Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

EPHESIANS 4:28KJV
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Ephesians 4:28 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:28 mean?

Ephesians 4:28 tells anyone who has been stealing to stop and instead work honestly with their own hands, so they will have something to share with people in need. The verse moves from a negative command (stop stealing) to a positive one (work and give).

Paul is writing to Christians in Ephesus, urging them to live differently from their old ways now that they follow Jesus. The verse highlights a practical change in behavior: instead of taking from others, believers are called to contribute and help those who lack basic needs.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:28

  • The word for "steal" (κλέπτω, kleptō) is used three times in this verse: "Let him that stole steal no more." The repetition stresses a complete break from the old habit.
  • "Labour" (κοπιάω, kopiaō) means to work hard or toil, often with the sense of effort and weariness. Paul is not just talking about any work, but diligent, honest effort.
  • "Working" (ἐργάζομαι, ergazomai) means to be engaged in doing or producing something. The focus is on productive, hands-on work.
  • "Give" (μεταδίδωμι, metadidōmi) means to share or impart. The goal of working is not just self-support, but generosity toward those in need.

Why Ephesians 4:28 matters

  • Ephesians 4:28 clarifies that Christian living involves not only avoiding wrongdoing but actively doing good and helping others.
  • The verse shifts the focus from self-centered gain to community care, showing that honest work is valued because it enables generosity.
  • In the wider context, Paul is describing what a transformed life looks like, making it clear that faith should lead to visible, practical changes in how believers treat others.

Where else these words appear

“give” Greek G3330 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

“Let” Greek G2813 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

“more” Greek G3371 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

“labour” Greek G2872 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.