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Ephesians 4:27

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 4:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “neither give place to the devil.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
25Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27neither give place to the devil.
28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
29Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.
30And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.
← Ephesians 4:26Ephesians 4:28 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Neither give place to the devil.] Or “to the accuser”, or “slanderer”; that is, to any adversary, that takes delight in slandering and reproaching the saints; give such no room, nor reason, to calumniate the doctrine and ways of Christ, through an unbecoming conversation, by lying and sinful anger, or by other means; or rather the devil, the great accuser of the brethren is meant; and the Ethiopic version renders it, “do not give way to Satan”; which is done, when men indulge any lust or corruption; and when they easily fall in with his suggestions and temptations; when they are off of their watch and guard; and when they do not resist, but quietly yield unto him.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Neither give place--that is, occasion, or scope, to the devil, by continuing in "wrath." The keeping of anger through the darkness of night, is giving place to the devil, the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Neither give place to the devil - This has respect probably to the exhortation in the former verse. “Do not yield to the suggestions and temptations of Satan, who would take every opportunity to persuade you to cherish unkind and angry feelings, and to keep up a spirit of resentment among brethren.” Many of our feelings, when we suppose we are merely defending our rights, and securing what is our own, are produced by the temptations of the devil. The heart is deceitful; and seldom more deceitful in any case than when a man is attempting to vindicate himself from injuries done to his person and reputation. The devil is always busy when we are angry, and in some way, if possible, will lead us…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Neither give place to the devil - By any delay. Ephesians 4:28”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Eph 6:11, Eph 6:16; Act 5:3; Co2 2:10, Co2 2:11; Jam 4:7; Pe1 5:8 Ephesians 4:28”
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Related study paths

Read Ephesians 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification