Bible Strands
Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Ephesian church, listing what must not appear "among you, as is proper among the saints" (5:3), and Ephesians 5:4 extends that prohibition from conduct to speech.
The words — εὐτραπελία (eutrapelia) is a rare term for bawdy or crude humor, distinct from the other two nouns in the list; it marks a register of speech that entertains at the expense of the audience's dignity.
The thread — Colossians 3:8 commands the same community to put aside "filthy language from your lips," and Ephesians 4:29 sets the positive standard of speech that builds up; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 grounds the thanksgiving that Ephesians 5:4 names as the replacement.
Why it lands — The verse does not merely forbid bad talk; it substitutes thanksgiving as the default mode of speech, so a believer's words are measured by whether they give God credit rather than seek amusement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
- James 3:4 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.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
- Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
- Mark 7:22 greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
- Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,