Ephesians 4:20
New International Version
That, however, is not the way of life you learned

New Living Translation
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.

English Standard Version
But that is not the way you learned Christ!—

Berean Standard Bible
But this is not the way you came to know Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
But you have not learned Christ this way,

King James Bible
But ye have not so learned Christ;

New King James Version
But you have not so learned Christ,

New American Standard Bible
But you did not learn Christ in this way,

NASB 1995
But you did not learn Christ in this way,

NASB 1977
But you did not learn Christ in this way,

Legacy Standard Bible
But you did not learn Christ in this way—

Amplified Bible
But you did not learn Christ in this way!

Christian Standard Bible
But that is not how you came to know Christ,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But that is not how you learned about the Messiah,

American Standard Version
But ye did not so learn Christ;

English Revised Version
But ye did not so learn Christ;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But that is not what you learned from Christ's teachings.

Good News Translation
That was not what you learned about Christ!

International Standard Version
However, that is not the way you came to know the Messiah.

Majority Standard Bible
But this is not the way you came to know Christ.

NET Bible
But you did not learn about Christ like this,

New Heart English Bible
But you did not learn Christ that way;

Webster's Bible Translation
But ye have not so learned Christ;

Weymouth New Testament
But these are not the lessons which you have learned from Christ;

World English Bible
But you didn’t learn Christ that way,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you did not so learn the Christ,

Berean Literal Bible
But you have not learned Christ this way,

Young's Literal Translation
and ye did not so learn the Christ,

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye have not so learned Christ;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But you have not so learned Christ;

Catholic Public Domain Version
But this is not what you have learned in Christ.

New American Bible
That is not how you learned Christ,

New Revised Standard Version
That is not the way you learned Christ!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But that is not what you have been taught about Christ;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you have not learned The Messiah in this way,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But you have not so learned the Christ,

Godbey New Testament
But you did not so learn Christ:

Haweis New Testament
But ye have not so learned Christ;

Mace New Testament
but you have learned other things from Christ,

Weymouth New Testament
But these are not the lessons which you have learned from Christ;

Worrell New Testament
But ye did not so learn Christ;

Worsley New Testament
But ye have not so learned Christ;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
New Life in Christ
19Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. 20But this is not the way you came to know Christ. 21Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—…

Cross References
Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, / rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Romans 6:1-4
What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? / Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? / Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ...

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Romans 13:14
Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

1 Corinthians 2:16
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

John 13:15
I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

1 John 3:3
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. / It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,


Treasury of Scripture

But you have not so learned Christ;

Luke 24:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

John 6:45
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Romans 6:1,2
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? …

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Ephesians 4
1. He exhorts to unity;
7. and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;
11. that his church might be edified,
16. and grow up in Christ.
18. He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;
24. to put on the new man;
25. to cast off lying;
29. and corrupt communication.














But this is not the way
This phrase contrasts the previous verses, where Paul describes the futile thinking and darkened understanding of the Gentiles. It emphasizes a departure from a lifestyle characterized by ignorance and moral insensitivity. The "way" refers to a manner of living that is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ. This highlights the transformative nature of the Christian faith, which calls believers to a higher standard of conduct.

you came to know
The phrase "came to know" implies a personal and experiential knowledge of Christ, not merely intellectual assent. In the Greco-Roman world, knowledge often involved a deep, relational understanding rather than just factual information. This knowledge is transformative, leading to a change in behavior and values. It suggests an ongoing relationship with Christ, marked by growth and maturity in faith.

Christ
The use of "Christ" here is significant, as it refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One. This title connects Jesus to the Old Testament prophecies and the hope of Israel for a savior. In the context of Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the unity and reconciliation brought about through Christ, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. This knowledge of Christ is central to the believer's identity and way of life, as it aligns them with the purposes and character of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, providing guidance on Christian living.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesian church was a significant early Christian community.

3. Christ
Central to the passage, referring to Jesus Christ, whose teachings and life are the foundation of Christian faith and practice.
Teaching Points
Understanding Learning Christ
The phrase "came to know Christ" implies a deep, personal relationship and understanding of Jesus, not just intellectual knowledge. The Greek word "manthan?" (to learn) suggests an ongoing process of discipleship and transformation.

Contrast with Former Life
Paul contrasts the new life in Christ with the old way of living. Believers are called to reject their former ways and embrace a life that reflects Christ's teachings.

Transformation through Christ
Knowing Christ leads to a transformation that affects every aspect of life. This transformation is evident in our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

Living as a New Creation
Believers are encouraged to live as new creations, continually growing in their faith and reflecting Christ's character in their daily lives.

Practical Discipleship
Engaging in regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices for deepening one's relationship with Christ and living out His teachings.(20) Ye have not so learned Christ.--Better, ye did not so learn the Christ. To "learn Christ" is a phrase not used elsewhere; but easily interpreted by the commoner phrase to "know Christ" (see John 14:7; John 14:9; 2Corinthians 5:16; Philippians 3:10), which is still nearer to it in the original, for the word used for "to know" properly means to perceive or "come to know." It would seem that the name "the Christ" is here used emphatically, in distinction from the "Jesus" of the next verse. "To learn the Christ" is to enter into the true meaning of His office as the Anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, or, in one word, as the Mediator, in whom we as Christians escape from the guilt and bondage of the sins described above. Such learning--like the "knowing" of 2Corinthians 5:14--is not "after the flesh," by the mere hearing of the ear, but "after the Spirit," writing Christ upon the heart.

Verse 20. - But ye did not thus learn Christ. "But" emphatic - a great contrast, that must come home to the conscience of every Christian, and to his whole heart and soul. The expression, "learn Christ," is a pregnant one, corresponding to "preaching Christ" (Acts 8:5) - all about Christ, Christ in all his offices, and in all his influence. He that learns Christ appropriates him in the efficacy of his atonement, in the power of his Spirit, in the force of his lessons, and in the spirit of his influence, and finds the whole to be diametrically opposite to the godless world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

this is not the way
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

you
Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

came to know
ἐμάθετε (emathete)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

Christ.
Χριστόν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 4:20 But you did not learn Christ that (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 4:19
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