Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

EPHESIANS 4:3KJV
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Ephesians 4:3 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:3 mean?

Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to make every effort to maintain the unity that comes from God's Spirit, holding that unity together with peace. The verse emphasizes that unity among Christians is something to be carefully guarded and preserved, not taken for granted.

Paul, the author, is writing to a group of Christians in Ephesus, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects their calling as followers of Jesus. In this part of his letter, Paul is focusing on how the community should relate to one another, highlighting that unity and peace are essential qualities for their life together.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:3

  • ἐπιπονοῦντες (epiponountes, "endeavouring"): This word means making a diligent or earnest effort, not just a casual attempt. Paul is calling for active, ongoing work to keep unity.
  • τηρεῖν (tērein, "keep"): This word often means to guard or watch over, suggesting the unity is something valuable that needs protection.
  • ἑνότης (henotēs, "unity"): This word points to a state of being one or undivided, stressing that the goal is not just agreement but a deep, shared connection.
  • σύνδεσμος (syndesmos, "bond"): This word literally means a band or tie that holds things together. Here, it shows that peace is what binds the community in unity.

Why Ephesians 4:3 matters

  • Ephesians 4:3 clarifies that unity among believers is not automatic; it requires intentional effort and care.
  • The verse highlights that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the active force that holds unity together.
  • In the wider context, this verse sets the tone for the practical instructions that follow, showing that Christian living is deeply relational and community-focused.

Where else these words appear

“unity” Greek G1775 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

“bond” Greek G4886 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
  • Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
  • Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

“Endeavouring” Greek G4704 · used in 11 verses

  • Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
  • 2 Timothy 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
  • Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.