Ephesians 4:22

Authorized King James Version

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀποθέσθαι
put off
to put away (literally or figuratively)
#2
ὑμᾶς
That ye
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#3
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#4
τῆς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
προτέραν
the former
prior or previous
#6
ἀναστροφὴν
conversation
behavior
#7
τῆς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
παλαιὸν
the old
antique, i.e., not recent, worn out
#9
ἄνθρωπον
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
τῆς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
φθειρόμενον
is corrupt
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
#12
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#13
τῆς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐπιθυμίας
lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#15
τῆς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀπάτης
to the deceitful
delusion

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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