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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/4-26.htm" title="Ephesians 4:26">◄</a> Ephesians 4:27 <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm" title="Ephesians 4:28">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />for anger gives a foothold to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and give no opportunity to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />neither give opportunity to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />nor give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and do not give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and do not give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and do not give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and do not give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and don’t give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and don&#8217t give the Devil an opportunity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and don't give the devil a chance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't give the devil any opportunity [to work].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't give the Devil a chance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and do not give the devil an opportunity to work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not give the devil an opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and do not leave room for the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and don’t give place to the devil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />neither give place to the Devil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />neither give opportunity to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> neither give place to the devil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Neither give place to the accuser.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Give not place to the devil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Provide no place for the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and do not leave room for the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and do not make room for the devil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And do not give the devil a chance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Neither should you give place to The Slanderer.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />nor give place to the devil.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />neither give place to the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />nor give place to the devil.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />lest the devil take hold of the opportunity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and do not leave room for the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />neither give place to the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and give not the devil room <i>to ensnare you.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=773" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">New Life in Christ </a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">and do not</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: didote (V-PMA-2P) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">give</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</a> <a href="/greek/1228.htm" title="1228: diabolō (Adj-DMS) -- From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.">devil</a> <a href="/greek/5117.htm" title="5117: topon (N-AMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.">a foothold.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">28</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a></span><br />Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">2 Corinthians 2:10-11</a></span><br />If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, / in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a></span><br />The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6-7</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. / Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">2 Timothy 2:26</a></span><br />Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Genesis 4:7</a></span><br />If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a></span><br />Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Proverbs 25:28</a></span><br />Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a></span><br />One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a></span><br />Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Luke 22:31-32</a></span><br />Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Neither give place to the devil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11,16</a></b></br> Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Acts 5:3</a></b></br> But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back <i>part</i> of the price of the land?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">2 Corinthians 2:10,11</a></b></br> To whom ye forgive any thing, I <i>forgive</i> also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave <i>it</i>, for your sakes <i>forgave I it</i> in the person of Christ; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Foothold</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-8.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">Room</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Foothold</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/philemon/1-22.htm">Room</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>and do not</b><br>This phrase is an imperative command, indicating a strong exhortation to the believers. It suggests an active role in resisting certain behaviors or attitudes. The use of "do not" implies a choice and responsibility on the part of the believer to avoid actions that could lead to negative spiritual consequences. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of vigilance against sin, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, which warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful.<p><b>give</b><br>The term "give" suggests an act of offering or allowing something to happen. In this context, it implies that believers have the power to either permit or prevent the devil's influence in their lives. This reflects the biblical teaching that humans have free will and are accountable for their actions, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>, where God sets before the people life and death, blessings and curses, urging them to choose life.<p><b>the devil</b><br>The devil, also known as Satan, is depicted in the Bible as the adversary of God and His people. He is a fallen angel who opposes God's purposes and seeks to lead believers astray. The devil's role as a tempter and accuser is evident in passages like <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a> and <a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>. Understanding the devil's nature and tactics is crucial for believers to effectively resist his influence.<p><b>a foothold</b><br>A foothold refers to a secure position from which further progress can be made. In a spiritual sense, it suggests a small area of influence or control that can be expanded if not addressed. This concept is akin to the idea of a "stronghold" mentioned in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a>, where believers are encouraged to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Allowing the devil a foothold can lead to greater spiritual compromise and sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_ephesus.htm">The Church in Ephesus</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Ephesian church was a community of believers in the city of Ephesus, a major center of commerce and culture in the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_devil.htm">The Devil</a></b><br>Referred to in this verse, the devil is considered the adversary of God and His people, often seeking to lead believers astray.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart.htm">Guard Your Heart</a></b><br>Be vigilant in protecting your heart from anger and bitterness, as these emotions can give the devil a foothold in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practice_forgiveness.htm">Practice Forgiveness</a></b><br>Holding onto grudges can open the door to the devil's influence. Practice forgiveness to close that door.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stay_alert.htm">Stay Alert</a></b><br>Be aware of the devil's schemes and remain spiritually alert to avoid giving him any opportunity to influence your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rely_on_god's_strength.htm">Rely on God's Strength</a></b><br>Recognize that resisting the devil requires God's strength and guidance. Regular prayer and scripture study are essential.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivate_peace.htm">Cultivate Peace</a></b><br>Strive to maintain peace in your relationships, as discord can create opportunities for the devil to work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_giving_place_to_the_devil.htm">How can we avoid giving place to the devil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'foothold'_mean.htm">What does "foothold" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_exaltation_mean_in_mormonism.htm">What does 'foothold' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/always_ready_for_any_situation.htm">How can we avoid giving place to the devil?</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>(27) <span class= "bld">Neither give place</span> (<span class= "ital">i.e., scope</span>) <span class= "bld">to the devil.</span>--The name "Devil" is used by St. Paul only in his later Epistles (see <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm" title="Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.">Ephesians 6:11</a>; <a href="/context/1_timothy/3-6.htm" title="Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.">1Timothy 3:6-7</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm" title="But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.">1Timothy 6:9</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm" title="And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.">2Timothy 2:26</a>; <a href="/titus/2-3.htm" title="The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;">Titus 2:3</a>); in the earlier Epistles (<a href="/romans/16-20.htm" title="And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.">Romans 16:20</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm" title="To deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.">1Corinthians 5:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm" title="Defraud you not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.">1Corinthians 7:5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm" title="Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.">2Corinthians 2:11</a>; <a href="/context/2_corinthians/11-14.htm" title="And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.">2Corinthians 11:14, 2Co_12:7</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm" title="Why we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.">1Thessalonians 2:18</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm" title="Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,">2Thessalonians 2:9</a>) we have the name "Satan," which is also found, less frequently, in the later also (<a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm" title="Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.">1Timothy 1:20</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-15.htm" title="For some are already turned aside after Satan.">1Timothy 5:15</a>). The latter name simply describes him as "the enemy "; the former describes one method of his enmity (as "the Tempter" another), for it signifies "one who sets at variance," man with God, and man with man. Since this fiendish work is mostly contemplated as wrought by slander, the name is commonly taken to mean "the slanderer;" and when applied to human beings (as in <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm" title="Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.">1Timothy 3:11</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/3-3.htm" title="Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,">2Timothy 3:3</a>; <a href="/titus/2-3.htm" title="The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;">Titus 2:3</a>) it seems to convey some such meaning. But here the original sense suits the distinctive idea of the passage. In accordance with the general principle noted above, excess of wrath is forbidden, as giving opportunity to the enemy, who desires to break up unity, and "set at variance" those who should be one in Jesus Christ. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Neither give place to the devil.</span> Place or room, opportunity and scope for acting in and through you. There seems no special reference to the last exhortation, but as that demands a special act of vigilance and self-control, so the activity of the devil demands vigilance and self-control on all occasions, and especially on those on which the devil is most apt to try to get a foothold. The reference to the devil is not a figure, but an obvious recognition of his personality, and of the liability of all Christians to fall under his influence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[and] {do} not</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(mēde)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give</span><br /><span class="grk">δίδοτε</span> <span class="translit">(didote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> </span><span class="str2">To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devil</span><br /><span class="grk">διαβόλῳ</span> <span class="translit">(diabolō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1228.htm">Strong's 1228: </a> </span><span class="str2">From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a foothold.</span><br /><span class="grk">τόπον</span> <span class="translit">(topon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-27.htm">Ephesians 4:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/4-27.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil (Ephes. 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