"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
— Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Ephesians 4:3 tells believers that unity is something God gives and they have to work to keep. This page gives the verse, what the key Greek words mean, where it sits in Ephesians 4, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about unity and Ephesians 4:2.
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The verse
The King James reads: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
"Make every effort" or "endeavouring" is spoudazō (G4704), to hurry or be eager about something. "Keep" is tēreō (G5083), to guard or hold onto. "Unity" is henotēs (G1775), oneness. "Bond" is syndesmos (G4886), something that ties things together, and "peace" is eirēnē (G1515).
Where it sits in Ephesians 4
Paul opens the chapter, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1). Verse 2 says how: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). Verse 3 says why: to keep the unity.
The next verses name what that unity rests on: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).
What the verse is saying
Paul does not tell the church to create unity. He calls it "the unity of the Spirit," something God already made. Their job is to keep it, and that takes effort.
Peace is what ties it together. Humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love (verse 2) are how people stay joined when they disagree. Colossians uses the same "bond" word for love: "put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14).
Questions people ask
What does Ephesians 4:3 say?
In the NIV it says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." The KJV says, "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
What is "the unity of the Spirit"?
The oneness God's Spirit creates among believers. Ephesians 4:4-6 lists its basis: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
What does "the bond of peace" mean?
The Greek word syndesmos means something that ties things together. Peace is what holds believers together and keeps the unity from coming apart.
How do you keep the unity of the Spirit?
Ephesians 4:2 answers it: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
What verses go with Ephesians 4:3?
Ephesians 4:2 (bearing with one another in love), Ephesians 4:32 (be kind and compassionate), Colossians 3:14 (love binds them all together), and Romans 12:18 (live at peace with everyone) are close companions.
