Ephesians 4:22
New International Version
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

New Living Translation
throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

English Standard Version
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

Berean Standard Bible
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Berean Literal Bible
You are to have put off, concerning the former way of life, the old man, which is being corrupted according to its desires of deceit,

King James Bible
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

New King James Version
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

New American Standard Bible
that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

NASB 1995
that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

NASB 1977
that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

Legacy Standard Bible
to lay aside, in reference to your former conduct, the old man, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

Amplified Bible
that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires,

Christian Standard Bible
to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires;

American Standard Version
that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Contemporary English Version
You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.

English Revised Version
that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You were taught to change the way you were living. The person you used to be will ruin you through desires that deceive you.

Good News Translation
So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to--the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.

International Standard Version
Regarding your former way of life, you were taught to strip off your old nature, which is being ruined by its deceptive desires,

Majority Standard Bible
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

NET Bible
You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,

New Heart English Bible
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old self, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

Webster's Bible Translation
That ye put off concerning the former manner of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts:

Weymouth New Testament
to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original evil nature which is doomed to perish as befits its misleading impulses,

World English Bible
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
concerning the former behavior you are to put off the old man, that is corrupt according to the desires of the deceit,

Berean Literal Bible
You are to have put off, concerning the former way of life, the old man, which is being corrupted according to its desires of deceit,

Young's Literal Translation
ye are to put off concerning the former behaviour the old man, that is corrupt according to the desires of the deceit,

Smith's Literal Translation
For you to put away according to the former mode of life the old man, corrupted according to the eager desires of deceit;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To put off, according to former conversation, the old man, who is corrupted according to the desire of error.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to set aside your earlier behavior, the former man, who was corrupted, by means of desire, unto error,

New American Bible
that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires,

New Revised Standard Version
You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That you lay aside all your former practices, that is to say, the old man which is degenerated with deceitful lusts;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you should put aside from you your first way of life, that old man, which is corrupted by deceitful desires,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that, as to your former life, you put off the old man, which is corrupt, according to its deceitful desires,

Godbey New Testament
that with reference to your former life, you are to lay aside the old man, who is corrupt in the lusts of deception;

Haweis New Testament
that ye put off respecting your former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful passions;

Mace New Testament
to quit the vicious habits of your former conversation, corrupted by deceitful passions:

Weymouth New Testament
to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original evil nature which is doomed to perish as befits its misleading impulses,

Worrell New Testament
that ye put off, as to your former manner of life, the old man, who is corrupt according to the desires of deceit;

Worsley New Testament
which according to your former conversation was corrupted with deceitful lusts,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
New Life in Christ
21Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus— 22to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be renewed in the spirit of your minds;…

Cross References
Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Romans 6:6
We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Galatians 5:24
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Romans 13:12-14
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. / Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

1 Peter 2:1
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

Colossians 2:11
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

1 Peter 4:2-3
Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. / For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

Titus 3:3-5
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. / But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.


Treasury of Scripture

That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

ye.

Ephesians 4:25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

1 Samuel 1:14
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

Job 22:23
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

former.

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Galatians 1:13
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

the old.

Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Colossians 3:9
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

deceitful.

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Jeremiah 49:16
Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

Obadiah 1:3
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Jump to Previous
Befits Behaviour Conversation Corrupt Corrupts Deceit Deceitful Desires Doomed Earlier Evil Former Grows Impulses Life Love Manner Misleading Mode Nature Original Perish Reference Regard Relation Self Way
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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.














Put off
The phrase "put off" in Ephesians 4:22 is translated from the Greek word "ἀποτίθημι" (apotithēmi), which means to lay aside or cast off. This term is often used in the context of removing clothing, symbolizing a deliberate and conscious action. In the Christian life, this signifies a decisive break from past sinful behaviors and attitudes. The imagery of removing old garments is powerful, suggesting that just as one would discard dirty or worn-out clothes, believers are called to discard their former way of life. This action is not passive but requires intentional effort and commitment, reflecting a transformation that begins internally and manifests externally.

Your former way of life
This phrase refers to the lifestyle and behaviors that characterized individuals before their conversion to Christianity. The "former way of life" encompasses not only actions but also thoughts, desires, and motivations that were contrary to God's will. Historically, the Ephesian church was situated in a city known for its pagan practices and idolatry, which would have influenced the believers' previous conduct. The call to abandon this way of life underscores the radical change that the gospel brings, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their new identity in Christ. It is a reminder that conversion involves a complete reorientation of one's life, aligning with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

The old self
The "old self" is a concept that represents the unregenerate nature of humanity, often associated with sin and separation from God. In Greek, the term "παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος" (palaios anthrōpos) is used, indicating something that is worn out or obsolete. This metaphor highlights the contrast between the old, sinful nature and the new nature that believers receive through Christ. Theologically, this speaks to the doctrine of regeneration, where the Holy Spirit renews and transforms the believer, making them a new creation. The "old self" is characterized by corruption and deceit, and its removal is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Which is being corrupted
The phrase "which is being corrupted" describes the ongoing process of moral and spiritual decay inherent in the sinful nature. The Greek word "φθείρω" (phtheirō) conveys the idea of ruin or destruction, emphasizing the destructive power of sin. This corruption is not static but progressive, continually leading individuals further away from God's holiness. The present tense of the verb indicates that this corruption is an active and ongoing reality for those who remain in their old nature. Understanding this helps believers recognize the urgency of putting off the old self and embracing the new life in Christ, which is characterized by righteousness and holiness.

By its deceitful desires
"Deceitful desires" refers to the misleading and deceptive cravings that originate from the sinful nature. The Greek term "ἐπιθυμία" (epithymia) is used for desires, often implying strong, passionate longings that are contrary to God's will. These desires are deceitful because they promise satisfaction and fulfillment but ultimately lead to emptiness and destruction. The historical context of Ephesus, with its emphasis on sensuality and materialism, would have made these desires particularly alluring. For believers, recognizing the deceitful nature of these desires is crucial in the battle against sin. It calls for discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome the temptations that seek to draw them back into their former way of life.

(22-24) These verses explain the substance of the teaching of Ephesians 4:21. The original may be interpreted either of the teaching of a fact, "that ye did put off . . . and are being renewed," &c., or of a duty, "that ye put off . . . and be renewed." The latter is, on the whole, the more probable, although the former would yield a simpler sense. It is to be noted that the words "put off" and "put on" in the original denote a distinct and complete act; the word "be renewed," a continuous and still incomplete process. The complete act is consummated, and the continuous process begun, by the practical "learning" of Christ--that is, by growth in spiritual communion with Him.

(22) Concerning the former conversation.--So far, that is, as concerns the conversation or mode of life described above (Ephesians 4:17-19) as the moral condition of heathenism. It is in relation to this, the corruption of the true humanity, and not in relation to the true humanity itself, that the "old man" is put off.

The phrase "the old man" (found also in Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:9) is here illustrated by the description following: which is being marred in virtue of the lusts of deceit. The word rendered "corrupt" expresses not so much pollution as disintegration and decay, much as in 2Corinthians 4:16; and so carries out the idea implied in the epithet "old." The unregenerate nature, subject to "the lusts of deceit"--the lusts, that is, of the spirit of delusion, blind themselves, and blinding the soul which yields to them--is gradually sinking into the spiritual decay which must become spiritual death, unless by the effort of faith, entering into the communion with Christ, it be, once for all, "put off." The various qualities of the nature thus stripped off are variously described: in Rom. 13:22, as the "works of darkness; in Hebrews 12:1, as simply "encumbrance;" in James 1:21, as "filthiness and excess of evil;" in 1Peter 2:1, as "malice, and craft, and hypocrisies, and envies." All these are the "lusts of deceit." . . .

Verse 22. - That ye put off, as concerning the former conversation, the old man. The sum of Christ's practical lessons is given in two particulars - putting off and putting on. The change is very decided and very complete. It is emphatically personal; not a mere change of opinions or of religious observances, but of life, habit, character; not altering a few things, but first putting off the man as we put off a garment. "It is a change which brings the mind under the government of truth, and gives to the life a new aspect of integrity and devoutness." Which is rotting according to the lusts of deceit. The present participle, φθειρόμενον, indicates continuance or progress in corruption. Sin is a disintegrating dissolving thing, causing putridity, and in all cases, when unchecked, tending towards it. Deceit is personified; it is an agent of evil, sending out lusts which seem harmless but are really ruinous - their real character is concealed; they come as ministers of pleasure, they end as destructive tyrants. Lust of power, lust of money, lust of pleasure, have all this character; they are the offspring of deceit, and always to be shunned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
to put off
ἀποθέσθαι (apothesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.

your
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

former
προτέραν (proteran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4386: Formerly, before. Neuter of proteros as adverb; previously.

way of life,
ἀναστροφὴν (anastrophēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 391: Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior.

[your]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

old
παλαιὸν (palaion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3820: Old, ancient, not new or recent. From palai; antique, i.e. Not recent, worn out.

self,
ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

which
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is being corrupted
φθειρόμενον (phtheiromenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5351: To corrupt, spoil, destroy, ruin. Probably strengthened from phthio; properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. To spoil or to ruin.

by
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[its]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

deceitful
ἀπάτης (apatēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 539: Deceit, deception, deceitfulness, delusion. From apatao; delusion.

desires;
ἐπιθυμίας (epithymias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1939: Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 4:22 That you put away as concerning your (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 4:21
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