Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't saying anger itself is always a sin, but that the way we get angry matters. The original Hebrew he's referencing in the Psalms actually speaks of "trembling" or "standing in awe," and Paul adapts this to say that even when righteous anger is appropriate, it can easily lead to sin if we're not careful to let it go quickly.
Paul is addressing the Ephesian believers within a larger section about living a unified Christian life. He's just urged them to put off their old way of life and put on a new one, specifically encouraging them to speak truthfully and not let anger lead to sinful actions or give the devil an opportunity. This verse is a direct continuation of that thought, offering practical guidance on managing anger.
Can anger ever be a good thing? The Bible says 'yes,' but with a huge caveat. Learn what makes anger permissible, not sinful.
The verse opens with a surprising command: 'Be angry.' This isn't an endorsement of unchecked rage, but an acknowledgment that anger can have a legitimate place.
The Nature of Permissible Anger:
However, the verse immediately follows with 'and sin not.' This highlights that anger itself is a volatile emotion, easily tipping into sin. The challenge is to feel anger without letting it control us or lead us into wrong actions.
Ever let a grudge fester? The Bible gives a strict deadline for dealing with anger, warning us of the destructive consequences.
The second part of the verse, 'do not let the sun go down on your anger,' is a powerful, practical command. It’s not just about avoiding a quick temper; it’s about preventing anger from taking root.
Why the Urgency?
Understand the original words
orgizesthe · Greek Verb
A strong feeling of displeasure, hostility, or indignation. While sometimes righteous, it is frequently warned against because of its tendency to lead to sinful behavior.
hamartanete · Greek Verb
Missing the mark or failing to conform to the moral law of God in thought, word, or deed. It is an act of rebellion against God's standards and character.
diabolō · Greek Noun
An adversary or accuser; specifically the chief evil spirit, the enemy of God and humanity who seeks to deceive, tempt, and destroy.
This passage is the direct source of Paul's quote, highlighting that anger can be accompanied by a call to cease from sin, suggesting a similar tension between emotion and righteous action.
Matthew 5:22Jesus directly addresses anger, stating that being angry with a brother is punishable by judgment, reinforcing the idea that anger, while potentially natural, carries significant spiritual weight and risk of sin.
Romans 12:19Paul echoes the sentiment of not retaliating or seeking revenge, advising believers to 'never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,' which complements the instruction to not let anger fester into unforgiveness.
James 1:19-20This passage warns, 'Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God,' directly linking quick anger to unrighteousness and emphasizing the need for control.
Proverbs 14:29This proverb states, 'Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts his folly,' underscoring the wisdom and virtue in controlling anger, aligning with Paul's caution.
barnesEphesians 4:26: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
Be ye angry and sin not - It has been remarked that the direction here is conformable to the usage of the Pythagoreans, who were bound, when there were any differences among them, to furnish some token of reconciliation before the sun set. Burder, in Ros. Alt. u. neu. Morgenland, in loc. It is implied here: (1) that there "may" be anger without sin; and, (2) that there is special danger in all cases where there…
meyerEphesians 4:26: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
Ephesians 4:26-27 . See Zyro in the Stud. u. Krit. 1841, p. 681 ff. ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε ] a precept expressed literally after the LXX. Psalm 4:5 , as to which it must be left undetermined whether Paul understood the original text[244] as the LXX. did, or chose this form only in recollection of the LXX., without attending to the original text. To the right understanding of the sense (which Paul would hav…
Paul isn't saying anger itself is always a sin, but that the way we get angry matters. The original Hebrew he's referencing in the Psalms actually speaks of "trembling" or "standing in awe," and Paul adapts this to say that even when righteous anger is appropriate, it can easily lead to sin if we're not careful to let it go quickly.
Paul is addressing the Ephesian believers within a larger section about living a unified Christian life. He's just urged them to put off their old way of life and put on a new one, specifically encouraging them to speak truthfully and not let anger lead to sinful actions or give the devil an opportunity. This verse is a direct continuation of that thought, offering practical guidance on managing anger.
Paul is addressing the Ephesian believers within a larger section about living a unified Christian life. He's just urged them to put off their old way of life and put on a new one, specifically encouraging them to speak truthfully and not let anger lead to sinful actions or give the devil an opportunity. This verse is a direct continuation of that thought, offering practical guidance on managing anger.
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"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." — Paul isn't saying anger itself is always a sin, but that the way we get angry matters. The original Hebrew he's referencing in the Psalms actually speaks of "trembling" or "standing in awe," and Pa…
