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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Ephesians 4:14 - 4:14
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Children (νήπιοι)
See on 1Co 2:6; see on 1Co 3:1. As to the connection, Eph 4:13 states the ultimate goal of christian training; Eph 4:14 that which is pursued with a view to the attainment of that goal. Eph 4:14 is subordinate to Eph 4:13, as is shown by the retention of the same figure, and is remotely dependent on Eph 4:11, Eph 4:12. The remote end, Eph 4:13, is placed before the more immediate one, as in Eph 4:12. See note.
Tossed to and fro (κλυδωνιζόμενοι)
Only here in the New Testament. See on wave, Jam 1:6. For Paul's use of nautical metaphors, see on Phi 1:23. Compare Plato: “Socrates. In a ship, if a man having the power to do what he likes, has no intelligence or skill in navigation, do you see what will happen to him and to his fellow-sailors? Alcibiades. Yes, I see that they will all perish” (“Alcibiades,” i., 135).
Wind of doctrine
Or of the teaching. The different teachings of philosophers or of religious quacks are represented as winds, blowing the unstable soul in every direction.
Sleight (κυβείᾳ)
Only here in the New Testament. From κύβος a cube or die. Lit., dice-playing.
Cunning craftiness (πανουργίᾳ)
See on Luk 20:23. The craft which gamblers use.
Whereby they lie in wait to deceive (πρὸς τὴν μεθοδείαν τῆς πλάνης)
Lit., tending to the system of error. Rev., after the wiles of error. Μεθοδεία means a deliberate planning or system. Of error includes the idea of deceit or delusion. See Mat 27:64; Rom 1:27; 2Pe 2:18; 2Pe 3:17; Jam 5:20. Error organizes. It has its systems and its logic. Ellicott remarks that here it is almost personified.