Meaning, commentary and cross references
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
NIV · New International Version
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
WEB · World English Bible
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
What does Ephesians 4:32 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another,.... Good, affable, courteous; which appears in looks, words, and actions; by looking pleasantly on each other, speaking kindly to one another, and mutually doing every good office that lies in their way, and in their power: tender hearted: which is opposed to a being hard hearted to them that are in distress, and close at hand to the needy; to cruelty and severity to such who are subject to them, or have injured them; and to a rigid and censorious spirit to them that are fallen: forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you; whatever offences are given, or injuries done by the saints one to another, and so far as they are committed…
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
The contrary to all this follows: Be you kind one to another. This implies the principle of love in the heart, and the outward expressions of it, in an affable, humble, courteous behaviour. It becomes the disciples of Jesus to be kind one to another, as those who have learned, and would teach, the art of obliging. Tender-hearted; that is, merciful, and having tender sense of the distresses and sufferings of others, so as to be quickly moved to compassion and pity.
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 4:32
32. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 32. Sitis autem mutuo comes, misericordes, condonantes vobis inter vos, quemadmodum et Deus vobis in Christo condonavit. 32. And be ye kind one to another.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Ephesians 4:29–32 (WEB)
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. 30Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. 32And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
Cross references
- Colossians 3:12–13
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
- Matthew 6:14–15
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
- Mark 11:25
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
- 1 Peter 3:8–9
Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,
- 2 Corinthians 2:10
Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
- Ephesians 5:1
Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.
- Luke 6:37
Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.
- Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.