Ephesians 4:28
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may hav..." — Ephesians 4:28 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
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Surrounding verses
Read Ephesians 4:28 with the verses next to it, then open Ephesians 4 in full.
When people use this verse
People often open Ephesians 4:28 when they are looking for Scripture on hard work, work.
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
Ephesians 4:28 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Ephesians. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the Ephesians chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on Ephesians 4:28, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Romans 8:28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Colossians 3:23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Ephesians 4:12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Galatians 5:9“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
Isaiah 40:2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Ephesians 4:28. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does Ephesians 4:28 mean?
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may hav..." — Ephesians 4:28 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of Ephesians 4:28?
Ephesians 4:28 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Ephesians. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the Ephesians chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does Ephesians 4:28 read in other translations?
Ephesians 4:28 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.