Bible Strands
Ephesians 4:3
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing to the Ephesian church, lists the conduct expected of believers who have been called to one hope (4:4), following humility, gentleness, and patience in the preceding verse.
The words — σπουδάζοντες (spoudazontes) is a present participle carrying urgency, closer to "straining" or "hurrying" than a calm effort; τηρεῖν (tērein) is a military term for standing guard over something entrusted to you.
The thread — The same unity Paul demands here appears as a plea against division in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and as the structural image of one body in 1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 3:13 echoes the bearing-with-one-another language of 4:2.
Why it lands — Unity is not a state you arrive at but a thing you actively guard, and the means is peace treated as a binding force you apply, not a feeling you wait for.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.
- Colossians 3:13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
- John 13:34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
- Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
- John 17:21 that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:13 In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.