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Ephesians 4:32

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

And {G1161} be {G1096} ye kind {G5543} one to another {G1519}{G240}, tenderhearted {G2155}, forgiving {G5483} one another {G1438}, even as {G2531}{G2532} God {G2316} for {G1722} Christ's {G5547} sake {G1722} hath forgiven {G5483} you {G5213}.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted; and forgive each other, just as in the Messiah God has also forgiven you.

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

Ephesians 4:32 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul, encapsulating core virtues of Christian living and interpersonal relationships. It serves as a concise summary of how believers, having been transformed by God's grace, ought to interact with one another, mirroring the divine forgiveness they have received.

Context

This verse concludes a section in Paul's letter to the Ephesians (chapters 4-6) where he transitions from theological doctrine (chapters 1-3) to practical Christian conduct. Chapter 4 begins with a call to unity in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) and then outlines the "new man" believers are to become. Paul contrasts the former way of life, characterized by malice, anger, and corrupting talk (Ephesians 4:22-24), with the new life in Christ. Specifically, Ephesians 4:31 directly precedes this verse, commanding believers to "let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." Verse 32 then presents the positive counterparts to these negative vices.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christian Conduct and Interpersonal Relationships: The verse calls for three specific virtues: kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. These are foundational for healthy and loving interactions within the Christian community and beyond. They reflect the character of God.
  • Imitation of God: The phrase "even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" provides both the motivation and the standard for our behavior. Believers are called to be imitators of God, especially in His attribute of forgiveness. Our capacity to extend grace to others flows from the grace we have received.
  • Divine Forgiveness as the Foundation: The ability and willingness to forgive others is not a natural human trait but is rooted in the profound experience of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It underscores the transformative power of the Gospel on our hearts and relationships.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Kind" (Greek: chrēstos): This word signifies being useful, good, gracious, and benevolent. It implies a disposition that is pleasant, gentle, and beneficial to others, not harsh or severe.
  • "Tenderhearted" (Greek: eusplagchnos): Literally meaning "having good bowels," this term refers to deep compassion, mercy, and sympathy. In ancient thought, the bowels were considered the seat of emotions, making "tenderhearted" a powerful expression of inner empathy and pity.
  • "Forgiving" (Greek: charizomai): This verb means "to show grace," "to pardon freely," or "to give as a gift." It is closely related to the Greek word for grace, charis, emphasizing that forgiveness is a gracious act, often undeserved, mirroring God's own grace towards us.
  • "For Christ's sake" (Greek: en Christō or dia Christon): This highlights that God's forgiveness is not arbitrary but is mediated and made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is "in Christ" or "through Christ" that we receive pardon for our sins.

Practical Application

Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to live out their new identity in Christ through practical, demonstrable virtues. In a world often characterized by harshness, unforgiveness, and self-interest, this verse challenges us to cultivate a different spirit.

  • Daily Practice: We are to actively seek opportunities to show kindness and compassion, even to those who may not deserve it.
  • The Challenge of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is often difficult, especially when hurt runs deep. However, the verse reminds us that our ability to forgive others is a reflection of the immense forgiveness we have received from God. Colossians 3:13 echoes this sentiment, urging us to "forgive one another, even as Christ forgave you."
  • Transforming Relationships: When kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness become the hallmarks of our interactions, our families, churches, and communities are transformed, becoming true reflections of God's love and grace. It promotes unity and healthy reconciliation, preventing bitterness from taking root.

This verse serves as a constant reminder that the Christian life is not merely about believing certain doctrines, but about living out those beliefs in radical love and grace towards others, empowered by the forgiveness we have been given.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:12 (77 votes)

    ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  • Colossians 3:13 (77 votes)

    Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

  • Matthew 6:14 (52 votes)

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

  • Matthew 6:15 (52 votes)

    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Mark 11:25 (47 votes)

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

  • 1 Peter 3:8 (41 votes)

    ¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

  • 1 Peter 3:9 (41 votes)

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.