Ephesians 4:14
14. Translate, "To the end that"; the aim of the bestowal of gifts stated negatively, as in Eph 4:13 it is stated positively.
tossed to and fro—inwardly, even without wind; like billows of the sea. So the Greek. Compare Jas 1:6. carried about—with every wind from without. doctrine—"teaching." The various teachings are the "winds" which keep them tossed on a sea of doubts (Heb 13:9; compare Mt 11:7). by—Greek, "in"; expressing "the evil atmosphere in which the varying currents of doctrine exert their force" [ELLICOTT]. sleight—literally, "dice playing." The player frames his throws of the dice so that the numbers may turn up which best suit his purpose. of men—contrasted with Christ (Eph 4:13). and—Greek, "in." cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive—Translate as Greek, "craftiness tending to the methodized system of deceit" ("the schemes of error") [ALFORD]. BENGEL takes "deceit," or "error," to stand for "the parent of error," Satan (compare Eph 6:11); referring to his concealed mode of acting.
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