Meaning of Ephesians 4:31

Ephesians 4:31 is a direct and powerful imperative from the Apostle Paul, commanding believers to actively purge from their lives a spectrum of negative emotions and behaviors that are destructive to both the individual and the community. This verse is not merely a suggestion but a call to a conscious and ongoing process of spiritual discipline, emphasizing the need to eradicate attitudes and actions that stem from a corrupted heart and hinder the pursuit of holiness and unity within the body of Christ. The list provided—bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice—represents a progression of sinful expressions, moving from inward resentments to outward aggression and deceit.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within Ephesians chapter 4, which focuses on the practical outworking of Christian unity and conduct. Paul has just exhorted believers to live a life worthy of their calling (v. 1), characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love (vv. 2-3). He has also emphasized the oneness of the body of Christ, united by one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (vv. 4-6). Following this theological foundation, Paul transitions to the "new self" (v. 24) that believers are called to put on, in contrast to the "old self" which is corrupt and deceitful (v. 22). Ephesians 4:31, therefore, serves as a crucial directive for putting off the old self’s destructive tendencies and embracing the new life in Christ, thereby preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Key Themes and Messages

The core message of Ephesians 4:31 is the necessity of actively repenting from and renouncing destructive emotions and behaviors. The terms used are not isolated incidents but represent a deep-seated disposition of the heart that manifests in various ways.

• Bitterness (πικρία, pikria): This refers to a deep-seated resentment, a hardened and unforgiving spirit, often stemming from past hurts or perceived injustices.
• Rage (θυμός, thymos) and Anger (ὀργή, orge): While sometimes translated interchangeably, thymos often denotes a more intense, explosive outburst of anger, while orge can represent a more sustained wrath or indignation. Together, they encompass the spectrum of sinful anger.
• Brawling (ἐριθεία, eritheia): This translates to quarreling, factiousness, or a spirit of rivalry that leads to strife and contention.
• Slander (βλασφημία, blasphemia): This involves malicious gossip, abusive language, and speaking evil against others, often with the intent to defame or disgrace.
• Malice (κακία, kakia): This is a broader term encompassing wickedness, depravity, and a general disposition to do evil or to wish evil upon others.

The instruction to "get rid of" (ἀπόθεσθε, apothesthe) is a strong verb implying a deliberate and decisive casting off, much like shedding soiled clothing. It signifies a complete abandonment, not a mere suppression.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Ephesians 4:31 is a call to sanctification and Christlikeness. These negative emotions and behaviors are antithetical to the character of God and the nature of the new creation in Christ. Holding onto bitterness, rage, or malice prevents a believer from truly experiencing and manifesting God's love, grace, and forgiveness. It creates internal turmoil and external division, hindering spiritual growth and the effective witness of the church. The application involves a daily commitment to examine one's heart, confessing and repenting of any such attitudes when they arise, and actively cultivating the opposite virtues: forgiveness, patience, kindness, and truthful speech. This is not a one-time act but a continuous process empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply integrated into the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and transformation. From the Fall in Genesis, which introduced sin and its destructive consequences, to the redemptive work of Christ, the Bible consistently portrays humanity's struggle with sinful dispositions. The New Testament, particularly Paul's epistles, emphasizes the believer's new identity in Christ, which necessitates a radical departure from the old ways of living. Ephesians 4:31 is a practical outworking of this new identity, aligning with the Mosaic Law's emphasis on justice and compassion, and the prophetic calls for righteousness and reconciliation. It finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological hope of a renewed creation where sin and its effects will be no more.

Analogies

One analogy for "getting rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" is akin to clearing out a house of vermin and toxic waste. Just as a homeowner would not tolerate rats or poisonous chemicals contaminating their living space, a believer is called to expel these destructive elements from their inner life. Another analogy is that of purifying a stream. If a once-clear stream is polluted by refuse, its purity and life-giving properties are compromised. Similarly, these sinful attitudes and behaviors pollute the believer's spiritual life and their capacity to be a conduit of God's grace.

Relation to Other Verses

Ephesians 4:31 resonates with numerous other biblical passages that address similar themes:

• Colossians 3:8: "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." This verse is a near parallel, reinforcing the same imperative.
• Matthew 5:22: Jesus speaks about anger, stating that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subject to judgment, highlighting the seriousness with which God views this emotion.
• Romans 12:14: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." This passage directly contrasts with slander and malice, calling for a response of blessing.
• 1 Peter 2:1: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This verse from Peter echoes Paul's exhortation, emphasizing the need to shed these corrupting influences.
• Galatians 5:19-21: Lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Many of the sins mentioned in Ephesians 4:31 are clearly represented within this broader list of fleshly activities.