Preface: Paul warns his readers regarding sexual immorality and being too closely connected to the works of darkness. He tells them to be filled with the Spirit rather than to be drunk with wine. Paul closes out this chapter speaking about the marriage relationship. He compares our marriage relationship to that of Christ and the church.

Bible Summary: Walk in love as Christ loved us. Walk as children of light. Expose the darkness. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.

By the third draft, this should be the most extensive examination of Ephesians 5 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 5:

Preface

Introduction

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Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Ephesians 5 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Ephesians 5 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Ephesians 5

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Ephesians 5

         Introduction         The Principals of Ephesians 5

         Introduction         The Places of Ephesians 5

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Ephesians 5

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Ephesians 5 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Ephesians 5 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

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         Introduction         The Big Picture (Ephesians –)

         Introduction 

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         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Ephesians 5 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Ephesians 5

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Ephesians 5

         Summary            A Brief Review of Ephesians 5

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Footnote for Ephesians 5:1 (Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          One Day at a Time (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Footnote for Ephesians 5:21 (Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Genesis 2:21–25 (a brief exegesis)

         Addendum 

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         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Ephesians 5

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Ephesians 5

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Ephesians 5

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Ephesians 5

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An Introduction to Ephesians 5

I ntroduction: Ephesians 5

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    (You all) become, therefore, imitators of the God, like children, beloved (ones); and keep on walking in love, just as even the Christ loved you (all) and gave Himself on behalf of you (all), an offering and a sacrifice to the God for a smell of aroma.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.

And walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Be ye therefore followers of God, as most dear children:

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              Therefore, be imitators of Hashem as beloved yeladim,

And fier zich (comport oneself) in your derech in ahavah, as also Moshiach had ahavah for us and gave Himself up on behalf of us as a korban and zevach to Hashem for a RE'ACH HANNICHOACH ("a pleasant aroma" BERESHIS 8:21).

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Let it then be your desire to be like God, as well-loved children; 

And be living in love, even as Christ had love for you, and gave himself up for us, an offering to God for a perfume of a sweet smell.

Bible in Worldwide English     So try to be like God, because you are his own dear children.

Love others as Christ has loved us. He gave his life for us, a sweet smelling offering and a sacrifice to God.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  You are God's dear children, so try to be like him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave himself for us--a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

God’s Word™                         Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              .

Contemporary English V.       Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.  And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Because of what God has done for you, imitate him, just as children imitate the father who loves them dearly. Do everything in a way that shows that you love others. Be like the Messiah, who loved us so much that he willingly died for us on the cross as the offering and sacrifice to God in our place. This sacrifice pleased God very much.

Williams’ New Testament      So you must keep on following God's example, as dearly loved children of His, and practice living in love, just as Christ loved you too and gave Himself for you as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            So become imitators of God as loved children and traipse around in love, just as the Anointed King also loved us and turned Himself in on our behalf to be an offering and sacrifice to God for an aroma of a sweet fragrance.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Therefore be followers of God like beloved children.

Walk in love like Christ also loved us and gave himself as an offering for us and a sacrifice to God to be a fragrant odor.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Be, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children;

and walk in love, even as Christ has loved us, and has given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savor.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Therefore imitate God, as his dear children,

And live a life of love, following the example of the Christ, who loved you and gave himself for you as 'an offering and a sacrifice to God, that should be fragrant and acceptable.'

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton           .

Free Bible Version                 So then, imitate God since you’re his much-loved children. Live in love, just as Christ loved you. He gave himself for us, a gift and sacrificial offering to God like a sweet-smelling perfume.

The Heritage Bible                          Therefore as beloved children be imitators of God,

And walk in love, just as Christ also loved us, and gave himself over an offering for us, and a sacrifice to God for a good scented fragrance.

International Standard V        So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lovingly, just as the Messiah [Or Christ] also loved us [Other mss. read you] and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     Learn then to imitate God as his beloved children, and to lead lives of love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for you, an offering and sacrifice unto God, for you, an offering and sacrifice unto God, for "an odor of sweetness.".

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         You must appear in history therefore as the followers of Elohim, as dear children; And walk in brotherly love, as Christ also has Loved us and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to Elohim for a sweet smelling odor.

Weymouth New Testament    Therefore be imitators of God, as His dear children. And live and act lovingly, as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up to death on our behalf as an offering and sacrifice to God, yielding a fragrant odor.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Imitate God

• As most beloved children of God, strive to imitate him. Follow the way of love, the example of Christ who loved you. He gave himself up for us and became the offering and sacrificial victim whose fragrance rises to God.

Mt 5:48 5:25; Ps 40:7; 1Jn 3:16

The extensive footnote for this passage has been placed in the Addendum.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           BE ye therefore followers of Elohiym, as dear children; And walk in love, as Mashiach also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to Elohiym for a sweetsmelling savor.

Hebraic Roots Bible               .

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Follow God, as children to whom He has given Himself, for their good. Live a life of giving yourselves to others, for their good, expecting nothing in return, just as Christ gave himself to us, for our good, expecting nothing in return. He gave himself for us. He was an offering and a sacrifice that smells sweet to God.

The Scriptures 2009              Become, then, imitators of Elohim as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Messiah also has loved us, and gave Himself for us, a gift and an offering to Elohim for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

Tree of Life Version                Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children; and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved us and gave Himself up for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...become! so Imitators [of] the god as Children Loved and walk! in love as and The Christ loves us and [He] gives (over) himself for us offering and sacrifice [for] the god to fragrance [of] perfume...

Alpha & Omega Bible            THEREFORE BE IMITATORS OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega), AS BELOVED CHILDREN;

AND WALK IN LOVE, JUST AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED YOU AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR US, AN OFFERING AND A SACRIFICE TO THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) AS A FRAGRANT AROMA.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Be coming about therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children, and be walking-about from-within dear love, accordingly-as-to the Anointed One also Dearly Loves us, even gives- Himself -over-before in our behalf, a bringing-near of an offering, even a sacrifice to God, a goodly-smelling aroma.

Concordant Literal Version    Become, then, imitators of God, as beloved children, and be walking in love, according as Christ also loves you, and gives Himself up for us, an approach present and a sacrifice to God, for a fragrant odor."

exeGeses companion Bible   WALKING HOLY

So as beloved children,

be mimickers of Elohim;

and walk in love,

exactly as Messiah also loved us

and surrendered himself for us

- an offering and a sacrifice to Elohim

to a well-fragranced fragrance.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Therefore, be imitators of Hashem as beloved yeladim,

And fier zich (comport oneself) in your derech in ahavah, as also Moshiach had ahavah for us and gave Himself up on behalf of us as a korban and zevach to Hashem for a RE'ACH HANNICHOACH ("a pleasant aroma" BERESHIS 8:21).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God. Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Therefore, become imitators of God [Jesus Christ as our role model], as beloved students [children], And keep on walking [ordering your behavior] in the sphere of virtue love, just as Christ also loved you [all believers] and delivered Himself over [at the cross] as a substitute for us [the elect], an offering and a sacrifice to God [propitiation], resulting in a fragrant aroma [doctrine of satisfaction: effective work on the cross, i.e., definite atonement].

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Keep on becoming (or: Progressively come to be), then, imitators (those made exactly alike so as to portray, express and represent by means of imitation) of God, as beloved (or: like loveable) children,

and keep on walking (walking around; = progressively living and maintaining your life) within, and in union with, Love, according as the Christ also loves (or: to the same level and commensurately as the Anointed One loved) you, and gives (or: gave) Himself over (or: up; alongside) in our behalf (over us and our [situation]; [other MSS: you]): a bearing toward and a bringingto be face to face, and then an offering (or: sacrifice) by (or: in; with; to; for) God (or: an approach [present], even a sacrifice by God) [turning] into a fragrant odor (sweet smell).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Imitators of God

Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell. [Or “a fragrant offering”]

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Become yeˎ thereforeˎ imitators of Godˎ as children beloved, And walk in love—

    Even as ||the Christ also|| loved youˎ And delivered himself up in your^h behalf,

An offering and sacrificeⁱ unto Godˎ For a fragrance of sweet smell.^j

^h Or (WH): “our.”

ⁱ Ps. xl. 6.

^j Eze. xx. 41.

The Spoken English NT         In other words, learn to imitate God,^a just like dearly loved children.

Live in love, just as Christ loved us, and gave himself to God on our behalf, as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice.^b

a.Traditionally: “Therefore, become imitators of God.”

b.Traditionally: “…as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, as an offering and sacrifice to God, as a pleasing aroma”.

Updated ASV                         Be Imitators of God

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you^[33] and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice as a sweet fragrance to God.

[33] One early MS reads us

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Walk in love
Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children,

and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  Therefore, continue becoming imitators of God, as beloved children, and be walking about [fig., conducting yourselves] in love, as also Christ loved us and gave Himself [or, handed Himself over] on our behalf, [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell [or, a sweet-smelling aroma].

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children and continue walking in the sphere of unconditional love, just as Christ also loved us and delivered Himself over as a substitute for us, an offering and sacrifice to God resulting in a fragrant aroma.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             .

Context Group Version          Be (pl) therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in allegiance, even as the Anointed also gave allegiance to us, and handed himself over for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as also Christ loved us and gave himself up on our behalf as an offering and sacrifice to God as a sweet scent.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Therefore become° imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk° in love*, just-as the Christ also loved* us and gave himself up on our behalf as an offering and a sacrifice to God *for an aroma of a sweet-fragrance.

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   . Title

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Become therefore imitators of your God [Jesus Christ], as beloved posterity [lit., children; reference to members of the royal family of God] and be walking in the sphere of love, just as the Christ also has loved all of you, and has delivered up Himself on behalf of us and offering a sacrifice to the God for the purpose of a fragrant aroma [that is, propitiation].

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Keep walking in the Sphere of the Love Complex (from GHS), just as Christ also loved you, and gave or delivered himself for or on behalf of you an offering and sacrifice to God a fragrant aroma.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up on our behalf, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage: 

1-2

Translation: (You all) become, therefore, imitators of the God,...

Paul, through God the Holy Spirit, urges the recipients of this epistle to become imitators of God.

Since we are just beginning this chapter, and everything seems fresh and new, we are force to asks, why doesn’t Paul require his readers to become imitators of Jesus Christ? The key to this is context. Even though this is a new chapter, there are no chapter breaks in the original letter. Why we are to become imitators of God takes us right back to Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV) God has forgiven us so that we should be forgiving others in our periphery.

This is even easier to see in the Kukis mostly literal translation. Ephesians 4:32 But you (all) be gracious to one another, [and] compassionate, forgiving (with grace) to yourselves just as even the God by means of Christ has forgiven you (all) (with grace). We are to be gracious toward one another, having compassion, sympathy or empathy, graciously forgiving one another, as God, by means of Christ, graciously forgave us.

Because God has graciously forgiven us, we should gracious forgive others; and, in this way (and in many other ways), we should become imitators of God.

How do we imitate God, for goodness sakes? We have to know Who God is, and then we have to understand what the appropriate human characteristic would be. I can’t really imitate God’s sovereignty (nor does this mean that we should all start bossing everyone else around), but I can imitate God’s graciousness, His faithfulness, His veracity, etc. We find out Who God is through the accurate teaching of Bible doctrine by a well-qualified pastor-teacher.

Translation: ...like beloved children;...

A beloved or esteemed child imitates his parents. They are his first models of behavior.

They are described here as beloved children, because the good son would attempt to imitate his father; the bad son would rebel against his father.

Translation: ...and keep on walking in love,...

We are told to keep on walking in love.

The spiritual walk, or the Christian walk (in this dispensation), is understanding the basic spiritual skills and employing the resources which God has given us.

Paul says to keep on walking in love, which is the filling of the Spirit. We are walking in the sphere of love by being filled with the Spirit (the most basic spiritual skill). We achieve this by having no unconfessed sin in our lives. The moment we sin, we should name that sin to God, in order to log the maximum amount of time in the Spirit (we are filled with the Spirit while we are in fellowship with God).

Translation: ...just as even the Christ loved you (all)...

We are not very loveable people (I can at least speak for myself here). Nevertheless, Christ is said to love us.

Jesus Christ had a relaxed mental attitude toward us; and Jesus, in His humanity, was able to love as a man loves.

Translation: ...and gave Himself on your behalf,...

Jesus gave Himself for us, on our behalf, taking upon Himself the punishment necessary to satisfy the justice of God.

We examine what Jesus did on our behalf, and that is the love of Jesus which goes beyond emotion. Jesus chose to die for our sins on our behalf. No greater love than a man who lays down his life for his fellow man.

Translation: ...an offering and a sacrifice to the God...

Paul, for his Jewish readers, ties Jesus to the offerings and animal sacrifices in the Old Testament. Those animal sacrifices, as described in the first seven chapters of Leviticus, were all types. That is, they foreshadowed Jesus Christ and what He would do on our behalf. He was our offering and He was our sacrifice offered up to God the Father. We have nothing to offer God. However, we can stand on the blood of Christ, which is everything.

Translation: ...in order [to be] a well-pleasing (to God) fragrance. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Jesus Christ was a well-pleasing fragrance to God. Just as the ancient sacrifices were said to, when being placed on the altar, waft up a sweet savor to God, so Jesus and His offering was a sweet savor to God. By this offering, our sins are fully forgiven and we can stand before God in Christ, clean and presentable.

Ephesians 5:1–2 (You all) become, therefore, imitators of the God, like beloved children; and keep on walking in love, just as even the Christ loved you (all) and gave Himself on your behalf, an offering and a sacrifice to the God in order [to be] a well-pleasing (to God) fragrance. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Ephesians 5:1–2 Therefore, become imitators of God, as His beloved children, and keep on walking in the sphere of love, in a similar fashion to the way that Christ loved us and gave Himself for us on the cross, as an offering and a sacrifice to God the Father, his death for our sins becoming a pleasing fragrance to God. (Kukis paraphrase)

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Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now, sexual immorality and impurity, every [type of] or insatiable lust is not to be named in you (all), just as it keeps on standing out for holy ones. And filthiness and foolish talk, or coarse jesting which is not proper but more thankfulness. For this thing you (all) must see, knowing that every male prostitute or unclean (thing) or greedy person, by which one keeps on being an idolater—he keeps on not having an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

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

neither wickedness, nor foolish talk or coarse jesting, which are not proper, but rather thanksgiving.

For this you know, that no fornicator, or unclean person, nor covetous person, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints:

Or obscenity or foolish talking or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks.

For know you this and understand: That no fornicator or unclean or covetous person (which is a serving of idols) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              But fornication, all impurity and greed are not even to be named at all among you, as is appropriate for Holy Ones,

Neither abusive language, neither worthless words, nor of disgrace, nor of nonsense- these things that are unnecessary, but in place of these, thanksgiving.

You have known this, that no person who is a fornicator or impure or a greedy person (who is an idol worshipper) has any inheritance in The Kingdom of The Messiah and of God.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             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; 

And let there be no low behaviour, or foolish talk, or words said in sport, which are not right, but in place of them the giving of praise. 

Being certain of this, that no man who gives way to the passions of the flesh, no unclean person, or one who has desire for the property of others, or who gives worship to images, has any heritage in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Bible in Worldwide English     As Gods people, you should not even talk about wrong living, any kind of wrong sex or wanting things you cannot have.

There should be no dirty talk, no foolish talk, no funny stories with a wrong meaning. This is not a good way to talk. But what you should do is thank God.

You know this. There are people who use sex wrongly, and who are always wanting what others have. No such a person has any place in the kingdom of Christ and of God. He is worshipping an idol.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  But there must be no sexual sin among you. There must not be any kind of evil or selfishly wanting more and more, because such things are not right for God's holy people. Also, there must be no evil talk among you. Don't say things that are foolish or filthy. These are not for you. But you should be giving thanks to God. You can be sure of this: No one will have a place in the kingdom of Christ and of God if that person commits sexual sins, or does evil things, or is a person who selfishly wants more and more. A greedy person like that is serving a false god.

God’s Word™                         Don't let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God's holy people. It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God. You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Version          .

Contemporary English V.       You are God's people, so don't let it be said that any of you are immoral or indecent or greedy. Don't use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are. Being greedy, indecent, or immoral is just another way of worshiping idols. You can be sure that people who behave in this way will never be part of the kingdom that belongs to Christ and to God.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        And have nothing to do with sexual immorality, lust, or greed—for you are his holy ones and let no one be able to accuse you of them in any form.  Guard your speech. Forsake obscenities and worthless insults; these are nonsensical words that bring disgrace and are unnecessary. Instead, let worship fill your heart and spill out in your words.  For it has been made clear to you already that the kingdom of God cannot be accessed by anyone who is guilty of sexual sin, or who is impure or greedy—for greed is the essence of idolatry. How could they expect to have an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom while doing those things?

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  But there should be no reason for anyone to even suggest that any of you are involved in sexual sin or any kind of immoral or obsessive sexual behavior. Such sins do not belong among God's people. When you speak to each other, do not tell obscene stories or say foolish things or joke about committing sins. Such things are not what people who belong to God talk about. Instead, express the things that you are thankful for. It is quite true that these people will be excluded from the kingdom of the Messiah who is God: Everyone who is sexually immoral or indecent, or who is obsessed with sex, which is the same as worshiping an idol.

Williams’ New Testament      But sexual vice and any form of immorality or sensual greed must not so much as be mentioned among you, as that is the only course becoming in God's people; there must be no indecency, silly talk or suggestive jesting, for they are unbecoming. There should be thanksgiving instead. For you may be absolutely sure that no one who is sexually impure, immoral or greedy for gain (for that is idolatry) can have a part in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Sexual sin and all of what is not clean or a desire for more must not be named among you either, just as it is what is appropriate for sacred people, and shameful behavior and foolish talk or a snide remark, things that were not arriving up to the high standards, but instead thankfulness. You see, this you must realize, knowing that every person who commits sexual sin, or person who is not clean, or person who desires more (what an idol worshiper is) does not have an inheritance in the empire of the Anointed King and God.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Fornication, all impurity, and greed should ever be even once named among you since you are conspicuously God's people. Nor yet obscenity, silly talk, or ribald humor, which are not proper, instead having thankful speech, is far better. You know this: that no male prostitute, impure, or covetous (who is an idolater) person has any type of inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles But whoredom, and all uncleanness, and inordinate desire- let them not even be named among you; (as it becomes saints;) nor obscenity, nor foolish talking, nor double meanings, nor things uncomely; but rather thanksgiving. For this you know, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor lascivious man, who is an idolater, has inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament As for unchastity and every kind of impurity, or greed, do not let them even be mentioned among you, as befits Christ's People, Nor shameful conduct, nor foolish talk or jesting, for they are wholly out of place among you; but rather thanksgiving. For of this you may be sure--that no one who is unchaste or impure or greedy of gain (for to be greedy of gain is idolatry) has any place awaiting him in the kingdom of the Christ and God.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 Sexual immorality or any kind of indecency or greed should never be mentioned concerning you, as God’s people should not be doing such things. Obscene talk, stupid chatter, and coarse jokes are totally inappropriate—instead you should be thanking God. You know it’s absolutely sure that no-one who is sexually immoral, or commits indecency, or who is greedy, or is an idol-worshiper will inherit anything in the kingdom of Christ and God.

The Heritage Bible                          And sexual promiscuity, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once be named among you as appropriate for saints,

Neither shamefulness, nor stupid talking, nor vulgar witticism, which are absolutely not proper, but rather giving of thanks,

Because be knowing this, that every fornicator, or unclean one, or covetous one, who is an idolater, has absolutely no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

International Standard V        Do not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving. For you know very well that no immoral or impure person, or anyone who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah [Or Christ] and of God.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     As for sexual vice and every kind of impurity or lust, it is unbecoming for you as Christians even to mention them; so too with vulgarity and buffoonery and foolish jesting. Such words become you not, but rather thanksgiving. For be well assured that no one guilty of fornication or impurity or covetousness which is idolatry, has any heritage in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         But pornography and all uncleanness, or avarice, let it not be once named among you, as becoming saints; Neither obscenity, nor foolish talking, nor low jesting, that are not fitting: but rather giving of thanks. Because this you know, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor greedy of gain, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of Elohim.

Weymouth New Testament    But fornication and every kind of impurity, or covetousness, let them not even be mentioned among you, for they ought not to be named among God's people. Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting--they are all alike discreditable--and in place of these give thanks. For be well assured that no fornicator or immoral person and no money-grubber--or in other words idol-worshipper--has any share awaiting him in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    But fornication, and all uncleanness, or inordinate desire, let it not be even named among you; for so it becometh saints: nor ribaldry, nor buffoonery, nor wanton jesting, which are not meet: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, (who is an idolater,) hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  And since you are holy, there must not be among you even a hint of sexual immorality or greed, or any kind of impurity: these should not be named among you. So too for scandalous words, nonsense and foolishness, which are not fitting; instead offer thanksgiving to God. V. 5 will be placed with the next passage for context.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes the qodeshiym; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Mashiach and of Elohiym.

Hebraic Roots Bible               But let not fornication, and all uncleanness, or greediness, be named among you, as is fitting for saints; also cursing, and foolish talking, or witty insults (none of which are necessary), but rather the giving of thanks. For you should know this, that no one guilty of fornication, or unclean person, or a covetous one, who is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and of YAHWEH.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    No type of impurity, unlawful sexual intercourse, or greed should be mentioned among you. That is not proper for saints. You should not use obscene or foolish words. Dirty jokes are out of line. Instead, you should be thankful. You can be sure of this one thing: no sexual sinner, no immoral or greedy person - he is the same as one who worships a false god- will have a share in the kingdom of Christ and God.

The Scriptures 2009              But whoring and all uncleanness, or greed of gain, let it not even be named among you, as is proper among set-apart ones –  neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving.  For this you know, that no one who whores, nor unclean one, nor one greedy of gain, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the reign of Messiah and Elohim.

Tree of Life Version                But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed—don’t even let these be mentioned among you, as is proper for kedoshim. Obscene, coarse, and stupid talk are also out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Know for certain that no immoral, indecent, or greedy person—who is really an idol worshipper at heart—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and God.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Prostitution but {not be named!} and Impurity Every or Greed neither be named! in you* as [It] is (suitable) [for] [men] pure and Shame and Chattering or Joking {not be named!} Which* not fitted but more Thanksgiving {be named!} this for have seen! Knowing for Every Prostitute or [Man] Unclean or Man (Greedy) Which is Idolater not has inheritance in the kingdom [of] the christ and [of] god...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   But unchastity and all im-purity, or desire of superior-holdings, be yet-neither named from-among yous, accordingly-as-to becomes awful ones, also that disgraceful and underhanded-confirmations, nor well-turnings which is not arriving-upon, however by far good-favouredness. For this-same thing, yous are coming to understand, certaintly-of-which not anyone who is a lecher or im-pure, or desirous of superior-holdings, who is an idol-server, holds a lawful-allotment from-within the Rule of the Anointed One, and of God.

Concordant Literal Version    Now, all prostitution and uncleanness or greed - let it not even be named among you, according as is becoming in saints -"

and vileness and stupid speaking or insinuendo, which are not proper, but rather thanksgiving."

For this you perceive, knowing that no paramour at all or unclean or greedy person, who is an idolater, has any enjoyment of the allotment in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

exeGeses companion Bible   And whoredom and all impurity or avarice

- never no way name it among you

exactly as befits the holy;

neither shamefulness

nor morology

nor repartee

which are not proper:

but rather eucharistize.

For you know this,

that every whoremonger or impure person

or avaricious who is an idolater,

has no inheritance

in the sovereigndom of the Messiah and of Elohim.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           But do not let zenut (fornication) or anything of tumah (uncleanness) or chamdanut (covetousness) even be named among you, as is proper for Kadoshim.

And also let there be nothing that is an ERVAT DAVAR (indecent thing) or the tipshus (foolery) or foolish talking of letzim (coarse jesting) or shtiklech (misconduct), which are not fitting, but rather hodayah (thanksgiving).

For of this you have da’as vada (with certainty), that every zoneh (fornicator) or impure person or covetous person (chamdanut is avodah zarah, avodah elilim) does not have a nachalah in the Malchut of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach and of Hashem.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   But you should not even talk about sexual immorality, or any type of [moral] impurity, or greed. [Note: Possibly “greed” here means “desire for more” of such things]. Such talk is not suitable for saints [i.e., God’s holy people]. Nor should obscenity, silly chatter or double-meaning jokes be used, because they are not proper either. But instead, [you should express] thanksgiving. For you [should] know this for certain: No sexually immoral or [morally] impure person, or greedy person, who is [the same as] an idol worshiper, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Brodie’s Expanded Trans.     Furthermore, fornication [normal sex between a man and a woman] and every type of impurity [abnormal sex: homosexuality] or insatiable lust [criminal sex] should not be mentioned among you [it might encourage immoral degeneracy] insofar as it is fitting and proper for the saints;

Neither obscene language nor suggestive talk [sexual teasing] nor coarse conversation [sexual jokes] which is not conducive to the spiritual life, but rather thanksgiving [towards God].

For you know this [by way of application], assuming you paid attention [to my previous teaching], that every fornicator [male variety], whether impure [abnormal: homosexuality] or insatiable [bestial or criminal], which is a form of idolatry [unlawful vice], will not obtain a share [reward inheritance] in the royal power of Christ, even God [deity of Christ].

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             But all sexual vice (prostitution; fornication; sexual acts contrary to custom) and uncleanness (impurity), or greed (desiring or having more than one's due; gaining and having advantage over others), let it continuously not even be named among (or: within) you folks according as it is constantly appropriate (proper; conspicuously suitable and befitting) for set-apart people (or: holy and sacred folks).

And obscenity (ugliness; indecency; indecorum; shamefulness; baseness), even stupid (moronic; foolish) speaking (talking) or coarse joking (vulgar talking; insinuation; wittiness; quickness in making repartee; making a good turn), which things it has not been proper or fitting to have come up but rather (in preference), giving of thanks (or: conversation marked by grace, gratitude and favor in well-being).

For this you people constantly know (or: perceive), habitually recognizing by experience, that every practicer of sexual vice (or: male prostitute; paramour), or unclean (impure [in character]; morally indecent) person, or greedy (covetous; desiring advantage or more than one's due) one who is (or: continues being) an idolater, is not now holding enjoyment ofan inheritance (does not currently continue having use of an allotted gift from someone who has died) within the Christ's and God's reign or sphere of sovereign activity (or: kingdom; [p46: within the reign of God]).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving. For this you know for certain [Literally “for this you know, knowing”], that every sexually immoral person , or unclean person , or greedy person (who is an idolater), does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. But <fornicationˎ and allʹ impurity, or covetousness>

    Let it not be named among you— Even as becometh saints;

And shamelessness and foolish talkingˎ or jesting,—

Which things are beneath you,—

    But |rather| giving of thanks;

For ||this|| ye knowˎ |if ye take note|—

    That no fornicatorˎ or impure or greedy personˎ

|Who is an idolater|ˎ

    Hath any inheritance in the kingdom^k of the Christ and God.^l

^k Ap: “Kingdom.”

^l 1 Co. vi. 9.

The Spoken English NT         Act as holy ones should act, and don’t let sexual immorality, or any filthiness or greed, even be mentioned in your conversations.^c And the same goes for nasty behavior, stupid jokes, and sexual innuendos,^d which are inappropriate. Instead, you should be giving thanks. After all, you should know this and know it well: no sexually immoral, or promiscuous,^e or greedy person (who’s an idol^f worshiper) has any inheritance in the reign of Christ and God.

c.Lit. “be named among you“.

d.That is, clever hints and double meanings.

e.Lit. “unclean” (in their sexual practices).

f.See “Bible Words”.

Idol, Idolatry An idol was a carving or image of a deity, which people used in their worship of that deity. The God of the Hebrews did not allow the worship of other gods or the making of any images (see the second commandment, Exodus 20:4-6). NT authors broaden the concept of idolatry to include dependence or fixation on anything that distracts you from single-minded loyalty to God (see e.g. Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:6; 1Jn. 5:21).

Updated ASV                         But sexual immorality,^[34] and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you, as is proper among holy ones; And there must be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

[34] Sexual Immorality: (זָנָה zanah; πορνεία porneia) A general term for immoral sexual acts of any kind: such as adultery, prostitution, sexual relations between people not married to each other, homosexuality, and bestiality. – Num. 25:1; Deut. 22:21; Matt. 5:32; 1 Cor. 5:1.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     But, you should not even talk about fornication or any form of moral corruption or insatiableness¹ (as is fitting for saints); nor any obscenity, nor foolish talk or coarse joking (that do not belong), but rather thanksgiving. Because you can know this for sure: no fornicator, nor anyone who is morally corrupt or insatiable (actually an idolater),² has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and God.³

(1) Of course doing such things is out of the question, but why can’t we talk about them? If you talk about it you will think about it, which will provide an opening for temptation.

(2) To have an insatiable desire for something (say, money) is to be dominated by that something; it has become a god, an idolatry.

(3) According to the grammatical construction here, “Christ and God” refer to the same person.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, do not permit it even to be named among you, as is fitting for saints; Nor filthiness, nor foolish talking or jesting, which are not becoming; but instead, thanksgiving.  For this you know, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous person, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Analytical-Literal Translation  But sexual sin and all impurity [or, immorality] or covetous desire [or, greed], stop letting it even be named among you_p, as is fitting for holy ones, also [neither] indecent behavior [or, obscene speech] and foolish [or, idle] talk nor coarse joking [or, vulgar talk]—the [things] not fitting—but rather thanksgiving. For this you_p are knowing: that every sexual sinner or unclean [or, impure] [person] or covetous person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           But fornication and all sexual immorality or insatiable sexual desire must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper for the saints, that is, obscene behavior and speaking sexual foolishness or coarse gesturing and joking, which is not proper, but rather gratitude. For example, you know this, because you have learned, that every male prostitute, whether a sexual profligate or pimp, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             .

Context Group Version          But sexual perversion, all impurity, or greed, don't let it even be named among you (pl), as becomes special ones; nor filthiness, nor idiotic speech, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of a recognition of [your (pl)] indebtedness. For this you (pl) know for sure, that anyone who is a sexual pervert, or unclean, or greedy (that is, an idolater) has no inheritance in the kingdom of the Anointed and God.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       But as for fornication and all uncleanness or fraud, let them not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints, nor disgracefulness and foolish talk or jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks, for be aware of this, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or fraudster, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Green’s Literal Translation    . baseness

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  But do not let fornication and all uncleanness or greed even be named among you°, as is suitable to holy-ones; and do not let obscenity, and foolish-talk or petty jesting, which are not proper, but rather thanksgiving. For* this you° are knowing, that every fornicator, or unclean person, or greedy person, who is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and God.

New American Standard        .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   .

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  But fornication [normal illicit sex], and all akatharsia (uncleanness) [abnormal illicit sex], or any frantic search for happiness, should not even be mentioned among you, as is proper with reference to royal family [of God; that is, the saints].

Both abnormal vulgarity [the tactile pass] and suggestive talk [the verbal pass] or teasing [the female come-on] which is not one’s duty [or, responsibility] [on a date]; but rather to an greater degree thankfulness (gratitude) [in the sense of occupation with the person of Jesus Christ].

For this principle you know if you are learning anything, that every pimp, whether perverted or greedy, who is an idolater, does not have inheritance in the [royal] empire [of Christ], even of God.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         But fornication and any abnormal sex or Frantic Search for Happiness should not even be mentioned among you, as is proper with reference to the Royal Family of God. Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           Now immorality and every form of impurity or greed must not even be named among you, just as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting named among you, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous person (that is to say, an idolater) has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Updated ASV                         .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           But lewdness and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no lewd, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage: 

3-5

Translation: Now, let not be named among you (all) sexual immorality and moral uncleanness or insatiable lust,...

At this point, Paul concentrates on a set of primarily sexual sins and desires which are not to be found among the church at Ephesus (or at any church).

The main verb is the 3^rd person singular, present passive imperative of onomazô (ὀνομάζω) [pronounced on-om-AD-zoh], which means, let be named; let one designate, let him assign a name; let one be mentioned. Strong’s #3687. With the negative, this means, let not be named, let not be mentioned, let not be designated.

What is not to be associated with this local group of believers is porneia (πορνεία, ας, ἡ) [pronounced por–NĪ–ah]. This is a catch-all term, and you may recognize that we get the word pornography from this Greek word. It means, sexual immorality (including adultery and incest), fornication. More definitions for this word are given above in the Greek table. Strong’s #4202.

Also what is not to be named at that local church is akatharsia (ἀκαθαρσία, ας, ἡ) [pronounced ak-ath-ar-SEE-ah], which means, impurity; (moral or physical) uncleanness; the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living. Strong’s #167. This is associated with the adjective pasa (πσα) [pronounced PAH-sah], which means, every kind of impurity, every sort of lustful living, every type of moral uncleanness. Given the context, I believe that we can stick with the sexually-related meanings.

Also what is not to be associated with any local church is pleonexía (πλεονεξία) [pronounced pleh-ohn-ex-EE-ah], which means, insatiable lust, greed, constant desire to have more, materialistic desire, greediness. Strong’s #4124. I believe that we can focus on the sexual meaning, which is, insatiable lust.

None of these things are to be associated with the local church at Ephesus (or, at any local church).

Sexual immorality was found among some groups of Romans, and it was also a thing to be found in some idolatrous worship which took place throughout the ancient world. Whereas we do not associate sexual sins with churches or worship, some pagan services exploited man’s sexual nature and played upon man’s sexual lusts.

This was not to be found in any local Christian church.

Translation: ...just as it keeps on being conspicuous to the saints.

This activity and this association should not be standing out or conspicuous to the saints.

The key verb is the 3^rd person singular, present impersonal active indicative of prepô (πρέπω) [pronounced PREP-oh], which appears to have two sets of meanings: (1) to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent; (2) to be fitting, to be fit, [it is] right; to be becoming, to be seemly. Strong’s #4241. Nearly all translations when with the second set of meanings. Let me give you my full translation of v. 3, followed by several others:

Ephesians 5:3 Now, let not be named among you (all) sexual immorality and moral uncleanness or insatiable lust, just as it keeps on being conspicuous to the saints. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Other translations:

A Faithful Version                  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, do not permit it even to be named among you, as is fitting for saints;...

Analytical-Literal Translation  But sexual sin and all impurity [or, immorality] or covetous desire [or, greed], stop letting it even be named among you_p, as is fitting for holy ones,...

Brodie’s Expanded Trans.     Furthermore, fornication [normal sex between a man and a woman] and every type of impurity [abnormal sex: homosexuality] or insatiable lust [criminal sex] should not be mentioned among you [it might encourage immoral degeneracy] insofar as it is fitting and proper for the saints;

Bill Puryear translation           But fornication and all sexual immorality or insatiable sexual desire must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper for the saints,...

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  But fornication [normal illicit sex], and all akatharsia (uncleanness) [abnormal illicit sex], or any frantic search for happiness, should not even be mentioned among you, as is proper with reference to royal family [of God; that is, the saints].

I found only one example of the first set of meanings being used:

Len Gane Paraphrase           Fornication, all impurity, and greed should ever be even once named among you since you are conspicuously God's people.

I probably need to rework the second part of this verse.

Translation: And [neither let there be] obscenity and foolish talk, or coarse humor, which is improper.

I have taken the imperative from the previous verse and modified it, applying to this verse. Most translators simply continue v. 4 as a part of v. 3 (which implies that the verb continues to be applied).

There are three more words here, also connected like this: A and B or C (which is what we find at the beginning of v. 3). I am not sure if I am fully understanding the change of connectives in either case. However, there are enough parallels to suggest that the meaning of the previous verb should be parallel to the meaning of the final verb found here.

The first word is aischrótēs (αἰσχρότης) [pronounced ahee-SKHROT-ace], which means, obscenity, filthiness, indecency. Strong’s #151. Given the context, it is likely a reference to a verbal sin. It is a hapax legomenon (that is, it only appears here in the New Testament).

The second noun is mōrología (μωρολογία) [pronounced mo-rol-og-EE-ah]. It means, foolish talk, stupid words, absurd talking, silly talk, buffoonery. Let me suggest that this leans toward joking of a sexual nature, given the overall context. Strong’s #3473. It is also a hapax legomenon.

The third noun is eutrapelía (εὐτραπελία) [pronounced yoo-trap-el-EE-ah], which means, coarse jesting; pleasantry, humour, facetiousness; in a bad sense: scurrility, vulgar ribaldry, obscene or dirty joking. Strong’s #2160. It is also a hapax legomenon. Now, the writer Paul would not be aware that he is using three hapax legomena right in a row because he does not know what the New Testament will be composed of (likely, he does not even realize that there will be a New Testament). God the Holy Spirit would have been aware of this.

Then we have the negative plus the imperfect active indicative of the verb anêkō (ἀνήκω) [pronounced an-AY-ko]. Given the negative, the meanings for this verb would be, to be improper, to not reach to; to not pertain to what is due, to not do one’s duty, to not be fitting. Strong’s #433.

And [neither let there be] obscenity and foolish talk, or coarse humor, which is improper. (Ephesians 5:4a; Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: Instead [let their be] more thanksgiving.

Instead of the sort of sexual talk and jesting, which Paul says is improper, what should be expressed instead is thanksgiving. This is thanksgiving, thankfulness, and gratitude.

Just yesterday afternoon, I recognized that it was a blessing for me to have work, to be able to physically go to work, and to be motivated to go to work. That is a great blessing for the believer.

Ephesians 5:4 And [neither let there be] obscenity and foolish talk, or coarse humor, which is improper. Instead [let their be] more thanksgiving. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: For this thing, be aware of,...

There are two different readings for the verb found here. This is given above.

Paul tells the Ephesians to be aware of this thing. What they are to be aware of follows in the rest of v. 5.

Translation: ...knowing that every gigolo or morally unclean or covetous person,...

The believers in receipt of this letter are to know about male prostitutes, the morally unclean, or the constantly lustful person. What they are to know is continued in v. 5.