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the Week of Proper 20 / Ordinary 25
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Read the Bible

Revised Standard Version

Ephesians 4:17

Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds;

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Adultery;   Amusements and Worldly Pleasures;   Conscience;   Depravity of Man;   Example;   Gentiles;   Lasciviousness;   Obedience;   Pride;   Vanity;   Wicked (People);   Thompson Chain Reference - Carnal Mind;   Emptiness;   Emptiness-Fulness;   Mind;   Mind, Carnal-Spiritual;   Vanity;   The Topic Concordance - Blindness;   Darkness;   Heart;   Understanding;   Vanity;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Amusements and Pleasures, Worldly;   Blindness, Spiritual;   Fall of Man, the;   Vanity;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Conscience;   Fornication;   Gentile;   Government;   Idol, idolatry;   Justice;   Magic;   Mind;   Paul;   Sin;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Church, the;   Light;   Mind/reason;   Vanity;   Walk;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Christianity;   Nativity of Christ;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Ephesians, the Epistle to the;   Prayer;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Church;   Ephesians, Book of;   Mind;   Paul;   Regeneration;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Love, Lover, Lovely, Beloved;   Peter, First Epistle of;   Presbytery;   Regeneration;   Vanity;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Christian Life;   Discipline;   Ephesians Epistle to the;   Gentiles;   Marriage;   Vanity;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Ephesians, Epistle to the;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ephesians, Epistle to the;   Ignorance;   Regeneration;   Salvation;   Vanity;  

Devotionals:

- Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for August 5;   Every Day Light - Devotion for April 29;  

Parallel Translations

New American Standard Bible (1995)
So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore this I say, and testify in the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Simplified Cowboy Version
Jesus told me to pass this along to y'all. Don't live like the outsiders do, for they are kicking and pulling on the reins at the same time.
Bible in Basic English
This I say, then, and give witness in the Lord, that you are to go no longer in the way of the Gentiles whose minds are turned to that which has no profit,
Darby Translation
This I say therefore, and testify in [the] Lord, that ye should no longer walk as [the rest of] the nations walk in [the] vanity of their mind,
Christian Standard Bible®
Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts.
World English Bible
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles, in the vanity of your mind:
Weymouth's New Testament
Therefore I warn you, and I implore you in the name of the Master, no longer to live as the Gentiles in their perverseness live,
King James Version (1611)
This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord, that yee henceforth walke not as other Gentiles walke in the vanitie of their minde,
Literal Translation
Therefore, I say this, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk even as also the rest of the nations walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
This I saye therfore, and testifye in the LORDE, that ye walke nomore as ye other Heythen walke in the vanite of their mynde,
Mace New Testament (1729)
This I say therefore, and conjure you by the Lord not to live for the future as other Gentiles do, in the vanity of their minds,
THE MESSAGE
And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.
Amplified Bible
So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls],
American Standard Version
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
This I saye therfore and testifie in ye lorde that ye hence forth walke not as other gentyls walke in vanitie of their mynde
Update Bible Version
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Webster's Bible Translation
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Young's Literal Translation
This, then, I say, and I testify in the Lord; ye are no more to walk, as also the other nations walk, in the vanity of their mind,
New Century Version
In the Lord's name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing.
New English Translation
So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Berean Standard Bible
So I tell you this, and testify to it in the Lord: You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Contemporary English Version
As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people.
Complete Jewish Bible
Therefore I say this — indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking.
English Standard Version
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
Geneva Bible (1587)
This I say therefore and testifie in the Lorde, that yee hencefoorth walke not as other Gentiles walke, in vanitie of their minde,
George Lamsa Translation
This I say therefore and testify in the LORD: that you henceforth live not as other Gentiles, who live in the vanity of their mind,
Hebrew Names Version
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Goyim also walk, in the futility of their mind,
International Standard Version
Therefore, I tell you and insist ontestify">[fn] in the Lord not to live any longer like the Gentiles live, thinking worthless thoughts.in the worthlessness of their mind">[fn]Romans 1:21; Ephesians 2:1-3,22; Colossians 3:7; 1 Peter 4:3;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
BUT this I say and testify in the Lord, that from henceforth you may not walk as the rest of the Gentiles, who walk in the vanity of their minds,
Murdock Translation
And this I say, and testify in the Lord, that henceforth ye walk not as the other Gentiles, who walk in the vanity of their mind:
New King James Version
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the [fn] Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
New Living Translation
With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.
New Life Bible
I tell you this in the name of the Lord: You must not live any longer like the people of the world who do not know God. Their thoughts are foolish.
English Revised Version
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
New Revised Standard
Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
This, therefore, am I saying and protesting in the Lord: - that, no longer, ye walk even as, the nations, walk - in the vanity of their minds,
Douay-Rheims Bible
This then I say and testify in the Lord: That henceforward you walk not as also the Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind:
King James Version
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Lexham English Bible
This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk: in the futility of their mind,
Bishop's Bible (1568)
This I say therfore, and testifie in the Lorde, that ye hencefoorth walke not as other gentiles walke, in vanitie of their mynde:
Easy-to-Read Version
I have something from the Lord to tell you. I warn you: Don't continue living like those who don't believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing.
New American Standard Bible
So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds,
Good News Translation
In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Therfor Y seie and witnesse this thing in the Lord, that ye walke not now, as hethene men walken, in the vanyte of her wit;

Contextual Overview

17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. 20 You did not so learn Christ! -- 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

I say: 1 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 15:50, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 3:17, Colossians 2:4

testify: Nehemiah 9:29, Nehemiah 9:30, Nehemiah 13:15, Jeremiah 42:19, Acts 2:40, Acts 18:5, Acts 20:21, Galatians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:6

in the: 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 1 Timothy 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:13, 2 Timothy 4:1

that ye: Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 5:3-8, Romans 1:23-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5-8, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Peter 4:4

in the: Psalms 94:8-11, Acts 14:15

Reciprocal: Leviticus 15:18 - the woman Deuteronomy 12:30 - How did Deuteronomy 27:10 - General Deuteronomy 29:19 - though I walk Psalms 14:4 - Have Psalms 74:20 - the dark Isaiah 60:2 - the darkness Jeremiah 3:17 - walk Jeremiah 9:14 - walked Jeremiah 11:7 - I earnestly Jeremiah 13:10 - walk Ezekiel 3:21 - if thou Amos 3:13 - and testify Zechariah 8:16 - are Matthew 6:32 - after Matthew 18:17 - a heathen Matthew 21:29 - I will not Luke 12:30 - all Luke 15:15 - to feed Acts 17:30 - but Acts 26:20 - and do Romans 1:21 - but became Romans 6:4 - even Romans 9:30 - the Gentiles Romans 12:2 - be not Romans 13:13 - us 1 Corinthians 5:8 - not 1 Corinthians 6:11 - such 1 Corinthians 12:2 - that 2 Corinthians 5:15 - henceforth 2 Corinthians 6:14 - and what Ephesians 2:3 - in times Ephesians 4:1 - walk Ephesians 4:19 - given Ephesians 4:22 - former Philippians 3:18 - many 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - charged 1 Thessalonians 4:5 - as the 2 Thessalonians 3:6 - in the 1 Timothy 6:5 - men 2 Timothy 1:8 - the testimony 2 Timothy 2:14 - charging 2 Timothy 2:19 - depart 1 Peter 4:2 - no Revelation 22:18 - testify

Cross-References

Genesis 4:4
and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,
Genesis 4:11
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.
Genesis 5:18
When Jared had lived a hundred and sixty-two years he became the father of Enoch.
Genesis 5:22
Enoch walked with God after the birth of Methu'selah three hundred years, and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:4
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."
2 Samuel 18:18
Now Ab'salom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar which is in the King's Valley, for he said, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance"; he called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Ab'salom's monument to this day.
Psalms 49:11
Their graves are their homes for ever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own.
Daniel 4:30
and the king said, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?"

Gill's Notes on the Bible

This I say therefore and testify in the Lord,.... These words may be considered either as an assertion, and so a testimonial of the different walk and conversation of the saints at Ephesus, from the rest of the Gentiles; or as an exhortation in the name of the Lord to such a walk, the apostle here returning to what he stirs them up to in Ephesians 4:1

that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind; every natural man walks in a vain show; the mind of man is vain, and whoever walk according to the dictates of it, must walk vainly: the phrase is expressive of the emptiness of the mind; it being naturally destitute of God, of the knowledge, fear, and grace of God; and of Jesus Christ, of the knowledge of him, faith in him, and love to him; and of the Spirit and his graces; and it also points at the instability and changeableness of the human mind, in which sense man at his best estate was altogether vanity; as also the folly, falsehood, and wickedness of it in his fallen state: and the mind discovers its vanity in its thoughts and imaginations, which are vain and foolish; in the happiness it proposes to itself, which lies in vain things, as worldly riches, honours, c. and in the ways and means it takes to obtain it, and in words and actions and the Gentiles showed the vanity of their minds in their vain philosophy and curious inquiries into things, and in their polytheism and idolatry: to walk herein, is to act according to the dictates of a vain and carnal mind; and it denotes a continued series of sinning, or a vain conversation maintained, a progress and obstinate persisting therein with pleasure: now God's elect before conversion walked as others do, but when they are converted their walk and conversation is not, at least it ought not to be, like that of others: the Alexandrian copy, and some others, the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "other", and only read, "as the Gentiles", &c.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord - I bear witness in the name of the Lord Jesus, or ministering by his authority. The object of this is, to exhort them to walk worthy of their high calling, and to adorn the doctrine of the Saviour. With this view, he reminds them of what they were before they were converted, and of the manner in which the pagan around them lived.

That ye henceforth walk not - That you do not henceforth live - the Christian life being often in the Scriptures compared to a journey.

As other Gentiles walk - This shows that probably the mass of converts in the church at Ephesus were from among the pagan, and Paul regarded them as Gentile converts. Or it may be that he here addressed himself more particularly to that portion of the church, as especially needing his admonition and care.

In the vanity of their mind - In the way of folly, or in mental folly. What he means by this he specifies in the following verses. The word “vanity” in the Scriptures means more than mere “emptiness.” It denotes moral wrong, being applied usually to those who worshipped vain idols, and then those who were alienated from the “true” God.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 17. Walk not as other Gentiles walk — Ye are called to holiness by the Gospel, the other Gentiles have no such calling; walk not as they walk. In this and the two following verses the apostle gives a most awful account of the conduct of the heathens who were without the knowledge of the true God. I shall note the particulars.

1. They walked in the vanity of their mind, εν ματαιοτητι του νοος αυτων. In the foolishness of their mind; want of genuine wisdom is that to which the apostle refers, and it was through this that the Gentiles became addicted to every species of idolatry; and they fondly imagined that they could obtain help from gods which were the work of their own hands! Here their foolishness was manifested.


 
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