Devine Scripture

Ephesians 4:29

What does Ephesians 4:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 4:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 4:29 means

Words can corrupt or they can heal. Let no rotten or destructive talk leave your mouth. Instead, speak what builds up, tailored to the need of the moment, so that your words become channels of grace to hearers. This requires restraint, wisdom, and love. Speech is not neutral; it either tears down or edifies. The new self uses language to strengthen faith, comfort sorrow, correct gently, and encourage obedience. Christians should consider the impact of their words before speaking, aiming to benefit others and reflect the kindness of Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to those who give ear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Let no corrupt word out of your mouth go forth, but what is good unto the needful building up, that it may give grace to the hearers;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let no evil speech proceed from your mouth: but that which is good, to the edification of faith: that it may administer grace to the hearers.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let no corrupt word go out of your mouth, but if [there be] any good one for needful edification, that it may give grace to those that hear [it].

Context

After addressing work and generosity (verse 28), Paul returns to speech, deepening the call for truthful, constructive communication. This prepares directly for verse 30’s warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit, since corrupt words and relational sins distress Him. The sequence shows how everyday talk participates in either the building or the harming of the church. It ties practical ethics to the presence of God in His people.

v.28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.

v.29This passage

v.30And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 3:13

    Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips:

  • Jude 1:13

    wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever.

  • Ephesians 5:3

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

  • Psalms 71:24

    My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long; For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.

  • Proverbs 12:13

    In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

  • Psalms 71:17

    O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ephesians 4:29.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary