Ephesians 5:4 kjv
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Ephesians 5:4 nkjv
neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Ephesians 5:4 niv
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4 esv
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4 nlt
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes ? these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Ephesians 5 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eph 5:4 | Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, but rather thanksgiving. | OT: Lev 19:11 (Do not steal or deal falsely or lie to one another.), Lev 19:14 (You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind), Ps 1:1 (Blessed is the man...) - delights in the law of the Lord, 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.), Prov 10:19 (When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is wise.), Prov 15:23 (A man finds joy in a ready answer— and what a joy is the right word spoken at the right time!), Prov 25:11 (A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.), Prov 26:4 (Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.), Prov 26:18-19 (Like a madman who throws firebrands and arrows and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”), Prov 31:26 (She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.), Isa 6:5 (And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”), Jer 23:30-32 (Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who steal my words from one another.), Zech 8:16-17 (These are the things you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates the judgment of truth and justice; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and do not love a false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.), Mt 5:16 (In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.), Mt 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.), Mt 12:35 (The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth evil.), Lk 6:45 (The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.), Col 3:8 (But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.), Col 4:6 (Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.), 1 Thess 5:11 (Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.), 1 Pet 4:11 (Whoever speaks, as one speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serves with the strength that Godsupplies in all things.), Phil 4:6 (do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.) |
Ephesians 5 verses
Ephesians 5 4 Meaning
The verse teaches that foolish talk and crude jesting are inappropriate for believers. Instead, they should express thanksgiving. This emphasizes the importance of using speech to glorify God and build up others, rather than to demean or indulge in coarse humor.
Ephesians 5 4 Context
This verse is found in Ephesians chapter 5, a section that contrasts the conduct of believers with that of unbelievers. Paul instructs the Ephesians to "walk as children of light" and to live holy lives. This specific verse serves as a practical instruction on the proper use of speech, fitting within the broader exhortation to live a life that honors God and reflects Christ's love within the community of believers and in their interactions with the world. It follows the instruction to not be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit, highlighting the Spirit-filled life's impact on one's speech.
Ephesians 5 4 Word Analysis
- let (or should be, there must not be): Implies a command or strong expectation regarding behavior.
- filthiness (or obscenity, foulness, indecency): Refers to morally offensive speech, coarse and lewd language, or obscenities. It speaks of words that are impure, dirty, and unbecoming of a follower of Christ.
- foolish talk (or nonsense, silliness, buffoonery): Denotes speech that is trivial, unproductive, empty, and lacking sense. It includes talk that is morally foolish, irreverent, or gossipy.
- crude joking (or jesting, witty sayings): Encompasses coarse jests, vulgar jokes, or banter that is likely to be impure or offensive. It's humor that stoops to moral impurity.
- but rather: Introduces a contrast and a positive alternative.
- thanksgiving (or gratitude): Refers to expressing thanks and praise to God. It highlights the importance of a spirit of gratitude influencing speech.
Words Group Analysis
- filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking: This triplet of negative commands addresses different facets of unwholesome speech, covering lewdness, emptiness, and impropriety. They all detract from the sanctity expected in Christian communication.
- but rather thanksgiving: This is the positive counterpoint. Instead of indulging in corrupting speech, believers are to direct their speech towards expressing gratitude, which aligns with a Spirit-filled life and glorifies God.
Ephesians 5 4 Bonus Section
This verse reflects a deep understanding of how speech impacts the spiritual life. It is not merely about avoiding profanity, but about cultivating a positive and God-honoring manner of communication. The emphasis on thanksgiving points to a fundamental Christian discipline: actively recognizing and articulating God's blessings. This act of thankfulness can counteract negative thought patterns and foster a more Christ-like disposition, influencing all our interactions. The contrast presented serves to guide believers towards speech that is a testimony to God's goodness and grace.
Ephesians 5 4 Commentary
The instruction against "filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking" underscores a key aspect of sanctification: the transformation of our speech. These forms of communication are contrary to the mind of Christ and the purpose of a life yielded to the Spirit. They can desensitize the speaker and listener to sin, create a spirit of division or lust, and fail to give glory to God. The positive directive to offer thanksgiving highlights the vital connection between our inner state (gratitude) and our outward expression (speech). A life truly grateful to God for His salvation will naturally produce speech that is uplifting, thankful, and honorable. This sets a standard for all communication, whether in the family, the church, or the wider world, aiming to build up rather than tear down.