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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.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/4-14.htm" title="Ephesians 4:14">◄</a> Ephesians 4:15 <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm" title="Ephesians 4:16">►</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> Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love, we should grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ, <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head —Christ. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, which is the head, even Christ; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Instead, by speaking the truth in love, we will grow up completely and become one with the head, that is, one with the Messiah, <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we shall lovingly hold to the truth, and shall in all respects grow up into union with Him who is our Head, even Christ. <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and [speaking] truth in love, we may increase to Him [in] all things, who is the head—the Christ; <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But speaking the truth in love, we should grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and, being true in love, we may increase to Him in all things, who is the head -- the Christ; <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And speaking the truth in love, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, Christ:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ: <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Instead, acting according to truth in charity, we should increase in everything, in him who is the head, Christ himself. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But that we be sincere in our love, so that in everything we may progress through Christ, who is the head. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But we have been firm in our love that all our affairs may increase in The Messiah, who is The Head,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but speaking the truth in divine love, let its grow up in him in all things, who is the head, Christ; <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we shall lovingly hold to the truth, and shall in all respects grow up into union with Him who is our Head, even Christ. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, Who is the Head, Christ; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-15.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=673" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Unity in the Body</a> …14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Instead,</a> <a href="/greek/226.htm" title="226: alētheuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To say (speak) truth, do truth, maintain truth (the truth). From alethes; to be true.">speaking the truth</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">we will in</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all things</a> <a href="/greek/837.htm" title="837: auxēsōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.">grow up</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.">into</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Himself,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalē (N-NFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head.</a> 16From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.…<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/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a> Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">1 Corinthians 13:6</a> Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. <a href="/2_peter/3-18.htm">2 Peter 3:18</a> But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. <a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1-5</a> “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ... <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a> Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. <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/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12-14</a> Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a> Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:12</a> And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, <a href="/1_john/4-15.htm">1 John 4:15-16</a> If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. / And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. <a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16</a> These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:But.<a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25</a> Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.<a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16</a> These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:<a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a> But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.speaking the truth.<a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Judges 16:15</a> And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.<a href="/psalms/32-2.htm">Psalm 32:2</a> Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.<a href="/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!may.<a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21</a> In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:<a href="/hosea/14-5.htm">Hosea 14:5-7</a> I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon… <a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a> But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.which.<a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a> And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,<a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a> For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.<a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18,19</a> And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Aspects</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Head</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-19.htm">Love</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Respects</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Union</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Aspects</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Head</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Love</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Respects</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">True.</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Union</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Words</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>Instead, speaking the truth in love This phrase emphasizes the importance of truth being communicated with love. In the context of Ephesians, Paul contrasts this with the deceitful scheming mentioned earlier in the chapter. The Greek word for "truth" (aletheia) implies not just factual accuracy but sincerity and integrity. Love (agape) is the selfless, sacrificial love that reflects God's nature. This balance is crucial for maintaining unity and maturity within the church. The concept is echoed in <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-2</a>, where love is essential for meaningful communication and action.we will in all things grow up The imagery of growth suggests a process of maturation and development. This growth is comprehensive, affecting all aspects of life and faith. The metaphor of growth is common in Paul's writings, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6-7</a>, where he describes the church as God's field. The idea is that believers are to mature spiritually, moving from infancy to adulthood in their faith journey, as also encouraged in <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12-14</a>.into Christ Himself Christ is the ultimate goal and standard for Christian maturity. The phrase indicates a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where believers are being conformed to His image (<a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a>). This transformation is not just individual but corporate, as the church collectively becomes more like Christ. The preposition "into" suggests movement and direction, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this growth.who is the head Christ as the head signifies His authority and leadership over the church, which is His body. This metaphor is used throughout the New Testament, notably in <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a>, to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church. The head controls and directs the body, ensuring its health and function. This imagery underscores the importance of being connected to Christ for guidance and sustenance, as well as the unity and interdependence of believers within the body.<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 Ephesian church was one of the recipients of Paul's letters, which addressed both doctrinal and practical issues. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a> The community of believers in Ephesus, to whom Paul wrote this letter, encouraging them to live in unity and maturity in Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Referred to as the head, Christ is central to the growth and unity of the church, emphasizing His authority and leadership. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_body_of_christ.htm">The Body of Christ</a> A metaphor for the church, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers as they grow together in faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/truth_and_love_must_coexist.htm">Truth and Love Must Coexist</a> Speaking the truth is essential, but it must always be done in love. This balance prevents truth from becoming harsh and love from becoming permissive. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> The goal of speaking the truth in love is to grow into maturity in Christ. This involves developing Christ-like character and unity within the church. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_head.htm">Christ as the Head</a> Recognizing Christ as the head of the church means submitting to His authority and following His example in all things. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The body of Christ is diverse, yet it is called to unity. Each member has a role to play, contributing to the growth and health of the whole. <a href="/topical/p/practical_love_in_community.htm">Practical Love in Community</a> Love should be evident in our interactions within the church community, fostering an environment where truth can be spoken and received well.<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_passive-aggressiveness.htm">What does the Bible say about passive-aggressiveness?</a> <a href="/q/does_'grow_up'_conflict_with_sinfulness.htm">Ephesians 4:15–16: Does the call to “grow up in every way” into Christ conflict with passages elsewhere that emphasize human fallibility and sinfulness?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_nurture_daily_spiritual_growth.htm">How can you nurture your spiritual growth daily?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_you_speak_truthfully_with_love.htm">How can you speak truthfully with love?</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>(15) But speaking the truth in love.--It has been doubted whether the words "in love" should not be connected with "may grow up," &c., exactly as in <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm" title="From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.">Ephesians 4:16</a>, "maketh increase of the body . . . in love." But both order and sense seem to point to the connection given in our version. The correct rendering is, being true in love; including in this the "being true" to others, by speaking truly and acting honestly towards them (as in <a href="/galatians/4-16.htm" title="Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?">Galatians 4:16</a>), but including also the "being true" absolutely--that is, the loving the truth, and clinging to it at all costs. The latter element, indeed, is the one which stands here more properly in antithesis to the childish instability described in the preceding verse; as it is in itself the more important, and is, in fact, the only basis for the other."To thine own self be true,And it will follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man."This "being true" is expressed in many forms. Sometimes as "being of the truth" (<a href="/john/18-37.htm" title="Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.">John 18:37</a>; <a href="/1_john/2-21.htm" title="I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.">1John 2:21</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm" title="And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.">1John 3:19</a>); sometimes as "abiding in the truth" (<a href="/john/8-44.htm" title="You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.">John 8:44</a>), or "having the truth in us" (<a href="/1_john/1-8.htm" title="If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.">1John 1:8</a>); sometimes as "doing the truth" (<a href="/john/3-21.htm" title="But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God.">John 3:21</a>), and "walking in the truth" (<a href="/2_john/1-4.htm" title="I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.">2John 1:4</a>; <a href="/3_john/1-4.htm" title="I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.">3John 1:4</a>). In all cases it is closely connected with the idea of unity with Him who is Himself "the Truth" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm" title="Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.">John 14:6</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - But speaking the truth in love. Ἀληθεύοντες is hardly translatable in English it implies being true as well as speaking the truth and following the truth. Truth is the element in which we are to live, move, and have our being; fidelity to truth is the backbone of the Christian ministry. But truth must be inseparably married to love; good tidings spoken harshly are no good tidings; the charm of the message is destroyed by the discordant spirit of the messenger. The more painful the first impression which a truth is fitted to produce (e.g., Ephesians 2:1-3), the more need is there for dealing with it in love - a much-needed and much-neglected exhortation. May grow up into him in all things who is the Head, namely, Christ. Growing up into Christ is like baptizing into the Name of the Father, etc.; it implies that the growth tends to a closer union to Christ, as, on the other hand, union to Christ causes the growth: the two act and react on each other. This growth is to be "in all things" - in the whole man - in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, in all the communicable properties of Christ. How great the work of growth is that should be sought in the case of every living believer is evident from the enormous gulf there is between his spiritual and moral state and that of Christ. Yet such growth is reasonable, considering the relation of the body to him, its Head. The fact of this relation should encourage us to seek and expect the growth, and encourage ministers to labor hopefully towards promoting it. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Instead, δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. speaking the truth ἀληθεύοντες (alētheuontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_226.htm">Strong's 226: </a> To say (speak) truth, do truth, maintain truth (the truth). From alethes; to be true. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love, ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. {we will} in τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter 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. all things πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. grow up αὐξήσωμεν (auxēsōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_837.htm">Strong's 837: </a> (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge. into 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. Christ Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative 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. Himself, αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. who ὅς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine 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. head. κεφαλή (kephalē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:15 But speaking truth in love we may (Ephes. Eph. 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