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    Clear the Old Before the New

    Ephesians 4:31 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:"
    — Ephesians 4:31 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse before the great kindness command (v. 32), Paul names what must be cleared first. Kindness cannot grow in soil still occupied by bitterness, wrath, and malice.

    Historical Context

    Ephesian believers came from a culture where these traits were normal. Paul insists Christian community requires their deliberate removal — not management, but extraction.

    Original Language Insights

    'Bitterness' (pikria) — sharp resentment.

    'Clamour' (kraugē) — loud outcry, shouting.

    'Put away' (arthētō) — be removed, lifted off. Passive imperative — let it be taken from you.

    Theological Significance

    Christian kindness is not a veneer on hidden bitterness. The same Spirit who plants v. 32's tenderness must first uproot v. 31's poisons. Both are His work.

    Practical Application

    Make an honest list of what v. 31 names in your life. Confess it; let the Spirit lift it. Only then will the kindness of v. 32 be more than performance.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Ephesians 4:32

    "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…"

    The very next verse — the removal of v. 31 makes room for the kindness of v. 32.

    Hebrews 12:15

    "Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you."

    The parallel warning — bitterness has roots that must be pulled, not pruned.

    Prayer Response

    Father, lift from me all bitterness, wrath, and malice. Clear the soil of my heart for kindness to grow. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is anger always sinful?

    Paul earlier acknowledged 'be ye angry, and sin not' (Eph 4:26). Verse 31 addresses the settled, harboring, malice-laced anger — not every emotional spark, but the kind that takes residence.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Ephesians 4 verse by verse:

    Before · Ephesians 4:2-3Exact verse

    With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    Theme: Christian Unity

    After · Ephesians 4:32Exact verse

    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

    Theme: Forgiveness

    Nearest commentary in Ephesians

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 5:25-27Nearest chapter

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

    Theme: Marriage & Christ's Love

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 5:25Nearest chapter

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

    Theme: Marriage

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 5:28Nearest chapter

    So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

    Theme: Sacrificial Love in Marriage

    Later · 1 ch forward · Ephesians 5:33Nearest chapter

    Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

    Theme: Marriage

    Read Ephesians 3Commentary: Ephesians 3:21
    Read Ephesians 4 (full)Nearest commentary: Ephesians 4:31-32
    Read Ephesians 5Commentary: Ephesians 5:33
    Previous commentary: Ephesians 4:2-3Next commentary: Ephesians 4:32

    Related Commentaries

    Ephesians 4:31-32 Commentary

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    Ephesians 1:3-4 Commentary

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    How to Deal with Anger Biblically?

    Believers handle anger by being slow to wrath, addressing it before sundown, refusing bitterness and revenge, and bringing the matter to God in prayer rather than acting on the flesh.

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    What Does the Bible Say About the Wrath of God?

    God's wrath is His holy, righteous response to sin — it is not capricious anger but the settled opposition of a perfectly just God against all evil.

    Read answer

    How Many Books Are in the Bible?

    The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.

    Read answer

    What Is Tithing?

    Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

    The Old Testament forbids marking the body (Leviticus 19:28), but Christians disagree on whether this applies today under the New Covenant.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

    The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.

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    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Ephesians 2:8-9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

    Ephesians 6:10-11 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

    Ephesians 3:20 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Uzzah Struck Dead for Touching the Ark

    Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck dead by the LORD for his error.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Ephesians 4:31-32 Commentary

    In-depth study • Forgiveness & Kindness

    Commentary

    Psalm 37:8 Commentary

    In-depth study • Releasing Anger

    Commentary

    Nahum 1:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Before the Hiding Place, the Wrath

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Bitterness

    10 curated KJV verses

    Word Meaning

    Wrath (Orgē) (ὀργή (orgē))

    Settled indignation — God's measured, righteous, and just anger against sin and evil.

    Strong's

    Strong's G3709 — Wrath (Orgē)

    ὀργή (orgē) • Settled indignation — God's measured, righteous, and just anger against sin and evil.

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