If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

EPHESIANS 4:21KJV
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Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:21 mean?

Ephesians 4:21 says that if the believers have truly listened to Jesus and learned from him, then they understand that the truth is found in Jesus himself. The verse points out that genuine Christian teaching centers on who Jesus is and what he has revealed.

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, reminding them that their new way of life is based on what they have heard and learned from Jesus. The context is about leaving behind old habits and living according to the truth that Jesus embodies and teaches. Paul stresses that real understanding and change come from knowing Jesus personally.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:21

  • "heard" (ἠκούσατε, ēkousate): This word means more than just hearing sounds; it often carries the sense of truly listening or paying attention to what is being said. Here, it implies that the Ephesians have really taken in Jesus’ message.
  • "truth" (ἀλήθεια, alētheia): In Greek, this word refers to what is real and dependable. Paul is emphasizing that the ultimate reality and reliability are found in Jesus, not in other teachings or traditions.
  • "in" (ἐν, en): This small word shows close connection or location. Saying the truth is "in Jesus" highlights that truth is not just about facts or ideas, but is found in the person of Jesus himself.

Why Ephesians 4:21 matters

  • Ephesians 4:21 clears up that Christian teaching is not just about moral rules or traditions, but about knowing Jesus and what he taught.
  • The verse emphasizes that truth is personal and relational—it is found "in Jesus," not just in abstract ideas.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger point in Ephesians 4, which is about living a new life shaped by Jesus, rather than by old ways of thinking and acting.

Where else these words appear

“that” Greek G1489 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
  • Galatians 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
  • Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

“taught” Greek G1321 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.