John Bengel Commentary - Ephesians 4:16 - 4:16

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John Bengel Commentary - Ephesians 4:16 - 4:16


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Eph 4:16. Ἐξ, from) The source of growth.-συναρμολογούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον) the body fitly joined together and compacted; the concrete for the abstract; i.e. the compacting and joining together of the body by right conformation and solid compacting together: συναρμολογούμενον refers to what is according to rule, so that all the parts may be rightly fitted in their proper position and in mutual relation; συμβιβαζόμενον denotes at once firmness and consolidation.-διὰ πάσης ἀφῆς τῆς ἐπιχορηγίας) [“By every handle of mutual assistance.” Engl. Vers. By that which every joint supplieth]. In the wrestling ground the ἀφαὶ are the means by which the antagonist to be assailed is laid hold of; for the opponents threw over each other dust and sand, so that each might be able to seize his adversary, even though the latter was anointed with oil. Here the means [handles] of mutual assistance are called ἁφαὶ τῆς ἐπιχορηγίας. Διὰ, by, construed with ποιεῖται, makes.[63]-κατʼ ἐνέργειαν, according to the working) The power ought also to be put into active exercise; comp. κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν, ch. Eph 1:19, Eph 3:7. But the article is wanting in this place; because he is speaking of the particular efficacy of single members.[64]-ἑνὸς ἑκάστου, of each one) To be construed with ἐνέργειαν ἐν μέτρῳ.-ΤΟῦ ΣΏΜΑΤΟς, of the body) The noun for the reciprocal pronoun [viz. increase of itself, ἑαυτοῦ]; therefore ΠΟΙΕῖΤΑΙ is used, not ΠΟΙΕῖ.[65]-ἐν ἀγάπῃ, in love) Construe with the edifying of itself.

[63] “Makes increase by every handle of mutual assistance.” But Engl. V. joins it with συμβιβαζόμενον, compacted by that which every joint supplieth.-ED.

[64] Whereas in ch. Eph 1:19 he speaks of the general working of God’s power.-ED.

[65] The middle being reflexive, i.e. the object relating to the same person as the subject.-ED.