Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
From
G1537
ἐξ
From
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 30
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
body
G4983
σώματος
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
5 of 30
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
συναρμολογούμενον
fitly joined together
G4883
συναρμολογούμενον
fitly joined together
Strong's:
G4883
Word #:
6 of 30
to render close-jointed together, i.e., organize compactly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συμβιβαζόμενον
compacted
G4822
συμβιβαζόμενον
compacted
Strong's:
G4822
Word #:
8 of 30
causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 30
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
according
G2596
κατ'
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 30
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
μέτρῳ
the measure
G3358
μέτρῳ
the measure
Strong's:
G3358
Word #:
17 of 30
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
μέρους
G3313
μέρους
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
20 of 30
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
body
G4983
σώματος
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
24 of 30
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ποιεῖται
maketh
G4160
ποιεῖται
maketh
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
25 of 30
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
26 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἰκοδομὴν
the edifying
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
the edifying
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
27 of 30
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
Cross References
Colossians 2:19And 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.John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;Ephesians 4:12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Ephesians 3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
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 4:16 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 4:16 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.