purpose of having is not for hoarding, but for the subsequent action of giving, highlighting a stewardship mindset where resources are acquired not just for personal benefit but for the benefit of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let him that stole steal no more:"** This clause issues a direct, imperative command for repentance and a complete break from past sinful behavior. It demands a definitive cessation of theft, reflecting the fundamental ethical transformation required of those who are "in Christ." It is a call to put off the "old man" and his practices.
* **"but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good,"** This section provides the positive, constructive alternative to stealing. Instead of illicit gain, the transformed individual is to engage in diligent, honest, and productive manual labor. The phrase "working with his hands" emphasizes personal effort and the tangible nature of the work, while "the thing which is good" specifies that this labor must be morally upright and beneficial, not just any form of work.
* **"that he may have to give to him that needeth."** This final clause reveals the ultimate, altruistic purpose of honest labor. The goal is not merely self-sufficiency or personal accumulation, but the acquisition of resources specifically for the purpose of sharing and providing for the genuinely needy. It transforms work into an act of Christian charity and benevolence, reflecting God's generous character and the communal responsibility within the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **rhetorical devices** in this concise verse to convey his powerful message. The primary device is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting the negative (stealing) with the positive (honest labor) and further contrasting the selfish motive of theft with the altruistic motive of giving. This stark opposition highlights the radical transformation expected of believers. The phrase "steal no more" functions as a **Negative Command**, immediately followed by a **Positive Command** to "labour," creating a clear before-and-after picture of the believer's ethical conduct. The **Purpose Clause** introduced by "that he may have" clearly articulates the teleological aim of Christian work, elevating it beyond mere survival to an act of generosity. The use of "hands" serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing the entire person's physical effort and skill in labor, emphasizing personal responsibility and diligence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:28 profoundly articulates the ethical demands of the "new man" in Christ, demonstrating that genuine repentance is not merely the cessation of sin, but the active pursuit of righteousness and benevolence. This transformation moves beyond individual morality to impact social and economic relations, framing honest labor as a means of grace and a channel for God's provision to the community. It underscores the biblical principle that our resources, acquired through diligent effort, are not solely for personal consumption but are entrusted to us for the purpose of stewarding them for the good of others, particularly the vulnerable. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on justice, compassion, and the care for the poor, reflecting the very heart of God.

* [Proverbs 21:26](/proverbs/21-26 "Proverbs 21:26 - The Righteous Give Generously")
* [Acts 20:35](/acts/20-35 "Acts 20:35 - It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:28 offers a timeless and profoundly practical challenge for believers in every generation. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives, where past patterns of dishonesty or self-serving gain are decisively abandoned. More than just refraining from sin, we are called to actively engage in productive, honest work that contributes positively to society. This work, whatever our profession, is elevated to a spiritual act when its ultimate purpose is to generate resources not just for our own needs, but for the expressed purpose of blessing others, especially those in genuine hardship. This transforms our understanding of labor from a mere necessity or personal ambition into a tangible expression of God's love and provision through us. It compels us to consider how our daily work can become a conduit for God's grace, making us active participants in His redemptive work in the world by meeting the needs of our neighbors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I still be "taking" (whether material things, time, or credit) rather than "giving"?**
* **How does my current work or labor reflect "the thing which is good," and how can I ensure it aligns more fully with God's ethical standards?**
* **Am I diligently working not just for my own sustenance, but with a conscious intention to have resources to "give to him that needeth"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to embody the generosity encouraged by this verse, using the fruits of my labor to bless others?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all Christians must engage in manual labor?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While the phrase "working with his hands" points to physical labor, it primarily emphasizes honest, diligent, and productive work, whatever one's profession. In Paul's time, manual labor was a common and accessible means of livelihood. The core principle is that believers should engage in legitimate, ethical work that produces something of value, rather than resorting to dishonest means. The dignity of labor applies to all honest professions, whether physical, intellectual, or creative, as long as they are "the thing which is good" and enable one to be self-sufficient and generous. The emphasis is on the *source* of income being legitimate and the *purpose* being altruistic, rather than the specific type of work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:28, while a practical command, resonates deeply with the character and mission of Christ. Jesus, though rich in glory, "became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" ([2_corinthians/8-9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). His entire life was one of diligent labor, not for personal gain or self-enrichment, but for the ultimate good of humanity. He consistently worked "the thing which is good," healing the sick, teaching the truth, and ultimately offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His ministry was characterized by an outpouring of generosity, providing for the hungry ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), healing the afflicted ([Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many")), and giving His very life to meet humanity's greatest need—salvation from sin ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, the believer's transformation from taking to giving, from idleness to diligent labor for the sake of others, is a profound reflection of the self-emptying, generous, and redemptive work of Christ. We are called to embody the very spirit of the One who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

1 Thessalonians 4:12

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.