◄ Ephesians 4:2 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

New Living Translation
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

English Standard Version
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Berean Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Berean Literal Bible
with all humility and gentleness; with patience bearing with one another in love;

King James Bible
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

New King James Version
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

New American Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

NASB 1995
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

NASB 1977
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

Legacy Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Amplified Bible
with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love.

Christian Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,

American Standard Version
with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Contemporary English Version
Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.

English Revised Version
with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other.

Good News Translation
Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

International Standard Version
demonstrating all expressions of humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another in love.

Majority Standard Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

NET Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

New Heart English Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

Webster's Bible Translation
With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;

Weymouth New Testament
with all lowliness of mind and unselfishness, and with patience, bearing with one another lovingly, and earnestly striving to maintain,

World English Bible
with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love,

Berean Literal Bible
with all humility and gentleness; with patience bearing with one another in love;

Young's Literal Translation
with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,

Smith's Literal Translation
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, bearing one another in love;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
with all humility and meekness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.

New American Bible
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love,

New Revised Standard Version
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
With all humility and gentleness and with patience, forbearing one another in love,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
In all humility of mind and quietness and patience, and that you would be patient one toward another in love,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love,

Godbey New Testament
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in divine love;

Haweis New Testament
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love;

Mace New Testament
with all humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another in love;

Weymouth New Testament
with all lowliness of mind and unselfishness, and with patience, bearing with one another lovingly, and earnestly striving to maintain,

Worrell New Testament
with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love;

Worsley New Testament
and with long-suffering forbear one another in love,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Unity in the Body
1As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.


Treasury of Scripture

With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;

lowliness.

Numbers 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Psalm 45:4
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

forbearing.

Mark 9:19
He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

1 Corinthians 13:7
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Jump to Previous
Bearing Completely Earnestly Forbearing Gentle Gentleness Humble Humility Long-Suffering Lowliness Maintain Meekness Mind Patience Quiet Showing Striving Tolerance Whatever
Jump to Next
Bearing Completely Earnestly Forbearing Gentle Gentleness Humble Humility Long-Suffering Lowliness Maintain Meekness Mind Patience Quiet Showing Striving Tolerance Whatever
Ephesians 4
1. He exhorts to unity;
7. and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;
11. that his church might be edified,
16. and grow up in Christ.
18. He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;
24. to put on the new man;
25. to cast off lying;
29. and corrupt communication.














Berean Study Bible
with all humility
The Greek word for "humility" is "ταπεινοφροσύνη" (tapeinophrosyne), which conveys a sense of lowliness of mind. In the Greco-Roman world, humility was often seen as a weakness, yet in the Christian context, it is a virtue. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing one's position before God and others. It is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God and a willingness to serve others selflessly. Historically, humility was exemplified by Christ, who, though being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). This call to humility is a call to emulate Christ's example in our interactions with others.

and gentleness
The term "gentleness" is translated from the Greek "πραΰτης" (prautes), which can also be understood as meekness. This is not weakness but strength under control. It is the quality of being calm and composed, even in the face of provocation. In a historical context, gentleness was a trait of leaders who could wield power without resorting to harshness. Scripturally, Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29), setting a standard for His followers. Gentleness involves a sensitivity to others' needs and a willingness to put others first, reflecting the character of Christ.

with patience
The Greek word "μακροθυμία" (makrothymia) is used here, which means long-suffering or forbearance. Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances and the shortcomings of others without becoming angry or upset. In the biblical narrative, God is often described as patient, giving people time to repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). This patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is essential for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ. It requires a trust in God's timing and a commitment to love others despite their flaws.

bearing with one another
The phrase "bearing with" comes from the Greek "ἀνέχομαι" (anechomai), which means to endure or tolerate. This implies a mutual forbearance, where believers are called to support and uphold each other, even when it is challenging. In the early church, diverse backgrounds and personalities required a conscious effort to maintain harmony. This bearing with one another is not passive but an active choice to maintain unity and peace. It reflects the love and patience God shows us and calls us to extend the same grace to others.

in love
The Greek word for "love" here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. This love is not based on emotions or feelings but is a deliberate choice to seek the best for others. In the scriptural context, agape love is the foundation of Christian relationships and community. It is the love that God has for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). This love is the glue that holds the body of Christ together, enabling believers to live in harmony and reflect God's love to the world.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering.--See Colossians 3:12, where the same three qualities are dwelt upon, but there introduced by "compassion and kindness." They seem to correspond almost exactly to the first, third, and fifth beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, in which the principle of love is wrought out in various forms (as in the other beatitudes the principle of righteousness): "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" "Blessed are the meek;" "Blessed are the merciful." The word "lowliness of mind" is used by St. Paul only in the Epistles of the Captivity (Philippians 2:3; Colossians 2:18; Colossians 2:23; Colossians 3:12) and in the address to the Ephesian presbyters (Acts 20:19). It is, indeed, a word new coined in Christian terminology, and even the root from which it comes is mostly used by the heathen moralists in a bad sense (of meanness and slavishness), of which there is still a trace in Colossians 2:18. "Meekness" is mostly "gentleness"--"the meek and quiet spirit" (1Peter 3:4)--the natural, though not the invariable, fruit of humility, winning souls by its very absence of bitter self-assertion, and so "inheriting the earth." "Longsuffering" is the manifestation of such meekness, with something of especial effort and struggle, in the bearing of injury. . . .
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 2. - SOME POINTS OF A WORTHY WALK. With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love. He begins his enumeration with passive graces - eminently those of Christ. Lowliness or humility may well be gendered by our remembering what we were when God's grace took hold of us (Ephesians 2:1-3). Meekness is the natural expression of a lowly state of mind, opposed to boisterous self-assertion and rude striving with others; it genders a subdued manner and a peace-loving spirit that studies to give the soft answer that turneth away wrath. Long-suffering and loving forbearance are phases of the same state of mind - denoting the absence of that irascibility and proneness to take offence which flares up at every provocation or fancied neglect, and strives to maintain self-control on every occasion. It is from such qualities in God that our redemption has come; it is miserable to accept the redemption and not try to attain and exhibit its true spirit. Neglect of this verse has produced untold evil in the Christian Church

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

all
πάσης (pasēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

humility
ταπεινοφροσύνης (tapeinophrosynēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5012: Humility, lowliness of mind, modesty. From a compound of tapeinos and the base of phren; humiliation of mind, i.e. Modesty.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

gentleness,
πραΰτητος (prautētos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4240: Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

patience,
μακροθυμίας (makrothymias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3115: Patience, forbearance, longsuffering. From the same as makrothumos; longanimity, i.e. forbearance or fortitude.

bearing with
ἀνεχόμενοι (anechomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 430: To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist.

one another
ἀλλήλων (allēlōn)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

love,
ἀγάπῃ (agapē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.


Links
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Ephesians 4:2 NLT
Ephesians 4:2 ESV
Ephesians 4:2 NASB
Ephesians 4:2 KJV

Ephesians 4:2 BibleApps.com
Ephesians 4:2 Biblia Paralela
Ephesians 4:2 Chinese Bible
Ephesians 4:2 French Bible
Ephesians 4:2 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and humility with patience (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 4:1
Top of Page
Top of Page