Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's architectural metaphor of the body 'fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth' employs the Greek word haphē (joint/ligament), probably derived from Hellenistic medical vocabulary, to describe the organic interconnection of the church as Christ's body. The 'effectual working in the measure of every part' (kat' energeian en metrō henos hekastou merous) insists that every member's contribution is proportionate and necessary — a principle that undergirds the charismata theology of 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. The theological logic is descending: the head (Christ) supplies growth to the body through the coordinated action of every joint — meaning that deficient or absent participation by any member diminishes the whole. The verse is foundational for ecclesiologies emphasizing every-member ministry and mutual accountability within the body of Christ.
Other Translations
from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.
from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body doth make for the building up of itself in love.
Through whom all the body, being rightly formed and united together, by the full working of every part, is increased to the building up of itself in love.
Cross References
Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?
Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts …
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in …
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth …
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, …
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of …
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.