Ephesians 4:15
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse falls within Ephesians 4:11-16, where Paul describes how the body grows. It contrasts spiritual immaturity (4:14) with the path to maturity: truthful, loving speech that grows the body toward Christ.
What Does Ephesians 4:15 Mean?
Paul gives a memorable phrase that holds two things together which often pull apart: "speaking the truth in love." Truth without love can wound; love without truth can flatter and deceive. Paul insists on both at once. In the preceding verses he has warned about being tossed around by every wind of false teaching; the remedy is a community where truth is spoken -- and spoken in a way that builds people up rather than tearing them down. This is the healthy speech of a maturing body, honest and kind together.
The purpose is growth: "may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Paul pictures the community as a body growing up toward its head, Jesus. Maturity is measured by likeness to Christ, and the growth is to happen "in all things" -- in every part of life, not just a religious corner of it. Christ is named as the head, the one who directs and unites the whole body and toward whom all the growth is aimed. For the reader, this verse offers a practical compass. Aim to speak truth, but always in love; let neither swallow the other. And remember the goal -- not winning arguments, but growing, together, into the likeness of Christ. A community that speaks this way matures; one that abandons either truth or love stalls.
In the Original Language
The Greek "aletheuontes" (speaking the truth) can mean both speaking and living truthfully. "Auxano" (grow up) is an organic image of natural growth toward maturity.
Cross References
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
- Colossians 1:18
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;”
- 1 Corinthians 13:6
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:”
- Zechariah 8:16
Application
When you must speak hard truth, speak it in love; when you love someone, love them enough to be honest. Both together lead toward maturity in Christ.