Ephesians 4:14
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The verse contrasts immature believers with a mature "perfect man," highlighting that "children" are unstable, easily swayed by manipulative teachers. It’s not just about differing opinions, but about deliberately deceptive "schemes of error" using tactics like "dice-playing" and "cunning craftiness" designed to ensnare unsuspecting believers.
so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The passage describes the purpose of Christ's gifts to the church, which is to build believers up into spiritual maturity. This growth is contrasted with the immaturity of being like children, easily swayed by false teachings. The text warns against deceptive individuals who employ clever strategies and schemes to lead people astray from the truth.
Ever feel like you're being pulled in a million directions by conflicting ideas, even within faith communities? Paul uses a vivid image to describe this vulnerability.
Paul contrasts spiritual maturity with infancy. Children are easily swayed, lacking the stability and discernment of adults. He uses powerful maritime imagery to illustrate this:
This immaturity makes believers susceptible to deceptive teachings that undermine their faith.
It's not just about bad ideas; Paul describes active, intentional manipulation. What makes these deceptive schemes so effective?
Paul doesn't just warn about straying ideas; he exposes the deliberate tactics used to mislead people. He uses terms that paint a picture of calculated deception:
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These tactics are used by those who 'lie in wait to deceive,' actively seeking opportunities to exploit spiritual immaturity for their own purposes.
Paul presents a clear solution to the problem of being tossed about by false doctrines. What does this maturity look like?
The entire context of Ephesians 4 points towards spiritual maturity as the defense against deception. Verses 11-13 describe how Christ gave gifted individuals (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) to equip believers.
Understand the original words
nēpios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Refers to spiritual instability and a lack of firm grounding in truth, making one vulnerable to error and deception.
didaskalia · Greek Noun
Teaching or instruction; in a theological sense, it refers to the body of orthodox Christian belief that shapes the church's life.
This passage echoes the warning against being 'tossed about by various destructive doctrines,' highlighting the danger of straying from solid truth.
James 1:6This verse uses similar imagery of being 'blown and tossed by the wind,' describing a person who is double-minded and unstable in their faith.
1 Peter 5:8This passage describes the devil as a 'roaring lion' who prowls around, akin to the 'craftiness' and 'deceitful schemes' mentioned in Ephesians, seeking to devour believers.
Matthew 7:15Jesus warns about 'false prophets' who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves, a parallel to the 'sleight of men' and 'cunning craftiness' used by deceptive teachers.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul urges believers not to be 'children in your thinking' but to be mature, directly contrasting the 'childish' instability described in Ephesians with the goal of spiritual maturity.
vincentEphesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
Children (νήπιοι)See on 1 Corinthians 2:6; see on 1 Corinthians 3:1. As to the connection, Ephesians 4:13 states the ultimate goal of christian training; Ephesians 4:14 that which is pursued with a view to the attainment of that goal. Ephesians 4:14 is subordinate to Ephesians 4:13, as is…
bengelEphesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
Ephesians 4:14 . Μηκέτι ) that we may be not , as formerly and as yet.—νήπιοι, children ) Νήπιοι , children , are opposed to a man in the second degree, and to a young man in the first: à perfect man , who can no longer increase in stature, but yet in other respects becomes more perfect; a…
The verse contrasts immature believers with a mature "perfect man," highlighting that "children" are unstable, easily swayed by manipulative teachers. It’s not just about differing opinions, but about deliberately deceptive "schemes of error" using tactics like "dice-playing" and "cunning craftiness" designed to ensnare unsuspecting believers.
The passage describes the purpose of Christ's gifts to the church, which is to build believers up into spiritual maturity. This growth is contrasted with the immaturity of being like children, easily swayed by false teachings. The text warns against deceptive individuals who employ clever strategies and schemes to lead people astray from the truth.
The passage describes the purpose of Christ's gifts to the church, which is to build believers up into spiritual maturity. This growth is contrasted with the immaturity of being like children, easily swayed by false teachings. The text warns against deceptive individuals who employ clever strategies and schemes to lead people astray from the truth.
"so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." — The verse contrasts immature believers with a mature "perfect man," highlighting that "children" are unstable, easily swayed by manipulative teachers. It’s not just about differing opinions, but abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026
