King James Version

What Does Ephesians 4:16 Mean?

Ephesians 4:16 in the King James Version says “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effec... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Ephesians 4:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: blindness: or, hardness


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 4:16 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 · 30 words
ἐξ1 of 30

From

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὗ2 of 30

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πάσης3 of 30

that which every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ4 of 30
G3588

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

σώματος5 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

συναρμολογούμενον6 of 30

fitly joined together

G4883

to render close-jointed together, i.e., organize compactly

καὶ7 of 30

and

G2532

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

συμβιβαζόμενον8 of 30

compacted

G4822

causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach

διὰ9 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

πάσης10 of 30

that which every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἁφῆς11 of 30

joint

G860

probably a ligament (as fastening)

τῆς12 of 30
G3588

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

ἐπιχορηγίας13 of 30

supplieth

G2024

contribution

κατ'14 of 30

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐνέργειαν15 of 30

to the effectual working

G1753

efficiency ("energy")

ἐν16 of 30

in

G1722

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

μέτρῳ17 of 30

the measure

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

ἑνὸς18 of 30

part

G1520

one

ἑκάστου19 of 30

of every

G1538

each or every

μέρους20 of 30
G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

τὴν21 of 30
G3588

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

αὔξησιν22 of 30

increase

G838

growth

τοῦ23 of 30
G3588

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

σώματος24 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ποιεῖται25 of 30

maketh

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰς26 of 30

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἰκοδομὴν27 of 30

the edifying

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

ἑαυτοῦ28 of 30

of itself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἐν29 of 30

in

G1722

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

ἀγάπῃ30 of 30

love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast


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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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