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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/49_Eph_04_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:29 - New Life in Christ " /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/4-29.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/4-29.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 29</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm" title="Ephesians 4:28">◄</a> Ephesians 4:29 <a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm" title="Ephesians 4:30">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/4.htm">New International Version</a> Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not let any unwholesome word go forth out of your mouth, but only good, for edification of the need, so that it may give grace to those hearing. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear. <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't say anything that would hurt [another person]. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Let no filthy talk be heard from your mouths, but only what is good for building up people and meeting the need of the moment. This way you will administer grace to those who hear you. <a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your words be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment, so that they may be a means of blessing to the hearers. <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Let no corrupt word go forth out of your mouth, but what is good to the necessary building up, that it may give grace to the hearers; <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not let any unwholesome word go forth out of your mouth, but only good, for edification of the need, so that it may give grace to those hearing. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Let not any foul word go out of your mouth, but if any good to the building of necessity, that it might give grace to them hearing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Let no evil words proceed from your mouth, but only what is good, toward the edification of faith, so as to bestow grace upon those who listen. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Let no bad word proceed from your mouth, but words that are good and useful for edification, that they will impart blessing to those who hear them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Let not any hateful words come out of your mouth, but whatever is good and useful for improvement that you may give grace to those who hear,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let no impure speech come out of your mouth, but whatever is good for needful edification, that it may give grace to the hearers: <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let no corrupt communication go forth out of your mouth, but if anything is good unto edification of need, in order that he may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let no loose discourse proceed out of your mouth, but whatever is good for useful edification, that it may communicate grace to the hearers. <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let no obscene language defile your mouth, use only such as tends to edification, that it may be beneficial to the hearers. <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let no unwholesome words ever pass your lips, but let all your words be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment, so that they may be a means of blessing to the hearers. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but whatever is good for the supplying of the need, that it may give grace to those who hear. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth; but what is good to useful edification, that it may benefit the hearers. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=788" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">New Life in Christ </a> …28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 29<a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Let no</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: Pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></a> <a href="/greek/4550.htm" title="4550: sapros (Adj-NMS) -- Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless.">unwholesome</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">talk</a> <a href="/greek/1607.htm" title="1607: ekporeuesthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project.">come</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4750.htm" title="4750: stomatos (N-GNS) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">mouths,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">only</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathos (Adj-NMS) -- A primary word; good.">helpful</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3619.htm" title="3619: oikodomēn (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.">building up</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one</a> <a href="/greek/5532.htm" title="5532: chreias (N-GFS) -- From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.">in need</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">and</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dō (V-ASA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">bringing</a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charin (N-AFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">grace</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">who listen.</a> 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-10</a> In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ... <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a> A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a> Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a> Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a> For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a> He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a> A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Psalm 141:3</a> Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a> A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.no.<a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3,4</a> But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; … <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a> For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.<a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2</a> Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.that which.<a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a> And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: … <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30,31</a> The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment… <a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a> Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.to the use of edifying.<a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12,16</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: … minister.<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.<a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a> Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.<a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1</a> Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Building</a> <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Communication</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Fits</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Means</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/galatians/2-5.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Need</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Others</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Use</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Word</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Building</a> <a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Communication</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-4.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Fits</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-24.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Means</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Need</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Others</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Use</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Word</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a> 24. <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a> 29. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Let no unwholesome talk The phrase "Let no unwholesome talk" is a call to purity in speech. The Greek word for "unwholesome" is "sapros," which means rotten or corrupt. In the historical context of the early church, speech was a powerful tool for both edification and destruction. The Apostle Paul, aware of the divisive potential of words, urges believers to avoid speech that is morally or spiritually decaying. This aligns with the broader biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>, which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in every aspect of our lives, including our speech.come out of your mouths The phrase "come out of your mouths" emphasizes the origin of speech. In <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18</a>, Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart. This suggests that our words are a reflection of our inner spiritual state. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and eloquence were highly valued, yet Paul redirects the focus from mere eloquence to the moral quality of speech. The mouth, as a conduit of the heart, should be a vessel of God's truth and love.but only what is helpful The contrast "but only what is helpful" sets a standard for Christian communication. The Greek word "agathos" for "helpful" implies goodness and benefit. Paul is instructing believers to use their words constructively, to serve a purpose that aligns with God's will. This is reminiscent of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, where words are seen as tools for healing and guidance (<a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a>).for building up The phrase "for building up" uses the Greek word "oikodome," which refers to edification or the act of building a house. In the context of the church, this metaphor extends to the spiritual growth and strengthening of the community. Paul's letters often emphasize the importance of edification (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a>), highlighting that our words should contribute to the spiritual architecture of the body of Christ.the one in need "The one in need" points to the specific audience of our speech. The Greek term "chreia" indicates necessity or lack. Paul is urging believers to be attentive to the needs of others, using their words to address and support those needs. This reflects the Christian ethic of love and service, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>, where believers are called to "bear one another's burdens."and bringing grace The phrase "and bringing grace" uses the Greek word "charis," which means grace or favor. In the New Testament, grace is often associated with God's unmerited favor towards humanity. Here, Paul extends this concept to human interaction, suggesting that our words should be a conduit of God's grace, offering kindness and encouragement to others. This aligns with <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a>, where Paul advises that our conversation be "full of grace."to those who listen Finally, "to those who listen" emphasizes the impact of our words on the audience. The Greek word "akouo" for "listen" implies not just hearing but understanding and internalizing. Paul is aware that words have the power to influence and shape the thoughts and actions of others. In a world where communication is often superficial, this call to intentional and grace-filled speech is a reminder of the transformative power of the gospel, lived out through our daily interactions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) Let no corrupt communication . . .--The word rendered "corrupt," is a strong word, signifying "rotten"; used in <a href="/context/matthew/7-17.htm" title="Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.">Matthew 7:17-18</a>, and elsewhere in the literal sense, here alone in the metaphorical. By the corrupt word, probably, here is meant especially the foul word, which is rotten in itself, and spreads rottenness in others.The use of edifying.--This is a mistranslation, by inversion, of a difficult expression, "the building up of the need"--that is, the supplying by suggestion of good the peculiar "need" or defect of the hearer's spiritual state. Perhaps, as before, the word "good" may be taken for gracious and full of sympathy, noting by the quick insight of love what each man's need is, and hastening to speak accordingly, so as to "give grace" or blessing to meet that peculiar need. The same use of the word "grace" is found in <a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm" title="And in this confidence I was minded to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit;">2Corinthians 1:15</a> ("that ye might have a second benefit"). The same idea is found in <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-10.htm" title="Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?">1Thessalonians 3:10</a>, "to perfect that which is lacking in your faith."Here again we have a similar treatment of moral duty. The corrupt word is forbidden, not because it defiles the speaker's own soul, and is an offence in the pure eyes of God, but because it is a sin against others, pulling down instead of building them up, and aggravating, instead of supplying, their moral defects. Like the falsehood, and wrath, and dishonesty, forbidden above, it sins against the unity of all in God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 29. - Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth. Not pagans only, but some of whom better things might be expected, need this charge. How revolting is the tendency in some circles to foul and blasphemous conversation; to profane and obscene jests, songs, and allusions: to feed as it were on moral garbage! From Christian mouths no such word should ever issue - it is simply abominable. But that which is good for improvement of the occasion, that it may give grace to them that hear. Speaking should ever bear on improvement or edification, especially on turning passing things to good account. This should be the aim; it does not require speaking to be uniformly grave, but to have an object. It may be quite right to have an enlivening object, but among Christians it should always be such as befits their profession, and tends to help on the exalted objects at which they aim. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Let} no μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. unwholesome σαπρὸς (sapros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4550.htm">Strong's 4550: </a> Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless. talk λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. come ἐκπορευέσθω (ekporeuesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1607.htm">Strong's 1607: </a> From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. mouths, στόματος (stomatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. only εἴ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. what is τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. helpful ἀγαθὸς (agathos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. for πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. building up οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3619.htm">Strong's 3619: </a> Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation. the [one] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. in need χρείας (chreias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution. [and] ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. bringing δῷ (dō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. grace χάριν (charin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. to those τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. who listen. ἀκούουσιν (akouousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 4:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 4:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:30" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>