Ephesians 4:32

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
New Living Translation (NLT)
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
The Message Bible (MSG)
32 Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
American Standard Version (ASV)
32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
32 Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
32 Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.

Ephesians 4:32 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another
Good, affable, courteous; which appears in looks, words, and actions; by looking pleasantly on each other, speaking kindly to one another, and mutually doing every good office that lies in their way, and in their power:

tender hearted:
which is opposed to a being hard hearted to them that are in distress, and close at hand to the needy; to cruelty and severity to such who are subject to them, or have injured them; and to a rigid and censorious spirit to them that are fallen:

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven
you;
whatever offences are given, or injuries done by the saints one to another, and so far as they are committed against them, they should forgive, and should pray to God for one another, that he would manifest his forgiveness of them, as committed against him; and this should be done in like manner as God forgives in Christ, and for his sake; that is, fully and freely, and from their hearts; and so as to forget the offences, and not to upbraid them with them hereafter; yea, they should forgive them before they repent, and without asking for it, and that for Christ's sake, and because they are members of his: the Complutensian edition reads, "even as Christ hath forgiven us": the Arabic version also reads us, and so some copies: the words may be rendered, "giving freely to one another, even as God in Christ has given freely to you"; saints should give freely to one another, for outward support, where it is needful; and should impart spiritual gifts and experience for inward comfort, where it is wanted, and as they have ability; and that from this consideration, that all they have, whether in temporals or spirituals, is freely given by God in Christ, and for his sake; with whom he freely gives them all things; in whom he has given them grace, and blessed them with all spiritual blessings; as peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life.

Ephesians 4:32 In-Context

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Peter 3:8
  • 2. Matthew 6:14,15; Colossians 3:12,13
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