Ephesians 4:29 kjv
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 nkjv
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 niv
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 esv
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 nlt
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 5:4 | Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. | Similar prohibition |
| Col 3:8 | But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. | Parallel command |
| Col 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. | Qualities of speech |
| Matt 12:36 | I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. | Accountability for words |
| Prov 18:21 | Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. | Power of words |
| Prov 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Impact of words |
| James 1:26 | If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. | Importance of controlling the tongue |
| James 3:2-12 | Discusses the power and danger of the tongue. | Full discussion of the tongue |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Attitude behind speech |
| Rom 14:19 | So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. | Goal of Christian interaction |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. | Building up others |
| 1 Cor 14:26 | What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. | Edification in gatherings |
| 1 Cor 8:1 | Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. | Contrast in motivation |
| Gal 5:22-23 | The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. | Spiritual character impacts speech |
| 2 Tim 2:24 | And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patient. | Character of a servant |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned. | Sound speech |
| Prov 10:19 | When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. | Prudence in speech |
| Prov 29:20 | Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | Hasty words |
| Ps 19:14 | Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. | Prayer for acceptable speech |
| Acts 4:33 | And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. | Power and grace in testimony |
| Matt 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven. | Impact of godly actions/words |
Ephesians 4 verses
Ephesians 4 29 Meaning
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4 29 Context
This verse is situated within Ephesians chapter 4, which addresses the unity of the body of Christ and the transformation of believers into the image of Christ. Paul is instructing the Ephesian church on how to live out their new life in Christ, specifically concerning their interpersonal relationships and speech. He has just spoken about putting off the old self with its deceitful desires and putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:22-24). Therefore, this instruction on speech flows directly from the theme of putting on the new self and living a life that reflects God's character. The preceding verses (Eph 4:25-28) speak against lying, anger, stealing, and sinful practices, all of which are corrupting influences. Verse 29, therefore, provides a positive command for speech, outlining what is appropriate and beneficial.
Ephesians 4 29 Word Analysis
- Στομα (stoma): Mouth. The physical orifice through which speech is communicated. It represents the source and conduit of spoken words.
- διαφθορά (diapthora): Corruption, decay, destruction. Refers to something morally corrupt, rotten, or destructive. In the context of speech, it implies words that are foul, abusive, sexually immoral, or anything that degrades and damages. It speaks to the putrid or offensive quality of speech.
- ος (os): What, that which. A relative pronoun connecting the corrupting talk to its effect.
- εκπορευεσθω (ekporeuestho): May go forth, may come out. A present passive imperative verb from ekporeuomai. It carries the force of a strong command, emphasizing the outward emission of speech from the mouth. The passive voice suggests it's not an autonomous action but something to be permitted or directed, implying a yielding to God's control over one's speech.
- αλλα (alla): But, rather. A strong adversative conjunction, contrasting corrupt talk with edifying talk.
- ευσικοδομιαν (eusikodomia): Good for building up, that which builds up. A compound word combining eu (good) and oikodomeo (to build, edify). It signifies speech that constructs, strengthens, encourages, and promotes spiritual growth in others.
- κατα (kata): According to, suitable for. A preposition indicating the manner or purpose.
- χρειαν (chreian): Need, necessity. Implies that the speech should be beneficial and meet a specific need or situation of the recipient.
- οικοδομη (oikodome): Edification, building up. This is the noun form from which eusikodomia is derived, reinforcing the idea of construction and spiritual growth.
- διδω (didō): To give.
- χαριν (charin): Grace, favor, kindness. Speech that conveys divine favor or kindness.
- τοις (tois): The. Article.
- ακουουσιν (akousousin): Hearers. Those who are listening. The passive voice implies receptivity.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "Let no corrupting talk": A negative imperative prohibiting any speech that is morally tainted, destructive, or offensive. This covers a broad range of harmful communication.
- "come out of your mouth": Focuses on the actual production and expression of speech, underscoring personal responsibility for what is spoken.
- "but only such as is good for building up": A positive command presenting the antidote to corrupt talk. The speech must be constructive and contribute to spiritual growth.
- "as fits the occasion": This qualifier indicates that the edifying speech should also be timely, relevant, and appropriate to the specific circumstances. It's not just any good words, but fitting good words.
- "that it may give grace to those who hear": States the ultimate purpose and positive outcome of such speech – to bestow favor and kindness upon the listeners, reflecting the grace of God.
Ephesians 4 29 Bonus Section
The concept of "grace to those who hear" is foundational. This grace is not merely polite or pleasant speech; it is speech infused with the divine favor and kindness of God, mirroring the way Christ spoke. The word charin connects this to the broader theme of God's grace experienced through Christ. The edification commanded (eusikodomia) relates directly to the believer's growth and strengthening within the community of faith. This verse serves as a vital directive for maintaining unity and love within the church by promoting wholesome communication and discouraging the kind of divisiveness that uncontrolled speech can foster. It's a practical outworking of the new life, where outward expression reflects an inner transformation rooted in Christ. The exhortation against "corrupting talk" would have resonated strongly in a Greco-Roman world often characterized by licentious speech and coarse humor in public discourse.
Ephesians 4 29 Commentary
Paul presents a crucial principle for Christian living: speech must be constructively building up, not destructively corrupting. This implies a careful filtering of our words, ensuring they aim for edification and suitability to the listener's needs. The ultimate goal of such speech is to impart God's grace, influencing others positively and drawing them closer to Him. It's about speaking words that foster growth, offer encouragement, and minister grace, rather than tearing down or causing offense. This requires a conscious effort to control the tongue, aligning it with the transformed life in Christ and the mind of the Spirit. Practical application involves praying for wisdom regarding when and what to say, and being mindful of the impact of our words on others’ spiritual well-being.
- Think before you speak.
- Ask yourself: Is this helpful? Is this kind? Is this true?
- Focus on building others up, not tearing them down.
- Season your speech with graciousness and timeliness.