What does Ephesians 4:31 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:31 exhorts believers to rid themselves of negative emotions and behaviors that can damage interpersonal relationships and hinder personal spiritual growth.

It lists specific attitudes -- bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice -- that are to be abandoned.

The verse emphasizes the importance of emotional and ethical cleansing as a part of the Christian life.

Bitterness refers to a deep-seated resentment, wrath and anger to intense emotional responses that can lead to sin, clamor to loud, quarrelsome behavior, and evil speaking to slander or gossip.

Malice is a general term for wanting to harm others or see them suffer.

The verse is a call to personal reformation and to adopt a lifestyle characterized by love and forgiveness.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 60 while he was imprisoned in Rome.

It was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a diverse community consisting of both Jews and Gentiles.

At this time, new believers were coming to terms with the societal and cultural implications of their newfound faith in Christ.

Paul's teachings provided them with a moral and ethical framework that went against many of the norms of the prevalent Greco-Roman culture, which often condoned or even celebrated revenge and bitter rivalries.

Theological Insights

This verse reflects the Christian theology of sanctification, the process of being made holy. In Ephesians, Paul stresses the transformation that should occur within individuals after their conversion.

Theologically, this aligns with the teaching that Christians are called to be "in the world, but not of it," a concept that often contrasts with a human's natural inclinations towards the listed behaviors.

Calvinist and Wesleyan theological traditions interpret sanctification differently, where the former views it as an ongoing process and the latter as an instantaneous secondary work of grace.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 4:31 can be taken as a directive for practical living in several ways.

It can serve as a checklist for self-examination, urging believers to reflect on their attitudes and actions.

It advocates for emotional and psychological healing by encouraging individuals to let go of grudges and seek reconciliation.

Moreover, in a community context, it offers a blueprint for conflict resolution and fostering nurturing environments within families, churches, and workplaces.

Cross-References

• Colossians 3:8: "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."
• James 1:19-20: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
• 1 Peter 2:1: "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings."

Language Study

The phrase "let all bitterness" originates from the Greek word "πᾶσα πικρία" (pasa pikria), where "pasa" means "all" or "every," and "pikria" means "bitterness" or "acridity." This term for bitterness is symbolic of an emotional state that can poison a person's disposition.

"Wrath" and "anger," in Greek "θυμὸς" (thymos) and "ὀργὴ" (orgē) respectively, denote different intensities of passionate emotions.

"Clamour," or "κραυγή" (kraugē), refers to outcry or a loud shouting, while "evil speaking," "βλασφημία" (blasphēmia), is where we derive the term blasphemy, indicating slanderous or injurious speech.

"Malice," or "κακία" (kakia), is a general term for wickedness or malevolence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient religions, the moral imperatives of Ephesians 4:31 stand somewhat unique in their universal call to eschew negative behaviors and emotions.

Many ancient myths, such as those from Greek, Roman, or Norse traditions, often include deities and heroes who exhibit wrath, vengeance, or deceit.

Ephesians presents a contrast with its emphasis on moral purity and the importance of individual transformation, setting a high bar for personal conduct in community life.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology acknowledges that the emotions and behaviors described in Ephesians 4:31, such as bitterness and anger, can have detrimental effects on mental health and relationships if not managed effectively.

Science supports the idea that relinquishing such negative feelings can lead to improved psychological wellbeing and interpersonal harmony, which aligns with the verse's call to let go of these harmful emotions.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Ephesians 4:31.

Matthew Henry sees it as a call to humility and meekness, important for maintaining unity in the Christian community.

John Stott emphasizes the social implications of the verse, suggesting that such negative emotions disrupt community and church life.

Other commentators, like William Barclay, highlight the personal transformation required, noting that these behaviors are incompatible with the new nature Christians are called to in Christ.

Contemporary applications often note how this verse remains relevant, addressing common human struggles and proposing a countercultural response consistent with Christian teachings.