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;
'To the end that:' the aim of the bestowal of gifts stated negatively, as in Ephesians 4:13 positively.
Tossed to and fro - inwardly, even without wind х kludoonizomenoi (G2831)]; like billows of the sea. Compare James 1:6.
Carried about with every wind - from without.
Doctrine, х didaskalias (G1319)] - 'teaching.' The various teachings are the 'winds' which keep them tossed on a sea of doubts (Hebrews 13:9: cf. Matthew 11:7).
By - Greek, 'in:' expressing 'the evil atmosphere in which the varying currents of doctrine exert their force' (Ellicott).
Sleight - literally, 'dice-playing.' The player frames his throws so that the numbers may turn up which best suit his purpose.
Of men. Contrasted with Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
And - Greek, 'in.'
Cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, х panourgia (G3834) pros (G4314) teen (G3588) methodeian (G3180) tees (G3588) planees (G4106)] - 'craftiness, tending to the methodized system of deceit.' Bengel takes 'deceit' for 'the parent of error,' Satan (cf. Ephesians 6:11); referring to his concealed mode of acting.