Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:1-16
Eph.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δεσμιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αξιως: ADV
- περιπατησαι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- κλησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- εκληθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Colossians 1:10 (verbal): Uses the same 'walk worthy' language—prays that believers 'walk worthy of the Lord' (parallel ethical exhortation to worthy conduct).
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (verbal): Exhorts believers to 'walk worthy of God, who calls you to his kingdom and glory,' closely echoing the theme of responding to a divine calling with worthy conduct.
- Philippians 1:27 (thematic): Urges conduct 'worthy of the gospel'—a similar exhortation that Christian behavior should reflect the calling and message they have received.
- Ephesians 4:17 (structural): Within the same letter the author contrasts two ways of 'walking'—Eph.4:1 calls for walking worthy of the calling, while 4:17 warns against walking as the Gentiles do, creating a paired ethical contrast.
Alternative generated candidates
- I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you received,
- I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, entreat you to live worthy of the calling to which you were called.
Eph.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μετα: PREP
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- ταπεινοφροσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- πραυτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- μακροθυμιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ανεχομενοι: PART,pres,mid,nom,pl,m
- αλληλων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 3:12-13 (verbal): Directly parallels wording and concepts — put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and bearing with one another; very close verbal and conceptual overlap.
- Philippians 2:3-4 (thematic): Emphasizes the same attitude of humility and valuing others above oneself, reflecting the Christlike lowliness and concern for others implicit in Ephesians 4:2.
- Galatians 5:22-23 (thematic): Lists the fruit of the Spirit (love, patience, gentleness) that correspond to Ephesians’ call to patience, meekness, and loving forbearance.
- 1 Peter 3:8 (thematic): Calls for unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind — themes parallel to Ephesians’ exhortation to lowliness, meekness, patience and mutual love.
Alternative generated candidates
- with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
- With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Eph.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- σπουδαζοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- τηρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενοτητα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- συνδεσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ειρηνης·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- John 17:21 (thematic): Jesus' prayer that believers 'may all be one' frames the goal of Christian unity and echoes the call to preserve unity of the Spirit for the mission of the church.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 (thematic): Paul's appeal that the church be 'perfectly united in mind and thought' and have no divisions parallels Ephesians' exhortation to strive for unity within the body.
- Philippians 2:1-2 (verbal): The call to be 'of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord' corresponds closely to the language and aim of maintaining unity of spirit and peace.
- Colossians 3:14-15 (verbal): 'Put on love' and 'let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts' links the means (love, peace) by which believers are bound together as one body—paralleling the 'bond of peace.'
- Psalm 133:1 (allusion): The OT celebration of brothers dwelling together in unity provides a background motif for NT exhortations to communal unity and harmony reflected in Ephesians 4:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
- eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εκληθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- μια: NUM,nom,sg,f
- ελπιδι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- κλησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων·: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Cor.12:13 (verbal): Uses virtually the same language — believers are made one body by one Spirit (baptized/filled into one body), a direct verbal parallel emphasizing unity in the Spirit.
- 1 Cor.12:12 (structural): Develops the body metaphor (one body with many members); structural/thematic parallel to Ephesians' 'one body' imagery and ecclesiological unity.
- Col.3:15 (verbal): Echoes the language of calling into corporate unity — 'you were called in one body' — paralleling Ephesians' phrasing about being called to one (common) hope.
- Gal.3:28 (thematic): Affirms comprehensive unity in Christ ('you are all one in Christ Jesus'), thematically parallel to the one body/one Spirit emphasis that breaks down divisions.
- Rom.12:5 (thematic): States that many form one body in Christ, reinforcing the same ecclesiological theme of corporate unity found in Ephesians 4:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope of your calling—
- There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope of your calling—
Eph.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μια: NUM,nom,sg,f
- πιστις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- βαπτισμα·: NOUN,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (thematic): Links baptism and ecclesial unity: 'For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body,' echoing Ephesians' connection between one baptism and the church's unity.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 (verbal): Uses the formula 'for us there is one God... and one Lord, Jesus Christ,' paralleling Ephesians' proclamation 'one Lord'.
- Colossians 2:12 (thematic): Describes baptism as burial and raising with Christ—baptism as incorporation into Christ, resonating with Ephesians' emphasis on one baptism as the basis of unity.
- Philippians 1:27 (thematic): Calls believers to 'stand firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith of the gospel,' reflecting the language of 'one faith' and communal unity found in Ephesians 4:5.
- Matthew 28:19 (thematic): The apostolic baptismal commission ('baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit') provides the ritual context for 'one baptism' referenced in Ephesians.
Alternative generated candidates
- one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
- one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 (verbal): Affirms 'one God, the Father' and presents the Father as the source/master of all—paralleling Ephesians' 'one God and Father of all.'
- Romans 11:36 (verbal): Uses similar triadic language about God's relation to all things ('from him and through him and to him'), echoing Ephesians' 'over all and through all and in all.'
- Colossians 1:17 (thematic): Speaks of Christ's lordship over and sustaining of all things ('He is before all things, and in him all things hold together'), thematically paralleling the universal sovereignty expressed in Ephesians 4:6.
- Acts 17:28 (quotation): Paul (quoting Epimenides) says 'in him we live and move and have our being,' reflecting the idea of God's immanent presence 'in all' that Ephesians conveys.
- John 14:20 (thematic): Jesus' teaching 'I am in my Father and you in me, and I in you' resonates with the mutual indwelling and unity under one Father implied by 'in all.'
Alternative generated candidates
- one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
- one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Eph.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ενι: ADV,dat,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εκαστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εδοθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μετρον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δωρεας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:6 (verbal): Speaks of differing gifts 'according to the grace given to us,' using similar language about gifts and grace being apportioned to individuals.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (thematic): Describes a variety of spiritual gifts distributed by the Spirit for the building up of the body, paralleling Eph 4:7's idea that grace/gifts are given to each believer.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (thematic): Urges believers to use whatever gift they have received 'as servants of God's varied grace,' echoing the theme that grace/gifts are allotted to each person for ministry.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (structural): Immediate context of 4:7: lists the specific gifts (apostles, prophets, pastors/teachers) that Christ gave, developing the statement that grace was given according to Christ's gift.
- Ephesians 3:7 (verbal): Paul refers to his ministry 'according to the gift of God's grace given me,' using parallel wording that treats grace as a bestowed gift enabling service.
Alternative generated candidates
- But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
- But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Eph.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διο: CONJ
- λεγει·Αναβας: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg;PART,aor,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- εις: PREP
- υψος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- ηχμαλωτευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αιχμαλωσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δοματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Psalm 68:18 (LXX 67:19) (quotation): Ephesians 4:8 is quoting this Psalm: 'When you ascended on high you led captivity captive; you received gifts among men.' The NT citation draws the OT text into the Christological claim about the ascension and giving of gifts.
- Ephesians 4:11 (structural): Directly follows 4:8 in context: the 'gifts' given (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) explain what the quotation's 'gifts to men' refers to in Paul's argument about church unity and ministry.
- Acts 1:9-11 (thematic): The Ascension narrative parallels the claim 'he ascended on high'; Acts describes Jesus being taken up into heaven and the attendant affirmation of his exaltation, underlying the NT theme of ascension leading to authority and gifting.
- 1 Peter 3:21-22 (thematic): Affirms Christ's exaltation to God's right hand, with spiritual authorities subjected to him—echoing the idea of Christ's victorious ascent and exercise of authority associated with 'leading captivity captive.'
- Hebrews 2:14-15 (thematic): Speaks of Christ destroying the power of death and delivering those enslaved by fear; thematically parallels 'leading captivity captive' as NT understanding of Christ's victory and liberation effected through his death, resurrection, and exaltation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.”
- Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men."
Eph.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- Ανεβη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- κατεβη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- κατωτερα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- μερη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Psalm 68:18 (LXX 67:19) (quotation): Ephesians 4:8–9 invokes and interprets this LXX line (“You have ascended on high…”) — v.9 explicates the meaning of “He ascended” in light of the Psalm.
- Eph.4:10 (structural): Immediate continuation: v.10 clarifies that the one who ‘descended’ is the same who ‘ascended far above the heavens,’ completing the ascent/descent argument of v.9.
- John 3:13 (verbal): Jesus says no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — a direct verbal/thematic parallel about descent preceding or validating ascent.
- Romans 10:6–7 (verbal): Paul uses the language of ‘ascending’ and ‘descending’ (rhetorical questions about who will descend into the abyss) in discussing Christ’s revelation/rescue, echoing the same ascent–descent motif.
- 1 Peter 3:18–20 (allusion): Speaks of Christ’s post‑death ‘descent’ (to the spirits in prison/the dead), an interpretive tradition that parallels Ephesians’ reference to descending to the lower regions.
Alternative generated candidates
- What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth?
- (What does "he ascended" mean but that he also descended first into the lower regions of the earth?)
Eph.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- καταβας: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αναβας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- υπερανω: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ουρανων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- πληρωση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Psalm 68:18 (quotation): Ephesians 4:8–10 explicitly cites and echoes Psalm 68:18's language about ascending on high and leading captivity, grounding Paul's ascent motif in the OT triumphal hymn.
- John 3:13 (verbal): John states that no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven (the Son of Man); similar descending/ascending wording links Jesus’ unique descent and return to heaven.
- Acts 1:9–11 (structural): Acts narrates Jesus' ascension into heaven and his exaltation above, providing the narrative counterpart to Paul's theological claim that Christ ascended above the heavens.
- Philippians 2:9–11 (thematic): Paulic exaltation theme: Christ is highly exalted by God and given the name above all names—paralleling Ephesians’ emphasis on Christ’s supreme ascent and lordship over all.
- Colossians 1:19 (thematic): Colossians’ claim that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ and the reconciling work ‘to fill all things’ resonates with Ephesians’ language that Christ ascended to ‘fill all things,’ a shared cosmic‑fulfillment motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
- The one who descended is the very one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
Eph.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- αποστολους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- προφητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ευαγγελιστας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ποιμενας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- διδασκαλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:6-8 (thematic): Lists a variety of gifts in the body (prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, etc.), paralleling Ephesians' catalogue of ministries and the functional diversity they represent.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 (verbal): Gives a similar ordering of ministries—'God set some in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers'—closely matching the offices named in Ephesians 4:11.
- Ephesians 2:20 (structural): Describes the church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as cornerstone, echoing the foundational role of those offices named in 4:11.
- Acts 13:1-3 (allusion): Depicts prophets and teachers in the Antioch church and the sending of Paul and Barnabas—an enacted example of prophetic/teaching ministry and the commissioning of mission leaders (evangelists/apostles).
- 1 Peter 5:1-4 (thematic): Exhorts elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and as examples, paralleling the pastoral/shepherding function listed among the gifts in Ephesians 4:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,
- And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,
Eph.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καταρτισμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- διακονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.4.11-16 (verbal): Immediate context: repeats the purpose of gifts 'to equip the saints' for 'the work of ministry' and 'building up' the body until unity and maturity.
- Rom.12.4-8 (thematic): Describes diverse gifts given for differing functions within one body and urges use of gifts in service—parallel emphasis on gifts enabling ministry for the good of the whole.
- 1 Cor.12.12-27 (structural): Develops the body-of-Christ metaphor: distinct members with different roles working together—parallels Eph.4's concern for mutual dependence and edification of the body.
- 1 Pet.4.10-11 (verbal): Commands believers to use received gifts to serve one another as stewards of God's grace—echoes Eph.4's 'work of ministry' and practical outworking of gifts.
- Eph.2.19-22 (allusion): Uses the building metaphor—'built together' into a dwelling of God—resonates with Eph.4's 'building up the body of Christ' image of corporate growth and edification.
Alternative generated candidates
- to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
- to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,
Eph.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μεχρι: PREP
- καταντησωμεν: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενοτητα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- επιγνωσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- υιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- ανδρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τελειον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- μετρον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ηλικιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πληρωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.4.12 (structural): Immediate context: the gifts to the apostles/prophets/teachers are given 'for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body' leading directly to the unity and maturity described in 4:13.
- Col.1.28 (thematic): Paul proclaims Christ 'that we may present everyone mature in Christ Jesus,' echoing Ephesians' goal of attaining mature manhood and the fullness of Christ.
- Col.2.10 (verbal): Speaks of believers being 'filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority'—language of 'fullness' parallels Ephesians' 'measure of the fullness of Christ.'
- Rom.8.29 (thematic): God's purpose that believers be 'conformed to the image of his Son' resonates with Ephesians' aim of growth into Christ-like maturity and stature.
- Heb.6.1 (thematic): An exhortation to 'go on to maturity' (to move beyond elementary teaching to perfection/maturity) parallels Ephesians' emphasis on progress toward full spiritual maturity.
Alternative generated candidates
- until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
- until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Eph.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- μηκετι: ADV
- ωμεν: ADV
- νηπιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- κλυδωνιζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- περιφερομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ανεμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- διδασκαλιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- κυβεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- πανουργια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μεθοδειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πλανης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Hebrews 5:12-14 (thematic): Contrasts spiritual immaturity with maturity—speaks of believers who are 'babes' needing milk rather than solid food, paralleling Eph.4:14's warning against remaining infants.
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (thematic): Paul calls the Corinthians 'infants in Christ' and describes carnal instability and susceptibility to divisions—echoes Ephesians' concern about immature believers being tossed about by teaching and human cunning.
- Colossians 2:8 (verbal): Warns against being taken captive by 'philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition'—parallels Ephesians' 'every wind of doctrine' and 'cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.'
- 1 Timothy 4:1 (allusion): Predicts that some will depart from the faith and follow 'deceitful spirits and teachings,' resonating with Ephesians' emphasis on guarding against deceptive doctrines and schemes.
- Matthew 7:15 (allusion): Jesus warns to 'beware of false prophets' who are deceptive in appearance—connects with Ephesians' concern about people who use craftiness and deceit to mislead believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
- so that we may no longer be infants, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of teaching, by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful schemes.
Eph.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αληθευοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,m,pl
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αυξησωμεν: VERB,aor,act,sub,1,pl
- εις: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κεφαλη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.4.13 (structural): Same paragraph in Ephesians: both verses set the goal of Christian unity and maturity — growing up to full stature in Christ.
- Eph.4.25 (verbal): Shares the injunction to ‘speak the truth’ and links truthfulness with the life of the body of believers (members of one another).
- Col.2.19 (thematic): Speaks of the whole body growing because Christ is the head and of building itself up in love, closely paralleling the head/body/growth and love language in Eph 4:15.
- John 15.5 (thematic): Uses the vine/branches motif to express dependence on Christ for life and fruitfulness — a parallel image of growing into and deriving life from Christ the head.
- 1 Cor.12.12-13 (thematic): Portrays the church as one body with many members united in Christ, providing the same body/head and unity framework that underlies Eph 4:15’s call to growth into Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- But speaking the truth in love, let us grow up in every way into him who is the head—Christ—
- But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head—Christ—
Eph.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εξ: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- συναρμολογουμενον: VERB,pr,pas,part,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- συμβιβαζομενον: VERB,pr,pas,part,nom,sg,n
- δια: PREP
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- αφης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- επιχορηγιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- κατ᾽ενεργειαν: PREP,acc
- εν: PREP
- μετρω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ενος: NUM,gen,sg,m
- εκαστου: ADJ,gen,sg,n
- μερους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αυξησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ποιειται: VERB,pr,mid,pas,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 2:19 (verbal): Uses nearly identical bodily language: 'the whole body...knit together by joints and ligaments' and speaks of growth of the body — a close verbal and conceptual parallel to Eph 4:16.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (structural): Develops the same body metaphor to describe the church's unity, diversity, and interdependence of members; emphasizes each part's role in the health of the whole, matching Eph 4:16's focus on mutual functioning.
- Romans 12:4-5 (thematic): Affirms that believers are many members of one body with different functions; like Eph 4:16 it links individual roles to the life and unity of the corporate body.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 (verbal): Explicitly speaks of believers' activities 'for the building up' (oikodomē) of the church—paralleling Eph 4:16's statement that the body's growth is 'for the building up of itself in love.'
Alternative generated candidates
- from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting joint, as each part does its work, causes the body to grow for the building up of itself in love.
- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every supporting ligament, as each part does its work, grows and builds itself up in love.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beseech you to live worthy of the calling you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men." Now what does "he ascended" mean but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He who descended is the very one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the full measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. So that we are no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of teaching, by human cunning and craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head—Christ;
from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting joint, when each part does its work, grows and builds itself up in love.