Ephesians 4:29

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πᾶς

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

λόγος

G3056

communication

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

σαπρὸς

G4550

Let

rotten, i.e., worthless (literally or morally)

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στόματος

G4750

mouth

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐκπορευέσθω

G1607

proceed

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

#10

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#11

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#12

τις

G5100

some or any person or object

#13

ἀγαθὸς

G18

is good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#14

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#15

οἰκοδομὴν

G3619

of edifying

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

#16

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

χρείας

G5532

the use

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#18

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#19

δῷ

G1325

it may minister

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#20

χάριν

G5485

grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

#21

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἀκούουσιν

G191

unto the hearers

to hear (in various senses)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation