Ephesians 4:24
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse completes the put-off / put-on contrast of Ephesians 4:22-24. Following the call to renew the mind (4:23), it describes the goal: clothing oneself in the new self that God creates.
What Does Ephesians 4:24 Mean?
Paul uses the image of changing clothes: "put on the new man." Just as one removes soiled garments and dresses in clean ones, the believer is to lay aside the old way of living and clothe themselves in the new self. This is a deliberate act, something a person does intentionally each day. The "new man" is not a slightly improved version of the old one but a genuinely new creation, shaped by God's own work. Paul says it is "after God is created" -- formed according to God's pattern, reflecting His character.
Two qualities define this new self: "righteousness and true holiness." Righteousness is right living in relationship to others and to God; holiness is being set apart for God, marked by purity. Paul calls it "true" holiness to distinguish it from mere appearance or pretense -- this is the real thing, not a costume. The reference to being created "after God" echoes the truth that humanity bears God's image, now being renewed in those who belong to Christ. For the reader, this verse turns transformation into a daily practice. You are not left to manufacture a new character from scratch; God creates the new self. Your part is to put it on, to choose each day to live as the person God has remade you to be -- in genuine righteousness and real, unfeigned holiness.
In the Original Language
The Greek "enduo" (put on) is the language of dressing, putting on clothing. "Ktizo" (created) recalls God's creative work; "hosiotes" (holiness) denotes piety and devotedness to God.
Cross References
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”
- Colossians 3:10
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
- Romans 13:14
Application
Each morning, consciously put on the new self God has made -- choosing righteousness and genuine holiness over the old patterns, as deliberately as you choose your clothes.