Ephesians 4:12

Ephesians 4:12 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
• New International Version (NIV)to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
• English Standard Version (ESV)to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
• New King James Version (NKJV)for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Context of Ephesians 4:12

10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:12 word by word

πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ·Read the interlinear

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Forπρόςpros · to/withG4314
• the perfectingκαταρτισμόςkatartismos · preparationG2677
• of the saintsἅγιοςhagios · holy: saintG40
• forεἰςeis · towardG1519
• the workἔργονergon · workG2041
• of the ministryδιακονίαdiakonia · serviceG1248
• the edifyingοἰκοδομήoikodomē · buildingG3619
• of the bodyσῶμαsōma · bodyG4983
• of ChristΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547

Cross-references for Ephesians 4:12

• Luke 22:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
• John 21:15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
• Acts 9:31Then had the Assemblies rest throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
• Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
• Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
• Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Assembly of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
• Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
• 2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
• Philippians 1:25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
• Philippians 3:12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
• Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
• Hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
• Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
• Acts 1:17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Commentaries on Ephesians 4:12

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12For the perfecting of the saints - For the complete instruction, purification, and union of all who have believed in Christ Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles. For the meaning of , perfecting, see the note on 2 Corinthians 13:9. For the work of the ministry - All these various officers, and the gifts and graces conferred upon them, were judged necessary, by the great Head of the Church, for its full instruction in the important doctrines of Christianity. The…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 12For the perfecting of the saints - On the meaning of the word rendered here as “perfecting” - ̀ katartismon- see the notes on 2 Corinthians 13:9. It properly refers to “the restoring of anything to its place;” then putting in order, making complete, etc. Here it means that these various officers were appointed in order that everything in the church might be well arranged, or put into its proper place; or that the church might be “complete.” It is that…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 7-16Verses 7-16 Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience. There is a fulness in Christ, and a measure of that fulness given…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 12God gives gifts to believers to help them strengthen the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; compare 1 Peter 2:5). to equip the saints for works of ministry: All believers are called to active Christian service.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. For--with a view to; the ultimate aim. "Unto." perfecting--The Greek implies correcting in all that is deficient, instructing and completing in number and all parts. for--a different Greek word; the immediate object. Compare Ro 15:2, "Let every one ... please his neighbor for his good unto edification." the ministry--Greek, "ministration"; without the article. The office of the ministry is stated in this verse. The good aimed at in respect to the…Read the comment

Topics related to Ephesians 4:12

• Church
• Instruction
• Minister, Christian
• Perfection
• Sanctification
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Christ
• Christ, Messiah
• Bitterness
• Compact
• Dark
• Forbear
• Grieve
• Lasciviousness
• Lowliness
• Renew

Commentaries on Ephesians 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings