Ephesians 4:22 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

That ye - following ye "have been taught" (Ephesians 4:21).

Put off - as an old garment (cf. Ephesians 4:24; Zechariah 3:4; Romans 13:12).

Concerning the former conversation - `in respect to your former way of life.'

The old man - your old unconverted nature (Romans 6:6).

Is corrupt [ ftheiromenon (G5351 )] according to the deceitful lusts - rather, 'which is being corrupted (waxeth corrupt: involving destruction: cf. Galatians 6:8) according to (i:e., as might be expected from) the lusts of Deceit.' Deceit is personified: lusts (all world and fleshly desires) are its tools. In contrast to 'holiness of the truth,' Ephesians 4:24, and 'truth in Jesus,' Ephesians 4:21: answering to Gentile "vanity," Ephesians 4:17. Corruption and destruction are inseparably associated. Man's old-nature lusts are his own executioners, fitting him more and more for eternal corruption.

Ephesians 4:22

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;