New Testament
Ephesians 4:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you have not learned Christ in this way;
Compare translations
But ye have not so learned Christ;
What Ephesians 4:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that the way of life he describes is not how the followers of Christ have truly learned about Him. It suggests that there is a deeper understanding of Christ that goes beyond mere knowledge. Learning about Christ involves a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a new way of living. This new life is characterized by love, kindness, and a commitment to truth. Paul is urging the believers to reflect on their understanding of Christ and to align their lives with His teachings. It’s a call to move away from old habits and to embrace a new identity in Christ. This transformation is not just about knowing facts; it’s about experiencing a relationship with Him that changes everything. The essence of learning Christ is about living out His values in everyday life, making His teachings a part of who we are. This verse challenges us to consider how we are living out our faith in practical ways, ensuring it reflects the true nature of Christ.
How to apply Ephesians 4:20 to your life
To apply this verse, take time to reflect on how your understanding of Christ influences your daily actions. Consider areas in your life where you can align more closely with His teachings. Engage in practices that deepen your relationship with Him, such as prayer and community involvement. Let your faith be evident in your choices and interactions with others. This is how you truly learn Christ and live out His message in the world.
Curated for this public verse page. Ephesians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ephesians 4:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ephesians 4:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ephesians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Ephesus
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ephesians 4:20 mean?
Ephesians 4:20 means that the way of life Paul describes is not how true followers of Christ have learned about Him. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding that transforms both heart and mind, leading to a new way of living.
What is the meaning of learning Christ in Ephesians 4:20?
Learning Christ in Ephesians 4:20 refers to understanding Him in a way that goes beyond knowledge. It involves a transformation that affects how we live, emphasizing love, kindness, and truth in our daily actions.
How can I apply Ephesians 4:20 in my life?
To apply Ephesians 4:20, reflect on how your understanding of Christ influences your actions. Look for ways to align your life more closely with His teachings through prayer, community, and living out your faith in practical ways.
What themes are present in Ephesians 4:20?
The themes in Ephesians 4:20 include learning Christ, transformation, new identity, and faith in action. These themes emphasize the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ that impacts how we live.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.