Ephesians 5:4

Translations

Modern

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.

Traditional

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Literal

…and shamefulness, and foolish talk, or crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.

Latin

…aut turpitudo, aut stultiloquium, aut scurrilitas, quæ ad rem non pertinet: sed magis gratiarum actio.

Original

Greek

English

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.

Notes

Ephesians 5:4

God’s people should speak in ways that show they are thankful to God (see 4:29; 5:3, 12).

Ephesians 5:3–5

God's people, also called the saints or holy ones, should live a holy life. They must avoid the immoral behavior common among unbelievers (compare 4:19; Colossians 3:5).

Ephesians 4:17–5:20

Paul gives believers specific guidelines for living a new life in Christ.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Faith and Good Deeds The Old Life and the New Life The Old Realm and the New

Related verses

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
James 3:4–8
Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
Matthew 12:34–37
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Ecclesiastes 10:13
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Colossians 3:15–17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
Ephesians 5:19–20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
Mark 7:22
…greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
2 Peter 2:18
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Discipline Letter to the Ephesians Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

Bad Language Co-Signing Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Honoring your Body Humor and Laughter Idle Talk Ignoring God Jesting: Foolish, Forbidden Joking Making Fun of Others Making Fun of People Negative Words Speaking: Evil Speaking: Folly In Swear Words Swearing Thankfulness: Enjoined Treasures in Heaven Vulgarity

Ephesians 5:4

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics