Meaning, commentary and cross references
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
NIV · New International Version
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
WEB · World English Bible
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
What does Ephesians 4:26 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not,.... There is anger which is not sinful; for anger is fouled in God himself, in Jesus Christ, in the holy angels, and in God's people; and a man may be said to be angry and not sin, when his anger arises from a true zeal for God and religion; when it is kindled not against persons, but sins; when a man is displeased with his own sins, and with the sins of others: with vice and immorality of every kind; with idolatry and idolatrous worship, and with all false doctrine; and also when it is carried on to answer good ends, as the good of those with whom we are angry, the glory of God, and the promoting of the interest of Christ: and there is an anger which is sinful; as…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Ephesians 4:17–32
"If you have been provoked and have had your spirits greatly discomposed, and if you have bitterly resented any affront that has been offered, before night calm and quiet your spirits, be reconciled to the offender, and let all be well again: Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. If it burn into wrath and bitterness of spirit, O see to it that you suppress it speedily." Observe, Though anger in itself is not sinful, yet there is the upmost danger of its becoming so if it be not carefully watched and speedily suppressed. And therefore, though anger may come into the bosom of a wise man, it rests only in the bosom of fools.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Ephesians 4:25–28
26. Be ye angry, and sin not. Whether or not the apostle had in his eye a part of the fourth Psalm is uncertain. The words used by him ('Orgizesthe kai ue hamartanete) occur in the Greek translation, though the word orgizesthe, which is translated, be ye angry, is considered by some to mean tremble. [150] The Hebrew verb rgz (ragaz) signifies either to be agitated by anger, or, to tremble.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Ephesians 4:23–29 (WEB)
23and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. 25Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, 27and don’t give place to the devil. 28Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. 29Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Cross references
- James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
- Psalms 4:4
- Psalms 37:8
- Ephesians 4:31–32
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
- Romans 12:19–21
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”