King James Version

What Does Ephesians 4:14 Mean?

Ephesians 4:14 in the King James Version says “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Ephesians 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: in: or, into stature: or, age

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;

15

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: speaking: or, being sincere

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.

Read Ephesians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 4:14 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἵνα1 of 23

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μηκέτι2 of 23

“no more”

G3371

no further

ὦμεν3 of 23

“we henceforth be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

νήπιοι4 of 23

“children”

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

κλυδωνιζόμενοι5 of 23

“tossed to and fro”

G2831

to surge, i.e., (figuratively) to fluctuate

καὶ6 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιφερόμενοι7 of 23

“carried about with”

G4064

to convey around, i.e., transport hither and thither

παντὶ8 of 23

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνέμῳ9 of 23

“wind”

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

τῆς10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδασκαλίας11 of 23

“of doctrine”

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)

ἐν12 of 23

“and cunning craftiness”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ13 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυβείᾳ14 of 23

“the sleight”

G2940

gambling, i.e., (figuratively) artifice or fraud

τῶν15 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων16 of 23

“of men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν17 of 23

“and cunning craftiness”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πανουργίᾳ18 of 23
G3834

adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry

πρὸς19 of 23

“whereby”

G4314

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,

τὴν20 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεθοδείαν21 of 23

“they lie in wait”

G3180

travelling over, i.e., travesty (trickery)

τῆς22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλάνης23 of 23

“to deceive”

G4106

objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:91 Corinthians 14:20Romans 16:17-181 John 4:1James 1:6Hebrews 5:12-14

Test Your Knowledge

Ephesians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEphesians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ephesians 4 with CommentaryAll Ephesians ChaptersComplete Ephesians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes