Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:3

What does Ephesians 5:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:3 means

Because believers are set apart as “saints,” certain behaviors must be absent even in name among them. Paul singles out sexual immorality (“fornication”), all kinds of moral impurity (“uncleanness”), and greed (“covetousness”). These were common and even celebrated in pagan Ephesus, but they contradict the consecrated identity of God’s people. The standard is not merely to avoid public scandal; it is to cultivate a community where such sins do not gain a foothold or reputation. Holiness here protects both the church’s witness and each believer’s integrity. The gospel does not lower moral expectations; it empowers a new way of life consistent with belonging to God, turning from self-indulgence to purity and contentment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But evil acts of the flesh and all unclean things, or desire for others' property, let it not even be named among you, as is right for saints;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But fornication and all uncleanness or unbridled lust, let it not be even named among you, as it becomes saints;

Context

Verses 1–2 set a positive model—imitate God by walking in Christlike love. Now Paul contrasts that path with behaviors incompatible with sainthood. He begins with a triad—sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness—prominent temptations in Ephesus. The next verse will extend the concern to speech, showing that holiness includes both conduct and conversation. Then verses 5–6 will warn of the spiritual consequences of these sins and of empty arguments that excuse them. Seeing this flow emphasizes that Christian love is not lax; it is morally clean and self-giving, unlike lust and greed.

v.2and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

v.3This passage

v.4nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 10:3

    For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And the covetous renounceth, yea, contemneth Jehovah.

  • Mark 7:21

    For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

  • Revelation 9:21

    and they repented not of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

  • Jeremiah 8:10

    Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall possess them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

  • Psalms 119:36

    Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.

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