and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ephesians 4:24
What does Ephesians 4:24 mean?
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Ephesians 4:24
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The verse emphasizes that this "new self" isn't just a change in behavior, but a creation in God's likeness, a profound reshaping of our inner being that reflects His very character of righteousness and holiness. It’s not about mimicking God, but about being re-created to reflect His true nature.
and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul urges believers to shed their old, sinful ways and embrace a transformed life that reflects God's character. This new self, created in God's likeness, is characterized by genuine righteousness and holiness, a stark contrast to the deceitful desires and vanity that marked their former lives as Gentiles.
Ever feel like you're still the same old person, even after choosing to follow Jesus? This verse speaks to a radical transformation.
The verse calls us to 'put on the new self.' This isn't just about changing a few habits; it's about embracing a whole new identity.
A Divine Work
This 'new self' isn't something we invent or perfect on our own. The text emphasizes that it is 'created after the likeness of God.' This echoes the very beginning of creation, where God made humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27). When we become followers of Christ, God initiates a new creation within us, restoring that lost likeness.
More Than Just Morals
It's easy to think of this 'new self' as simply being 'good.' But the verse specifies the qualities: 'true righteousness and holiness.' This isn't about external performance but an internal transformation that reflects God's own character – His uprightness and His purity.
What does it truly mean to be 'righteous' and 'holy'? This verse unpacks these essential qualities as reflections of God Himself.
Paul pairs 'righteousness' and 'holiness' as the defining characteristics of this new creation. These aren't just abstract concepts; they are divine attributes that mark the life God intends for us.
Righteousness: Living in Alignment
'Righteousness' speaks to living in correct relation to God and others. It's about uprightness, integrity, and doing what is just and fair. It's the outward expression of an inner rightness with God.
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Holiness: Set Apart for God
'Holiness' (sometimes translated as 'sanctification' or 'purity') refers to being set apart for God's purposes. It means being morally pure and devoted entirely to Him, distinct from the corrupting influences of the world. The phrase 'holiness of truth' suggests this purity is grounded in and characterized by God's truth.
The Core of the New Self
These two qualities, righteousness and holiness, are not optional extras; they are the very substance of the new self created in God's likeness. They are the ongoing results of the Spirit’s work within us, shaping our thoughts, desires, and actions to mirror our Creator.
Understand the original words
kainos anthrōpos · Greek Noun phrase
The new identity imparted to the believer at conversion, characterized by a fundamental change of nature that reflects the character of Christ. It is a new 'person' or moral orientation shaped by the Holy Spirit.
homoiōsis · Greek Noun
Refers to the moral nature of God, which is the standard and goal for human character. It signifies that the believer is a new creation molded to mirror the divine attributes of justice and purity.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The state of moral rectitude, integrity, and uprightness in living, consistent with God's commands and character. It is the practical application of being right with God.
hosiotēs · Greek Noun
The state of being set apart for God’s exclusive use, resulting in purity of life and character. It reflects the sanctity of God’s own nature.
This verse highlights that humanity was originally created in God's image, directly paralleling the concept of the 'new self' being created 'after the likeness of God' in Ephesians 4:24.
Colossians 3:10This passage speaks of being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, reinforcing the idea that the transformation into the 'new self' is a restoration of God's likeness.
2 Corinthians 5:17Here, Paul describes believers as 'new creations' in Christ, which strongly aligns with the 'new self' mentioned in Ephesians, emphasizing the radical nature of this transformation.
Romans 13:14This verse urges believers to 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ' and not to 'make provision for the flesh,' directly echoing the call to 'put on the new self' and abandon the old ways described in Ephesians 4.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage lists the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are the outward manifestations of the inner righteousness and holiness of the 'new self.'
vincentEphesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
New man (καινὸν)See on Matthew 26:29.Created (κτισθέντα)See on Ephesians 2:10.In righteousness and true holiness (ἐν δικιαιοσύνη καὶ ὁσιότητι τῆς ἀληθείας)Rev., correctly, in righteousness and holiness of truth. See on Luke 1:75. Truth. Opposed to deceit, Ephesians 4:22, and likewise personified. Righteousness and holiness are attributes of truth.
barnesEphesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
And that ye put on the new man - The new man refers to the renovated nature. This is called in other places, the "new creature, or the new creation" (see the notes on 2 Corinthians 5:17 ), and refers to the condition after the heart is changed. The change is so great, that there is no impropriety in speaking of one who has experienced it as "a new man." He has new feelings, principle…
The verse emphasizes that this "new self" isn't just a change in behavior, but a creation in God's likeness, a profound reshaping of our inner being that reflects His very character of righteousness and holiness. It’s not about mimicking God, but about being re-created to reflect His true nature.
Paul urges believers to shed their old, sinful ways and embrace a transformed life that reflects God's character. This new self, created in God's likeness, is characterized by genuine righteousness and holiness, a stark contrast to the deceitful desires and vanity that marked their former lives as Gentiles.
Paul urges believers to shed their old, sinful ways and embrace a transformed life that reflects God's character. This new self, created in God's likeness, is characterized by genuine righteousness and holiness, a stark contrast to the deceitful desires and vanity that marked their former lives as Gentiles.
"and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." — The verse emphasizes that this "new self" isn't just a change in behavior, but a creation in God's likeness, a profound reshaping of our inner being that reflects His very character of righteousnes…
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Last reviewed October 2026