Ephesians 5:3 kjv
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Ephesians 5:3 nkjv
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
Ephesians 5:3 niv
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3 esv
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Ephesians 5:3 nlt
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
Ephesians 5 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 4:29 | 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. | Builds on same theme of constructive speech |
| Colossians 3:8 | But now you must put them away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. | Similar prohibition of offensive language |
| Proverbs 10:19 | When there are many words, sin is not absent, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. | Connects talkativeness with sin |
| Proverbs 18:21 | Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. | Emphasizes the life-giving or destructive power of speech |
| Matthew 12:36-37 | I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. | Highlights accountability for all 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. | Links untamed speech to false religion |
| James 3:2-12 | Discusses the immense power and potential for damage of the tongue | Elaborates on the tongue's uncontrollable nature |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, honor, and soundness with speech that cannot be condemned. | Urges pure and sound speech in teaching |
| Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. | Encourages focus on positive thoughts and speech |
| Romans 10:14 | How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? | Implies that speech leads to faith |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | General principle of doing all for God's glory, including speech |
| Galatians 5:19-21 | Now the works of the flesh are evident: ... hatred, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. | Lists immoral behaviors, implying impure speech stems from these |
| 1 Peter 3:9-10 | May the Lord grant you mercy. May you respond not for evil but with a blessing. For, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from false words; for the tongue is an unruly evil, it is full of deadly poison. | Parallels the negative consequences of evil speech with blessing |
| Hebrews 13:15 | Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. | Connects speech directly to worship |
| 1 Corinthians 14:19 | I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. | Prioritizes clear, beneficial communication |
| Romans 1:20 | For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that are made. | Connects creation to divine attributes that speech should reflect |
| 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” | Warnings about influences that corrupt speech |
| 2 Timothy 4:3 | For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. | Contrasts sound teaching with detrimental talk |
| Ephesians 4:25 | Therefore, having put away falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. | Direct instruction on truthful speech within the community |
| Proverbs 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Illustrates the impact of words on reactions |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 3 Meaning
The verse prohibits any unwholesome talk, emphasizing instead words that are constructive and beneficial for spiritual growth, ultimately giving grace to listeners.
Ephesians 5 3 Context
Ephesians chapter 5 shifts focus to practical application of faith in daily life. Verse 3 follows a call to live as children of light, contrasting their new identity in Christ with the former darkness. It specifically addresses the misuse of the tongue, a potent instrument capable of immense good or evil. The verse stands within a section urging believers to walk wisely, not foolishly, and to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. It directly combats any lingering patterns of Gentile or pagan speech that were common, emphasizing purity in believers' interactions as a reflection of their transformation in Christ.
Ephesians 5 3 Word Analysis
- πορνεία (porneia):
- Meaning: Generally translated as "sexual immorality." In this context, it signifies any form of illicit sexual activity or impurity, a characteristic of the "darkness" the believer has left behind. Its inclusion here highlights that this impurity is not solely physical but also extends to corrupting speech.
- Significance: It indicates that the spiritual impurity of the believer's former life also manifested in their speech.
- ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia):
- Meaning: "Uncleanness," "impurity." This term often carried connotations of moral defilement, including both sexual and general moral corruption.
- Significance: Reinforces the idea of moral impurity influencing speech, making it unclean.
- πλεονεξία (pleonexia):
- Meaning: "Greed," "covetousness," "desire for more." It points to an insatiable desire for possessions, status, or gratification, often at the expense of others.
- Significance: Suggests that grasping or selfish desires can corrupt one's speech, leading to discontent, envy, or exploitative language.
- ὅνομα (onoma):
- Meaning: "Name." Here, it refers to the reputation or character that is associated with something or someone.
- Significance: Implies that associating with such impure behavior (porneia, etc.) also taints one's name or reputation.
- ἀκούειν (akouein):
- Meaning: "To hear."
- Significance: Directly links the act of speaking to the act of hearing, emphasizing the impact on the listener.
- ἅγια (hagia):
- Meaning: "Holy," "consecrated things," "sacred."
- Significance: These are things dedicated to God or set apart for sacred use, which speech should align with in its purity.
- Groupings:
- "Let there not be even a mention of it": This idiomatic phrase expresses a strong prohibition, not just against engaging in these vices but against even speaking about them in a way that tolerates, approves, or normalizes them. It calls for a complete separation from such conversation.
- "among you": Refers to the community of believers, highlighting that the standard applies within the church.
- "as is fitting for saints": Links correct speech to the holy character and calling of believers, who are set apart for God.
Ephesians 5 3 Bonus Section
The strong prohibition against mentioning sexual immorality (porneia) and impurity (akatharsia) echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on cleanness and holiness for the people of God, especially within the camp and their worship. This includes not only outward actions but the very thoughts and words that could contaminate the community. The mention of greed (pleonexia) connects speech impurity to the sin of covetousness, which Jesus also identified as a source of corruption (Mark 7:22-23). The verse fundamentally calls for a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) that results in speech that reflects Christ's nature—gracious, truthful, and building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15, 29). This is an integral part of "walking as children of light" mentioned in Ephesians 5:8.
Ephesians 5 3 Commentary
The verse serves as a powerful directive for the believer's speech within the Christian community. It not only prohibits coarse or obscene talk, sexual immorality, greed, and gossip (often implied by these terms in their broader biblical usage) but calls for a positive cultivation of speech. The tongue should be used for constructive edification and to convey grace, reflecting the new nature received in Christ. This requires conscious effort and self-control, focusing on words that build up, encourage, and offer spiritual benefit, rather than tear down or defile. It is a call to align speech with holiness, recognizing the divine call and identity of a saint.
- Practical Usage Example: Instead of joining in gossip about someone, a believer might pivot the conversation to a prayer for that person, or share an encouraging word about their positive qualities. When faced with inappropriate jokes, a believer might respectfully disengage or gently steer the conversation elsewhere.