That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

EPHESIANS 4:22KJV
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Ephesians 4:22 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:22 mean?

Ephesians 4:22 tells believers to leave behind their old way of life, described as the "old man," which is shaped by corrupt and misleading desires. The verse urges a break from past behaviors and attitudes that are driven by self-centered or deceptive cravings.

In this letter, Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, encouraging them to live differently now that they follow Jesus. Paul uses the image of taking off old clothes to describe turning away from their former habits and patterns, which he says are spoiled and led astray by desires that do not lead to good.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:22

  • "put off" (ἀποτίθημι, apotithēmi): This word means to take off or lay aside, like removing a garment. Paul uses it to picture leaving behind a former way of life as something you actively set aside.
  • "former conversation" (προτέρα ἀναστροφή, protera anastrophē): The Greek for "conversation" here means conduct or way of living, not just speech. Paul is talking about their whole lifestyle before becoming Christians.
  • "old man" (παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος, palaios anthrōpos): This phrase refers to a person's former self, shaped by old habits and values before knowing Christ.
  • "corrupt" (φθειρόμενον, phtheiromenon): The Greek word means being ruined or decaying, showing that the old way of life is not just wrong but is actively falling apart.
  • "deceitful lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαι τῆς ἀπάτης, epithymiai tēs apatēs): This phrase means desires that mislead or trick a person, highlighting that these cravings are not trustworthy guides.

Why Ephesians 4:22 matters

  • Ephesians 4:22 clarifies that following Jesus involves a real change in how a person lives, not just a change in beliefs.
  • The verse emphasizes that the old way of life is not neutral but is actually harmful and misleading, shaped by desires that do not bring lasting good.
  • This verse sets up the contrast in the next verses, where Paul describes putting on a "new man," helping readers see the sharp difference between life before and after Christ.

Where else these words appear

“corrupt” Greek G5351 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
  • Jude 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

“deceitful” Greek G539 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
  • Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“off” Greek G659 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
  • Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
  • Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

“conversation” Greek G391 · used in 13 verses

  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
  • 1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
  • 1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.