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    Forgiveness & Kindness

    Ephesians 4:31-32 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: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
    — Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Paul prescribes a complete emotional and relational transformation: put away six toxic attitudes and replace them with three grace-powered qualities. The motivation is the most powerful in Scripture: forgive AS God forgave you.

    Historical Context

    Paul is addressing practical Christian living in the Ephesian church. The list of toxic attitudes reflects the kind of conflicts that divided early churches.

    Original Language Insights

    'Put away' (arthētō) — to lift up and carry away, to remove completely.

    'Bitterness' (pikria) — deep-seated resentment that poisons from within.

    'Kind' (chrēstoi) — useful, gracious, good-natured.

    'Tenderhearted' (eusplagchnoi) — compassionate in the gut, deeply moved by others' needs.

    'Forgiving' (charizomenoi) — granting grace freely, pardoning.

    'Even as' (kathōs) — in the same manner, to the same degree. The standard is God's own forgiveness.

    Theological Significance

    The motivation 'as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you' transforms forgiveness from moral obligation to gospel response. You don't forgive because you're strong — you forgive because you've been forgiven.

    Practical Application

    Inventory the six toxic attitudes and root out any that have taken hold. Replace them with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. When forgiveness feels impossible, remember how much God has forgiven you.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Colossians 3:12-13

    "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness."

    Paul gives the same instruction to the Colossians.

    Matthew 18:33

    "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion, even as I had pity on thee?"

    Jesus' parable makes the same point — received forgiveness must be extended.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice. Make me kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving — even as You for Christ's sake have forgiven me. Your forgiveness motivates mine. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the difference between anger and bitterness?

    Anger is an immediate emotional response; bitterness is anger that has fermented. Anger visits; bitterness moves in. Paul says put away both — deal with anger before it becomes bitterness.

    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
    Read Ephesians 5Commentary: Ephesians 5:33
    Previous commentary: Ephesians 4:2-3Next commentary: Ephesians 4:32

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    Related Bible Questions

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

    How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?

    Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.

    Read answer

    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.

    Read answer

    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:

    Resurrection
    Old Testament

    Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son

    Elisha stretched himself on a dead boy and the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

    Read the miracle
    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

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    Ephesians 1:3-4Ephesians 5:25-27

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