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.

EPHESIANS 4:29KJV
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Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:29 mean?

Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers not to let any harmful or rotten talk come out of their mouths, but instead to speak words that help build others up and give grace to those who hear. The verse emphasizes using speech in a way that benefits and encourages people, rather than tearing them down.

Paul is writing to the Christian community in Ephesus, urging them to live differently from the surrounding culture. In this part of his letter, Paul focuses on how believers should treat one another, especially in their everyday conversations. The verse highlights the importance of words, showing that what people say can either harm or help those around them.

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:29

  • "corrupt" (σαπρός, sapros): This word means "rotten," "decayed," or "worthless." Paul is warning against speech that is damaging or unwholesome, not just rude language but anything that tears down.
  • "communication" (λόγος, logos): This is the common Greek word for "word" or "speech." Here, it refers to any kind of talking or conversation, not just formal statements.
  • "edifying" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē): This word means "building up," like constructing a house. Paul is picturing speech as something that can strengthen and support others, not just avoid harm.
  • "minister grace" (δίδωμι χάρις, didōmi charis): The phrase means "to give grace" or "show kindness." Paul is saying that words can be a way of giving something good and undeserved to others, much like a gift.

Why Ephesians 4:29 matters

  • Ephesians 4:29 clears up the idea that it is not just profanity or obvious insults that are discouraged, but any kind of speech that is unhelpful or destructive.
  • The verse emphasizes that Christian speech should be actively constructive, not just neutral or harmless; it should aim to build up and encourage others.
  • In the wider context, this verse connects to Paul's teaching on unity and maturity in the church, showing that careful, gracious speech is a key part of living together well as a community.

Where else these words appear

“Let” Greek G4550 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
  • Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
  • Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

“edifying” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

“proceed” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
  • Acts 9:28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

“use” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.