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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 4:28 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/49_Eph_04_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:28 - New Life in Christ " /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/4-28.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/4-28.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 28</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="/ad8.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/4-27.htm" title="Ephesians 4:27">◄</a> Ephesians 4:28 <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm" title="Ephesians 4:29">►</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> Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with the own hands what is good, so that he may have something to impart to the one having need. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He who steals must steal no longer, but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need. <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Thieves must quit stealing and, instead, they must work hard. They should do something good with their hands so that they'll have something to share with those in need. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might earn something to give to the needy. <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He who has been a thief must steal no more, but, instead of that, should work with his own hands in honest industry, so that he may have something of which he can give the needy a share. <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> whoever is stealing let him no longer steal, but rather let him labor, working the thing that is good with the hands, that he may have to impart to him having need. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with the own hands what is good, so that he may have something to impart to the one having need. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> whoso is stealing let him no more steal, but rather let him labour, working the thing that is good with the hands, that he may have to impart to him having need. <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He stealing let him steal no more: and rather let him be wearied from fatigue, working good with the hands, that he have to impart to him having need.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He that stole, let him now steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have something to give to him that suffereth need. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Whoever was stealing, let him now not steal, but rather let him labor, working with his hands, doing what is good, so that he may have something to distribute to those who suffer need. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his [own] hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> From henceforth let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor with his hands and do good deeds, that he may have something to give to him who is in need. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But whoever has stolen, let him not steal from now on, but let him toil with his hands and produce good that he might have to give to the one who is in need.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let him that steals, steal no more: but rather let labor, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have something to give to him that has need.<CM> <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let the one stealing steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his own hands doing that which is good, that he may have to give to the one having need. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let him that stole steal no more; but rather labour hard, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have something to give to him that is in want.<CM> <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let him that stole, steal no more: but rather let him labour, to encrease his fortune with his own hands, that he may have wherewithal to relieve the needy: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He who has been a thief must steal no more, but, instead of that, should work with his own hands in honest industry, so that he may have something of which he can give the needy a share. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have to impart to him that has need. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, doing some good with his hands, that he may have something to bestow on him that hath need of it. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-28.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=776" 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> …27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28<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.">He who</a> <a href="/greek/2813.htm" title="2813: kleptōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To steal. A primary verb; to filch.">has been stealing</a> <a href="/greek/2813.htm" title="2813: kleptetō (V-PMA-3S) -- To steal. A primary verb; to filch.">must steal</a> <a href="/greek/3371.htm" title="3371: mēketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. From me and eti; no further.">no longer,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather."></a> <a href="/greek/2872.htm" title="2872: kopiatō (V-PMA-3S) -- From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.">must work,</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">doing</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-ANS) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idiais (Adj-DFP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">his own</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: chersin (N-DFP) -- A hand. ">hands,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echē (V-PSA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">he may have something</a> <a href="/greek/3330.htm" title="3330: metadidonai (V-PNA) -- From meta and didomi; to give over, i.e. Share.">to share with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echonti (V-PPA-DMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5532.htm" title="5532: chreian (N-AFS) -- From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.">need.</a> 29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.…<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="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15</a> You shall not steal. <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25-26</a> The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. / All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Proverbs 28:19</a> The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a> There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. <a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Leviticus 19:11</a> You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-19.htm">Deuteronomy 5:19</a> You shall not steal. <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13</a> “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, <a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16-17</a> These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, / do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a> “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Matthew 5:42</a> Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Luke 3:11</a> John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a> In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.him that.<a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15,17</a> Thou shalt not steal… <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16</a> And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.<a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm">Proverbs 30:9</a> Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.steal no more.<a href="/job/34-32.htm">Job 34:32</a> That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.<a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.<a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8,10-14</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham… labour.<a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a> Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.<a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a> In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.<a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34,35</a> Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me… that he.<a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Luke 3:11</a> He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.<a href="/luke/21-1.htm">Luke 21:1-4</a> And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury… <a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a> For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.give.<a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.<a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">2 Corinthians 9:12-15</a> For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; … <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18</a> That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Distribute</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Industry</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Need</a> <a href="/john/13-10.htm">Needeth</a> <a href="/acts/24-17.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Share</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Something</a> <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Stole</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">Distribute</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Good</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/philippians/1-18.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/psalms/78-46.htm">Industry</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Need</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Needeth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Share</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Something</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Steals</a> <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm">Stole</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Work</a> <a href="/philippians/1-25.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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Stealing was a common issue in the ancient world, often driven by poverty or greed. The command to cease stealing reflects the moral and ethical standards of the new Christian life. This aligns with the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (<a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15</a>), emphasizing a return to God's law. The call to stop stealing is a call to repentance and a change of heart, which is a central theme in the New Testament (<a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8</a>).but must work Work is presented as a divine ordinance, established in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a> when God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it. The emphasis on work here underscores the dignity and responsibility of labor. In the Greco-Roman world, manual labor was often looked down upon, but Christianity elevated the value of honest work. This reflects the teaching of <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a>, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."doing good with his own hands This phrase highlights the virtue of self-sufficiency and the importance of contributing positively to society. The use of "his own hands" suggests personal responsibility and integrity in one's labor. This is reminiscent of Paul's own example, as he often worked as a tentmaker to support himself (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>). The emphasis on "doing good" aligns with the broader biblical teaching that work should not only provide for oneself but also serve others (<a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a>).that he may have something to share with the one in need The ultimate purpose of work, according to this passage, is not merely self-sustenance but generosity. This reflects the Christian principle of loving one's neighbor (<a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31</a>) and the early church's practice of sharing resources (<a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>). The call to share with those in need echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized caring for the poor and needy (<a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a>). This principle of generosity is a reflection of God's own nature, who provides abundantly for His creation.<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, providing guidance to the early Christian church on how to live a life worthy of their calling. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the Ephesian church was located. It was a center of trade and culture, which may have influenced the behaviors Paul addresses. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_church.htm">Early Christian Church</a> The community of believers in Ephesus who were recipients of Paul's letter, facing challenges of living out their faith in a pagan society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/transformation_of_behavior.htm">Transformation of Behavior</a> Paul emphasizes a radical change from a life of sin to one of righteousness. This transformation is a hallmark of Christian conversion and sanctification. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_honest_work.htm">The Value of Honest Work</a> Work is not merely a means of self-sustenance but a way to contribute positively to society and the community of believers. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_christian_virtue.htm">Generosity as a Christian Virtue</a> The ultimate goal of working is not just personal gain but to have the means to help others, reflecting Christ's love and generosity. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_action.htm">Integrity in Action</a> Christians are called to live with integrity, ensuring that their actions align with their faith, including in their professional and personal dealings. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> Believers are part of a larger body and have a responsibility to support and uplift one another, especially those in need.<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/what_does_'all_men_are_liars'_imply.htm">What insights does the Bible offer on hacking?</a> <a href="/q/actuality_vs._potentiality.htm">What is the purpose of work in a spiritual context?</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_mlm.htm">Is multi-level marketing supported by biblical teachings?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hacking.htm">What insights does the Bible offer on hacking?</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>(28) Let him that stole (properly, the stealer) steal no more. . . .--In this verse St. Paul treats dishonesty, virtually, although less distinctly, from the same point of view as before. For he is not content with forbidding it, or even with forbidding it as fatal to society; but he directs that it be superseded by the opposite spirit of self-sacrifice, working in order to give to others what is honestly our own, as the fruit of the labour of "our own hands." In that direction there is a profound wisdom, in striking at the root of that exclusive selfishness which so often and so naturally exhibits itself in dishonesty. But we note in it also a peculiar harmony with the great doctrine of unity; for the sense of unity will always exhibit itself in working what is "good," that is, gracious, for the sake of "him that needs."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - Let the stealer stem no more. Ὁ κλέπτων may be translated either as a noun or as the present participle. In either case it implies that even Christians might continue to steal, and that they had to be warned against the habit. This may seem strange to us, but not to those who consider how little theft was thought of among the pagans, and how liable such habits are to remain among converts from heathenism. Where there is a low moral tone and an uneducated conscience, very great irregularities may be found. Dishonesty in trade, deceit in business, are just the same. Among the Ephesians, thieving was probably the result of idle habits and of dislike to hard work. Hence the apostle says, But rather let him labor, working with his hands the things that are good, that he may have to impart to him that hath need. Idleness is mean, labor is honorable; Christ calls us to work, not for this reason only, but in order that we may have something to give away. Paganism would rob others of what is rightfully their own; Christianity leads me to give to others what is rightfully my own. This different genius of the two systems appears here very clearly. Observe the true use of superfluities - look out for the needy, and give for their relief. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He who Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. has been stealing κλέπτων (kleptōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2813.htm">Strong's 2813: </a> To steal. A primary verb; to filch. must steal κλεπτέτω (kleptetō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2813.htm">Strong's 2813: </a> To steal. A primary verb; to filch. no longer, μηκέτι (mēketi) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3371.htm">Strong's 3371: </a> No longer, no more. From me and eti; no further. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. must work, κοπιάτω (kopiatō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2872.htm">Strong's 2872: </a> From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard. doing ἐργαζόμενος (ergazomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. good ἀγαθόν (agathon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. with ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural <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. [his] own ἰδίαις (idiais) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. hands, χερσὶν (chersin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. he may have [something] ἔχῃ (echē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. to share with μεταδιδόναι (metadidonai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3330.htm">Strong's 3330: </a> From meta and didomi; to give over, i.e. Share. the [one] τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine 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. [in] ἔχοντι (echonti) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. need. χρείαν (chreian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/4-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 4:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 4:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:29" /></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>