Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:32 mean?

Ephesians 4:32 tells its readers to treat one another with kindness and compassion, and to forgive one another. The verse gives God’s forgiveness of them “for Christ’s sake” as the pattern for their forgiveness of others.

After the harsh words listed in verse 31, Paul describes a different way for the people addressed to relate to one another. The final phrase points back to what God has done for them, rather than presenting forgiveness as an isolated act.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:32

• “tenderhearted” — εὔσπλαγχνος (eusplagchnos): This word carries the sense of compassion or deep concern for another person. It points to an inward feeling of care, not just outward politeness.
• “forgiving” — χαρίζομαι (charizomai): This word can carry the sense of giving freely or granting a favor. Here, it describes forgiveness as something given to another person.
• “forgiven” — χαρίζομαι (charizomai): The same Greek word stands behind both “forgiving” and “forgiven” in this verse. The repeated word closely links the readers’ forgiveness of one another with God’s forgiveness of them.

Why Ephesians 4:32 matters

• The verse places forgiveness within a relationship of mutual care. The phrases “one to another” and “forgiving one another” address how the readers treat other people in their community.
• God’s action is the comparison for their action. The word “as” joins their forgiveness of one another to the forgiveness they have received from God.
• “For Christ’s sake” places Christ at the center of the reason given for God’s forgiveness. The KJV wording connects God’s forgiveness of the readers with Christ.