Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

EPHESIANS 4:31KJV
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Ephesians 4:31 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:31 mean?

Ephesians 4:31 tells readers to remove all forms of bitterness, rage, anger, loud quarreling, and harmful speech from their lives, along with any kind of malice. The verse calls for a complete rejection of negative attitudes and behaviors that damage relationships and community.

The apostle Paul is writing to believers in Ephesus, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects their new life in Christ. This verse comes in a section where Paul is urging the community to put aside their old ways and to treat each other with kindness and forgiveness, making clear that destructive emotions and words have no place among them.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:31

  • "Bitterness" (πικρία, pikria) refers to a deep-seated resentment or harshness that can poison relationships. Paul singles this out as something to be entirely removed.
  • "Wrath" (θυμός, thymos) and "anger" (ὀργή, orgē) are both strong words for intense emotion, but "θυμός" often points to outbursts of rage, while "ὀργή" can mean a more settled, smoldering anger.
  • "Clamour" (κραυγή, kraugē) describes loud shouting or uproar, especially in arguments or fights, highlighting the public and disruptive nature of such behavior.
  • "Evil speaking" (βλασφημία, blasphēmia) is used for slander or abusive speech, not just against God but also against other people.
  • "Malice" (κακία, kakia) is a general term for ill-will or a desire to harm others, showing that Paul is addressing both actions and the attitudes behind them.

Why Ephesians 4:31 matters

  • Ephesians 4:31 clarifies that harmful attitudes and speech are not just minor faults but things to be actively removed from Christian life.
  • The verse shows that Paul is concerned not only with outward actions but also with the inner motives and feelings that lead to conflict.
  • This instruction connects to the larger theme of Ephesians 4, where Paul urges believers to live in unity and love, making it clear that peace in the community depends on letting go of these destructive behaviors.