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

EPHESIANS 5:3KJV
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Ephesians 5:3 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:3 mean?

Ephesians 5:3 instructs believers that sexual immorality, all kinds of impurity, and greedy desire should not even be mentioned among them, because such things are not fitting for people who are set apart for God. The verse sets a clear expectation that those who follow Jesus should live in a way that is noticeably different from the surrounding culture, especially in matters of personal conduct.

The apostle Paul is writing to the Christian community in Ephesus, a city known for its diverse and often immoral practices. Paul’s words urge these believers to reflect their identity as “saints” (people set apart for God) by avoiding not just the actions, but even the reputation or talk of these behaviors. The verse highlights the importance of both outward actions and the community’s reputation in living out their faith.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:3

  • πορνεία (porneia, “fornication”): This word refers broadly to sexual immorality, not just one specific act. Paul’s use here covers a wide range of behaviors that were common in the ancient world but are considered out of place for followers of Jesus.
  • πλεονεξία (pleonexia, “covetousness”): This Greek word means more than just wanting what others have; it points to a greedy, grasping attitude that always wants more, whether it’s money, possessions, or even relationships. Paul links this with impurity, showing that greed and lust are both forms of self-centeredness.
  • ὀνομαζέσθω (onomazesthō, “named”): The Greek carries the sense of something being talked about or even rumored. Paul is saying these things should not even be topics of conversation among believers, emphasizing a reputation for purity.
  • ἅγιοι (hagioi, “saints”): This word means “holy ones” or “set-apart people.” Paul reminds the Ephesians that their new identity in Christ calls for a distinct way of living.

Why Ephesians 5:3 matters

  • Ephesians 5:3 clears up the idea that Christian ethics are only about actions; Paul is concerned with reputation and even what is spoken about among believers.
  • The verse emphasizes that being “saints” is not just a title but a calling to a visibly different lifestyle, especially in a culture where these behaviors were common.
  • This instruction ties into the larger context of Ephesians, where Paul is urging the church to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ, setting them apart from the surrounding society.

Where else these words appear

“becometh” Greek G4241 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • 1 Timothy 2:10 But(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

“uncleanness” Greek G167 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“covetousness” Greek G4124 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

“it” Greek G3687 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: