With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
What does Ephesians 4:2 mean?
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, understand humility, which is opposed to pride.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Ephesians 4:1-3 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Ephesians 4:2
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; With all lowliness - Humility; see the notes on Acts 20:19 , where the same Greek word is used; compare also the following places, where the same Greek word occurs: Philippians 2:3 , "in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves;" Colossians 2:18 , "in a voluntary humility;" Colossians 2:23 ; Colossians 3:12 ; 1 Peter 5:5 . The word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. The idea is, that humility of mind becomes those who are "called" Ephesians 4:1 , and that we walk worthy of that calling when we evince it. And meekness - see the notes on Matthew 5:5 .
Context in Ephesians 4
Show chapter context
Ephesians 4 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the church’s calling and gifts. Ephesians presents the church as Christ’s body and temple, chosen in grace, united across dividing walls, and called to mature holy life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of union with Christ, church, and grace in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
A guided collection of passages on God’s love, neighbor-love, steadfast covenant love, and the shape of love in Christian life.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.