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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 4:16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/49_Eph_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:16 - Unity in the Body" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm" title="Ephesians 4:15">◄</a> Ephesians 4:16 <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm" title="Ephesians 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/4.htm">New International Version</a> From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> from whom the whole body, being joined together and being held together by every ligament of its supply, according to the working in the measure of each individual part, the increase of the body makes for itself, to the building up of itself in love. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the properly measured working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love. <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love. <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part. <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Dependent on Him, the whole body--its various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another-- grows by the aid of every contributory link, with power proportioned to the need of each individual part, so as to build itself up in a spirit of love. <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> from whom the whole body, being joined together and being held together by every ligament of its supply, according to the working in the measure of each individual part, the increase of the body makes for itself, to the building up of itself in love. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body doth make for the building up of itself in love. <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> From whom all the body fitted together and joined together by every touch of the expenditure, according to the energy in measure of one of each part, makes the increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For in him, the whole body is joined closely together, by every underlying joint, through the function allotted to each part, bringing improvement to the body, toward its edification in charity. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It is through him that the whole body is closely and firmly united at all joints, according to the measure of the gift which is given to every member, for the guidance and control of the body, in order to complete the edifying of the body in love. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And from him, the whole body constructed and joined in every joint, according to a gift given in measure to every member for his growth of the body, that his building may be completed in love.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.<CM> <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> from whom the whole body, being assimilated and knitted together through every joint of the supply, according to the working in each several part, makes increase of the body in the edification of itself in divine love. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.<CM> <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Dependent on Him, the whole body--its various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another-- grows by the aid of every contributory link, with power proportioned to the need of each individual part, so as to build itself up in a spirit of love. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=683" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Unity in the Body</a> …15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. 16<a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">From</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Him</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">whole</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-NNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body,</a> <a href="/greek/4883.htm" title="4883: synarmologoumenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- From sun and a derivative of a compound of harmos and lego; to render close-jointed together, i.e. Organize compactly.">fitted</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4822.htm" title="4822: symbibazomenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach.">held together</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasēs (Adj-GFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2024.htm" title="2024: epichorēgias (N-GFS) -- Supply, provision, equipment, support. From epichoregeo; contribution.">supporting</a> <a href="/greek/860.htm" title="860: haphēs (N-GFS) -- A band, fastening (hence, possibly: a ligament), joint. From haptomai; probably a ligament.">ligament,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmatos (N-GNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/838.htm" title="838: auxēsin (N-AFS) -- Increasing, increase, growth. From auzano; growth.">grows</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieitai (V-PIM-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3619.htm" title="3619: oikodomēn (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.">and builds itself up</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautou (RefPro-GN3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. "></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">through</a> <a href="/greek/1753.htm" title="1753: energeian (N-AFS) -- Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency.">the work</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3358.htm" title="3358: metrō (N-DNS) -- An apparently primary word; a measure, literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion."></a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastou (Adj-GNS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">of each</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: henos (Adj-GNS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">individual</a> <a href="/greek/3313.htm" title="3313: merous (N-GNS) -- A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.">part.</a> 17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a> The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. ... <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm">Colossians 2:19</a> He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow. <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-5</a> Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a> I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. <a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Colossians 3:14-15</a> And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. / Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26</a> What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2</a> then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a> Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a> And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. <a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a> No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. <a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1</a> A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! <a href="/ezekiel/37-7.htm">Ezekiel 37:7-10</a> So I prophesied as I had been commanded. And as I prophesied, there was suddenly a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone. / As I looked on, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them. / Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.whom.<a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:<a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.fitly.<a href="/job/10-10.htm">Job 10:10,11</a> Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? … <a href="/psalms/139-15.htm">Psalm 139:15,16</a> My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth… <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-28</a> For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ… the effectual.<a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7</a> Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13</a> For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.edifying.<a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a> But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:<a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a> According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:<a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a> That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Adhering</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">Aid</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Body</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/psalms/122-3.htm">Compacted</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Effectual</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-7.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Fitly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-4.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Joint</a> <a href="/acts/10-11.htm">Knit</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Love</a> <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Part</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Supplies</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Supplieth</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Together</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-8.htm">Various</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-10.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Adhering</a> <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Aid</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Compacted</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Effectual</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Fitly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-15.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/colossians/1-6.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Joint</a> <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Knit</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Love</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">Part</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-23.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">Supplies</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Supplieth</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Various</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a> 24. <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a> 29. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a>, Christ is described as the head of the body, the Church, emphasizing His authority and preeminence. The Church's growth and unity originate from Him, highlighting the divine nature of its foundation.the whole body The "whole body" signifies the entire Church, composed of all believers. This metaphor of the Church as a body is also found in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>, where Paul explains the interdependence of its members. Each believer is a vital part of the body, contributing to its overall function and health.fitted and held together This phrase indicates the careful and intentional design of the Church. In <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21</a>, Paul uses similar language to describe the Church as a holy temple, built together in Christ. The imagery suggests a structure that is both strong and unified, reflecting God's purpose and plan.by every supporting ligament The "supporting ligament" symbolizes the various roles and functions within the Church that contribute to its unity and strength. In a historical context, this reflects the early Church's organization, where different gifts and ministries were recognized and valued, as seen in <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-8</a>.grows and builds itself up in love Growth and edification in the Church are rooted in love, a central theme in Paul's letters. Love is the binding force that ensures the Church's development is healthy and aligned with Christ's teachings. This echoes <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13</a>, where love is described as the greatest virtue.through the work of each individual part Every believer has a role and responsibility in the Church's growth. This concept of individual contribution is reinforced in <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a>, where believers are encouraged to use their gifts to serve others. The early Church's communal life, as depicted in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>, exemplifies this principle of mutual edification and service.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_at_ephesus.htm">The Church at Ephesus</a> The recipients of the letter, the Ephesian church was a significant early Christian community located in the city of Ephesus, a major center of trade and culture in the Roman Empire. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_body_of_christ.htm">The Body of Christ</a> A metaphor used by Paul to describe the church, emphasizing unity and diversity among believers, each contributing to the whole. 4. <a href="/topical/l/ligaments.htm">Ligaments</a> Symbolically representing the connections and relationships between believers that support and hold the church together. 5. <a href="/topical/l/love.htm">Love</a> The foundational principle for growth and unity within the church, as emphasized by Paul throughout his letters.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The church is made up of diverse individuals, each with unique gifts and roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences is crucial for the church's growth and unity. <a href="/topical/i/interdependence.htm">Interdependence</a> Just as ligaments hold the physical body together, relationships and cooperation among believers are essential for the church's health and function. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_love.htm">Role of Love</a> Love is the driving force behind the church's growth and unity. It is through love that believers support and build each other up. <a href="/topical/a/active_participation.htm">Active Participation</a> Every believer has a role to play in the church. Active participation and contribution are necessary for the church to thrive. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_head.htm">Christ as the Head</a> Christ is the source and leader of the church. All growth and unity stem from Him, and believers must remain connected to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 4</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_interdependence.htm">What does the Bible say about interdependence?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_mission_boards'_roles.htm">What are mission boards and how do they function?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_benedict_of_nursia.htm">Who was Benedict of Nursia?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_only_one_church.htm">Is there only one church?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted.--The word rendered "fitly joined together" is the same used in <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm" title="In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord:">Ephesians 2:21</a>, with more technical accuracy, of a building--"clamped" or "bonded together." Here the two words are applied to the union of the limbs of the body, as being "jointed," and so "brought into close contact." The latter word is used in <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm" title=" And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God.">Colossians 2:19</a>.By that which every joint supplieth.--A paraphrastic and inaccurate rendering. It should be, by every contact with the supply (of nutriment) from the head. The word employed has commonly the meaning of "joint" (as in the parallel passage, <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm" title=" And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God.">Colossians 2:19</a>), and is so used by Greek physiologists; but its original sense is abstract--the "joining" or "touching"--and this appears the simplest here. The supply (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-19.htm" title="For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,">Philippians 1:19</a>, "the supply of the Spirit") is again almost a technical word for the abundant outflow of strength and nervous energy from the head. (The corresponding verb is used in <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm" title="Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)">2Corinthians 9:10</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm" title="He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?">Galatians 3:5</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm" title=" And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God.">Colossians 2:19</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm" title="And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;">2Peter 1:5</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-11.htm" title="For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.">2Peter 1:11</a>.) Hence the phrase seems to stand in closer connection with the "maketh increase "below than the "compacted together" above. The body grows, in every part of its complex unity, through contact with the divine supply of grace through the head. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - From whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth. The relation of ἐκ in this verse to εἰς in ver. 15 is to be noted - growing up vitally into him, the body derives vital substance from him. Not, however, in a mere individual sense, but as an organization, the parts being adapted and articulated to one another (this process being continuous; see present participles, (συναρμολογούμενον and συνβιβαζόμενον). In the Church there are babes in Christ, also young men and old men; some are clear in intellect, some strong in faith, some warm in love, some excel in passive virtues, some in active; but in a well-ordered Church these should be getting jointed together, and learning to work with and for one another, no one despising gifts which he has not but another has; in tiffs sense, there ought to be a spiritual communism, for all are one spiritual body. But spiritual communism does not involve social communism or even social equality, nor will social distinctions be obliterated in a pure Church, except so far as they hinder spiritual communion. According to the energy in the measure (or, proportion) of each individual part. This clause seems to be most naturally connected with what follows. In the fit framing of the body, channels as it were are laid for the propagation and working of the vital force throughout the body; this force is not alike, but of various amount in the different parts; some members have much of it, some little, but the measure of this vital three regulates the growth. Carries on the growth of the body. The middle voice, ποιεῖται, indicates that it is a growth from within, while depending on the energy furnished by Christ. For building up of itself in love. This is the end, so far as the body itself is concerned, though, of course, the completed spiritual body, like the completed natural body, has work to do outside itself. In a healthy Church there is a continual work of building up: construction, not destruction, is its proper business - promoting peace, purity, prayerfulness, trust, activity in the work of the Lord, but all in love, the absence of which makes winter instead of summer, declension instead of progress, death instead of life. In illustration of the various measure of grace, and yet its real efficiency in all the members of the Church, Eadie says, "No member or ordinance is superfluous. The widow's mite was commended by him who sat over against the treasury. Solomon built a temple. Joseph provided a tomb. Mary the mother gave birth to the child, and the other Marys wrapped the corpse in spices. Lydia entertained the apostle, and Phoebe carried an Epistle of old, the princes and heroes went to the field, and wise-hearted women did spin. While Joshua fought, Moses prayed. The snuffers and trays were as necessary as the magnificent lampstand.... The result is that the Church is built up, for love is the element of spiritual progress. That love fills the renewed nature." The Church has been defined as an institution that has truth for its nourishment, love for its atmosphere, and Christ for its Head. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>From ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [Him] οὗ (hou) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. whole πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. body σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. [is] fitted συναρμολογούμενον (synarmologoumenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4883.htm">Strong's 4883: </a> From sun and a derivative of a compound of harmos and lego; to render close-jointed together, i.e. Organize compactly. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. held together συμβιβαζόμενον (symbibazomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4822.htm">Strong's 4822: </a> From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach. by διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. every πάσης (pasēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. supporting ἐπιχορηγίας (epichorēgias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2024.htm">Strong's 2024: </a> Supply, provision, equipment, support. From epichoregeo; contribution. ligament. ἁφῆς (haphēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> A band, fastening (hence, possibly: a ligament), joint. From haptomai; probably a ligament. [And as] each ἑκάστου (hekastou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. individual ἑνὸς (henos) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. part μέρους (merous) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3313.htm">Strong's 3313: </a> A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share. does its work, ἐνέργειαν (energeian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1753.htm">Strong's 1753: </a> Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body σώματος (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. grows αὔξησιν (auxēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_838.htm">Strong's 838: </a> Increasing, increase, growth. From auzano; growth. [and] builds itself up οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3619.htm">Strong's 3619: </a> Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love. ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:16 From whom all the body being fitted (Ephes. Eph. 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