Ephesians 5:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

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.

NASB: But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints;

CSB: But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints.

NLT: Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

KJV: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

NKJV: But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

After encouraging positive ways to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1–2), Paul transitions to condemn three areas which are sinful for believers. These are grouped together as if they are part of a common theme. If so, then Paul's emphasis in this passage is sexual immorality.

First, Paul directly mentions sexual immorality. This general term can include any sexual misconduct, including inappropriate communication and pornography. Generally, though, as used here, it means physical sexual behaviors, including premarital sex, adultery, and same-sex acts.

Second, "impurity" refers to any kind of unclean or unholy living (Ephesians 4:19). In chapter 4, Paul discussed in detail how non-believers are entangled in various sins (Ephesians 4:17–19). Christians can, and should, strive to be free from these kinds of corruptions. This extends beyond "sexual immorality" in a blatant sense, to those things which non-Christians might consider "gray" areas of sexual purity.

Third, Paul refers to "covetousness." This concept comes directly from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17), and means a passionate desire for something belonging to another person. In this context, it most often includes a lust for someone else's wife. There is also a connotation of "greed" involved. This continues to extend Paul's warning about sexual sin to include overt actions, subtle actions, and now even one's thoughts and attitudes.

Paul said such things should not exist among believers. As Christians, we are capable of sin and failure, but we should never be passive about it. When we're convicted of sin, as believers, we ought to confess it and seek to rid ourselves of it (1 John 1:9).

The need for believers to hold each other accountable is not about being judgmental. It's a matter of the health of the entire church. Paul calls a pure church "proper among saints." Paul sought to avoid the kinds of problems experienced in Corinth (1 Corinthians 5). There, sexual immorality was tolerated in the church and caused problems for the entire congregation. Striking a balance between fellowship and purity can be difficult, but it is necessary.

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.