Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Original Language Analysis
ὦμεν
we henceforth be
G5600
ὦμεν
we henceforth be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
3 of 23
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
νήπιοι
children
G3516
νήπιοι
children
Strong's:
G3516
Word #:
4 of 23
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
κλυδωνιζόμενοι
tossed to and fro
G2831
κλυδωνιζόμενοι
tossed to and fro
Strong's:
G2831
Word #:
5 of 23
to surge, i.e., (figuratively) to fluctuate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιφερόμενοι
carried about with
G4064
περιφερόμενοι
carried about with
Strong's:
G4064
Word #:
7 of 23
to convey around, i.e., transport hither and thither
ἀνέμῳ
wind
G417
ἀνέμῳ
wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
9 of 23
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδασκαλίας
of doctrine
G1319
διδασκαλίας
of doctrine
Strong's:
G1319
Word #:
11 of 23
instruction (the function or the information)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυβείᾳ
the sleight
G2940
κυβείᾳ
the sleight
Strong's:
G2940
Word #:
14 of 23
gambling, i.e., (figuratively) artifice or fraud
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πανουργίᾳ
G3834
πρὸς
whereby
G4314
πρὸς
whereby
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
19 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεθοδείαν
they lie in wait
G3180
μεθοδείαν
they lie in wait
Strong's:
G3180
Word #:
21 of 23
travelling over, i.e., travesty (trickery)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.James 1:6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;Jude 1:12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Historical Context
Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 4 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth of Ephesians 4:14 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
- What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
- How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
[Verse 4:14 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 4 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.
The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.