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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 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/49_Eph_04_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:32 - New Life in Christ " /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.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/4-31.htm" title="Ephesians 4:31">◄</a> Ephesians 4:32 <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm" title="Ephesians 5:1">►</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> Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, as also in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you. <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you. <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in the Messiah. <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave us. <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On the contrary learn to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you. <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as God also forgave you in Christ. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, as also in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you. <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And be ye kind one to another, having good bowels, favoring each other, as also God in Christ Jesus favored you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And be ye kind one to another; merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And be kind and merciful to one another, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And be kind one to another and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God has forgiven us through Christ. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And be sweet one toward another and affectionate, and be forgiving one another, just as God in The Messiah has forgiven us. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But be ye kind toward one another, merciful, forgiving one another, as indeed God in Christ forgave you. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but be ye kind one to another, full of sensibility, forgiving mutually, even as God in Christ hath forgiven you.<CM> <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> be mutually kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On the contrary learn to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgiveth you. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-32.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=815" 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">New Life in Christ </a> …31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. 32<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">Be</a> <a href="/greek/5543.htm" title="5543: chrēstoi (Adj-NMP) -- Useful, gentle, pleasant, kind. From chraomai; employed, i.e. useful.">kind</a> <a href="/greek/2155.htm" title="2155: eusplanchnoi (Adj-NMP) -- Tender-hearted, merciful, compassionate. From eu and splagchnon; well compassioned, i.e. Sympathetic.">and tenderhearted</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.">to</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another,</a> <a href="/greek/5483.htm" title="5483: charizomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- (a) To show favor to, (b) To pardon, forgive, (c) To show kindness. ">forgiving</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautois (RefPro-DM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">each other</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">just</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">as</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/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/5483.htm" title="5483: echarisato (V-AIM-3S) -- (a) To show favor to, (b) To pardon, forgive, (c) To show kindness. ">forgave</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> <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="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a> For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. <a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a> Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8-9</a> Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">1 John 4:11</a> Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Philippians 2:1-2</a> Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, / then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. <a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a> For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a> If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1-2</a> We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">2 Corinthians 2:7-8</a> So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a> to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.kind.<a href="/ruth/2-20.htm">Ruth 2:20</a> And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.<a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4,5,9</a> Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous… <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22</a> The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.tender-hearted.<a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Psalm 145:9</a> The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.<a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10</a> A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.<a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Luke 1:78</a> Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,forgiving.<a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1</a> Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;<a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17,18</a> So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him… <a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12,14,15</a> And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Forgiving</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-7.htm">Tenderhearted</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-7.htm">Tender-Hearted</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-24.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Forgiving</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">Tenderhearted</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-7.htm">Tender-Hearted</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Be kind and tenderhearted to one another This phrase emphasizes the Christian virtue of kindness, which is a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>). Kindness in the biblical context involves active goodwill and a readiness to help others. The term "tenderhearted" suggests a deep, compassionate empathy, reflecting the heart of God. In the Greco-Roman world, where Ephesians was written, such virtues were often seen as weaknesses, but Paul elevates them as strengths. The call to be kind and tenderhearted is a reflection of God's own nature, as seen in His dealings with humanity throughout Scripture.forgiving each other Forgiveness is a central theme in Christian teaching, rooted in the forgiveness believers receive from God. In the cultural context of the early church, forgiveness was countercultural, as honor and shame often dictated personal interactions. The Greek word used here for "forgiving" implies a gracious pardon, not based on merit but on grace. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer (<a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12</a>) and in His parables, such as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (<a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</a>).just as in Christ God forgave you This phrase highlights the model and motivation for Christian forgiveness. The forgiveness believers receive from God through Christ is the standard for how they should forgive others. This is rooted in the sacrificial work of Jesus, who, through His death and resurrection, provided the means for reconciliation with God (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a>). The phrase underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which not only reconciles individuals to God but also empowers them to extend that reconciliation to others. The reference to "in Christ" points to the believer's union with Christ, a recurring theme in Ephesians, emphasizing that all spiritual blessings, including forgiveness, are found in Him.<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/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was an important center for early Christianity. The letter to the Ephesians was written to the believers in this city. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to the verse, Christ is the model for forgiveness and kindness, as His sacrifice is the basis for God's forgiveness of humanity. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate source of forgiveness, who, through Christ, offers grace and mercy to believers. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The community of believers to whom Paul was writing, encouraging them to live out their faith in practical ways.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/k/kindness_as_a_reflection_of_christ.htm">Kindness as a Reflection of Christ</a> Kindness is not just a moral duty but a reflection of Christ's character. As believers, we are called to embody this attribute in our interactions with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_forgiveness.htm">The Heart of Forgiveness</a> Forgiveness is central to Christian living. It is a response to the forgiveness we have received from God through Christ. Holding onto grudges contradicts the grace we have been shown. <a href="/topical/t/tenderheartedness_in_community.htm">Tenderheartedness in Community</a> Being tenderhearted involves empathy and compassion. In a community, this means being sensitive to the needs and struggles of others, fostering a supportive and loving environment. <a href="/topical/i/imitating_god's_forgiveness.htm">Imitating God's Forgiveness</a> Our forgiveness of others should mirror God's forgiveness of us. This requires humility and a recognition of our own need for grace. <a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_forgiveness.htm">Practical Steps to Forgiveness</a> Forgiveness can be challenging, but practical steps include prayer, seeking understanding, and remembering Christ's sacrifice. These can help us move towards reconciliation.<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_forgiving_abusers.htm">What does the Bible say about forgiving abusers?</a> <a href="/q/is_'forgive_and_forget'_biblical.htm">Is "forgive and forget" a biblical concept?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_compassion_and_forgiveness.htm">What does it mean to show compassion and forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_tenderhearted_in_eph._4_32.htm">What does being tenderhearted mean in Ephesians 4:32?</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>(32) Kind . . . tenderhearted.--"Kindness" is gentleness in bearing with wrong (<a href="/luke/6-35.htm" title="But love you your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.">Luke 6:35</a>; <a href="/romans/11-22.htm" title="Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off.">Romans 11:22</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-7.htm" title="That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.">Ephesians 2:7</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-3.htm" title="If so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.">1Peter 2:3</a>). "Tenderheartedness" (see <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm" title="Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous:">1Peter 3:8</a>) is more positive warmth of sympathy and love. Both issue in free "forgiveness," after the model of the universal and unfailing forgiveness "of God in Christ" to us--the only model we dare to follow, suggested by our Saviour Himself in the Lord's Prayer, and expressly enjoined in <a href="/luke/6-36.htm" title="Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.">Luke 6:36</a>. It is a forgiveness which in us, as in Him, does not imply condonation of evil, or even the withholding of needful chastisement, but which absolutely ignores self, conquers man's selfish anger, and knows no limit, even up to "seventy times seven." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 32. - But be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another (opposed to bitterness, wrath, anger; Bengel). Kind (χρηστοί), sweet, amiable in disposition, subduing all that is harsh and hasty, encouraging all that is gentle and good; tender-hearted (εὔσπλαγχνοι), denoting a specially compassionate feeling, such as may arise from the thought of the infirmities, griefs, and miseries to which more or less all are subject; these emotional conditions to bear the practical fruit of forgiveness, and the forgiveness to be mutual (χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς), as if under the feeling that what you give today you require to ask tomorrow, net being too hard on the faults of others, remembering that you have your own. Even as God in Christ also forgave you. The A.V. rendering, "for Christ's sake," is objectionable every way: it is not literal; it omits the characteristic feature of the Epistle, "in Christ," losing the force of the consideration that the forgiveness was dispensed by the Father, acting with or wholly one with the Son; and it gives a shade of countenance to the great error that the Father personally was not disposed to forgive till he was prevailed on to do so by the interposition of the Son. The aorist, "forgave," is more literal and better than the perfect, "hath forgiven;" it points to a definite time when forgiveness was bestowed, viz. the moment of real belief in Christ, and hearty acceptance of his grace. The vague atmosphere in which many envelop the question of their forgiveness is very hurtful; it checks their thanksgivings, dulls their joy, quenches hope, and dilutes the great dynamic power of the gospel - the power that impels us to forgive our brother, as well as to abound in the work of the Lord with a tender conscience, the sense of forgiveness urges to the most full and hearty doing of God's will; but when hypocrites, with seared consciences claim to be forgiven, they steal what is not their own, and become more abandoned to wickedness. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Be γίνεσθε (ginesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. kind χρηστοί (chrēstoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5543.htm">Strong's 5543: </a> Useful, gentle, pleasant, kind. From chraomai; employed, i.e. useful. [and] tender-hearted εὔσπλαγχνοι (eusplanchnoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2155.htm">Strong's 2155: </a> Tender-hearted, merciful, compassionate. From eu and splagchnon; well compassioned, i.e. Sympathetic. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. one another, ἀλλήλους (allēlous) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. forgiving χαριζόμενοι (charizomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> (a) To show favor to, (b) To pardon, forgive, (c) To show kindness. each other ἑαυτοῖς (heautois) Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. just καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. as καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. 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. Christ Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. forgave ἐχαρίσατο (echarisato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> (a) To show favor to, (b) To pardon, forgive, (c) To show kindness. you. ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another tenderhearted (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 4:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 5:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 5:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>