Ephesians 4:29

Amplified Bible

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].

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
When you talk, don't say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.

Revised Standard Version
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Let no filthy comunicacion procede out of youre mouthes: but yt whych is good to edefye with all when nede ys: that it maye have faveour with the hearers.

Hebrew Names Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

New Century Version
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.

Update Bible Version
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 those that hear.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

World English Bible
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.

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Let no corrupt discourse proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.

Weymouth's New Testament
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.

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Ech yuel word go not of youre mouth; but if ony is good to the edificacioun of feith, that it yyue grace to men that heren.

English Revised Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Contemporary English Version
Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.

American Standard Version
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.

Bible in Basic English
Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to those who give ear.

Complete Jewish Bible
Let no harmful language come from your mouth, only good words that are helpful in meeting the need, words that will benefit those who hear them.

Darby Translation
Let no corrupt word go out of your mouth, but if [there be] any good one for needful edification, that it may give grace to those that hear [it].

International Standard Version
Let no filthy talk come out of your mouths, but only what is good for building up as the need may be. This way you will give grace to those who hear you.Matthew 12:36; Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8,16; 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:11;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
Let no hateful word come out of your mouth, but that which is comely and useful for edification, that it may communicate grace to those who hear.

Murdock Translation
Let no hateful language come from your mouth, but that which is decorous, and useful for edification, that it may convey grace to those who hear.

King James Version (1611)
Let no corrupt communication proceede out of your mouth, but that which is good to the vse of edifying, that it may minister grace vnto the hearers.

New Living Translation
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.

New Life Bible
Watch your talk! No bad words should be coming from your mouth. Say what is good. Your words should help others grow as Christians.

New Revised Standard
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.

Geneva Bible (1587)
Let no corrupt comunicatio proceed out of your mouths: but yt which is good, to ye vse of edifying, yt it may minister grace vnto the hearers.

George Lamsa Translation
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.

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Let, no putrid discourse, out of your mouth, be going forth, but if anything is good - suited to the needful upbuilding, - that it may give benefit unto them that hear;

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
Let no fylthy communication procede out of your mouth, but that whiche is good to edifie withal, as oft as neede is, that it may minister grace vnto the hearers.

Good News Translation
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.

Christian Standard Bible®
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.

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.

Lexham English Bible
No rotten word must proceed from your mouth, but only something good for the building up of the need, in order that it may give grace to those who hear,

Literal Translation
Let not any filthy word go out of your mouth, but if any is good to building up in respect to the need, that it may give grace to the ones hearing.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Let no filthy communicacion proceade out of youre mouth, but that which is good to edifye withall, wha nede is, that it be gracious to heare.

Mace New Testament (1729)
let no obscene language defile your mouth, use only such as tends to edification, that it may be beneficial to the hearers.

THE MESSAGE
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

New English Translation
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.

New King James Version
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Simplified Cowboy Version
Watch your mouth, too. Let all you say be truthful, honest, inspiring, necessary, and kind.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Contextual Overview

¹⁷So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], ¹⁸for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. ¹⁹And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand]. ²⁰But you did not learn Christ in this way! ²¹If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], ²²that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, ²³and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], ²⁴and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God's image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. ²⁵Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. ²⁶BE ANGRY [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], YET DO NOT SIN; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

no: Ephesians 5:3, Ephesians 5:4, Psalms 5:9, Psalms 52:2, Psalms 73:7-9, Matthew 12:34-37, Romans 3:13, Romans 3:14, 1 Corinthians 15:32, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Colossians 3:8, Colossians 3:9, Colossians 4:6, James 3:2-8, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 1:13 -16; Revelation 13:5, Revelation 13:6

that which: Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Psalms 37:30, Psalms 37:31, Psalms 45:2, Psalms 71:17, Psalms 71:18, Psalms 71:24, Psalms 78:4, Psalms 78:5, Proverbs 10:31, Proverbs 10:32, Proverbs 12:13, Proverbs 15:2-4, Proverbs 15:7, Proverbs 15:23, Proverbs 16:21, Proverbs 25:11, Proverbs 25:12, Isaiah 50:4, Malachi 3:16-18, Luke 4:22, 1 Corinthians 14:19, Colossians 3:16, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

to the use of edifying: or, to edify profitably, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:16

minister: Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12, 1 Peter 3:1

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 6:7 - shalt talk Joshua 1:8 - book Job 4:3 - Behold Psalms 119:172 - tongue Proverbs 10:11 - mouth of a Proverbs 18:21 - Death Proverbs 20:15 - but Proverbs 23:16 - thy Proverbs 31:26 - openeth Ecclesiastes 10:12 - words Song of Solomon 4:3 - lips Song of Solomon 7:9 - the roof Zephaniah 3:9 - will Matthew 12:35 - good man Mark 9:50 - Have salt Luke 6:45 - good man John 1:37 - and they Acts 9:31 - were edified Romans 14:19 - and 1 Corinthians 10:23 - edify 1 Corinthians 14:3 - edification 1 Corinthians 14:26 - Let 2 Corinthians 8:7 - this James 1:26 - bridleth 1 Peter 4:11 - any

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,.... As unsavoury speech, foolish talking, light and frothy language, that which is filthy, unprofitable, noxious, and nauseous, and all that is sinful; such as profane oaths, curses, and imprecations, unchaste words, angry ones, proud, haughty, and arrogant expressions, lies, perjury, c. which may be called corrupt, because such communication springs from a corrupt heart is an evidence of the corruption of it; the subject matter of it is corrupt; and it conveys corruption to others, it corrupts good manners; and is the cause of men's going down to the pit of corruption: wherefore a restraint should be laid upon the lips of men; men have not a right to say what they please; good men will be cautious what they say, otherwise their religion is in vain; and conscious of their own weakness, they will pray to God to set a watch before their mouth, and to keep the door of their lips, and not suffer anything to come out,

but that which is good for the use of edifying: or "for edification", as the Syriac version renders it; the Arabic version reads, "for the edification of all"; that is, that hear; and the Vulgate Latin version and Claromontane exemplar, "for the edification of faith": for the building up of saints on their most holy faith, and for the encouragement and increase of the grace of faith: in the Greek text it is literally, "for the edification of use"; for useful edification, or what is useful for edification; and is suited to the present want or opportunity, as the word is by some rendered: and that must be "good", which answers such an end; meaning not that the language should be formally and grammatically good, though to speak with propriety is useful and serviceable, and tends the more to instruction and edification; but that which is materially good, or the subject of it is good; that which is true, pure, pleasant, and profitable:

that it may minister grace unto the hearers; may be grateful and acceptable to them, or may minister the grace of God to them; that is, the doctrine of grace, the Gospel of the grace of God; and be a means of conveying the principle of grace into the hearts of the hearers, and of drawing it forth into exercise where it is; and such speech or communication which springs from a gracious heart, and from a principle of grace in the heart, and is upon the subject of the grace of God, is most likely to be thus useful and edifying: agreeably to all this are some sayings of the Jews h,

"says R. Joshua ben Levi, for ever let not a man suffer any thing מגונה, "that is filthy", or unseemly, to proceed out of his mouth; says R. Ishmael, for ever let a man discourse בלשון נקייה, "in a pure language";''

not corrupt.

h T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 3. 1.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Let no corrupt communication proceed - see the notes on 1 Corinthians 15:33. The word rendered “corrupt” (σαπρὸς sapros) means bad, decayed, rotten, and is applied to putrid vegetable or animal substances. Then it is applied to a tree that is of a useless character, that produces no good fruit; Matthew 7:17. Then it is used in a moral sense, as our word “corrupt” is, to denote that which is depraved, evil. contaminating, and may denote here anything that is obscene, offensive, or that tends to corrupt others. The importance of this admonition will be appreciated when it is remembered:

(1) That such obscene and filthy conversation prevailed everywhere, and does still among the pagan. So general is this, that at almost every missionary station it has been found that the common conversation is so corrupt and defiling that missionaries have felt it necessary to send their children home to be educated, in order to secure them from the contaminating influence of those around them.

(2) Those who have had the misfortune to be familiar with the common conversation of the lower classes in any community, and especially with the conversation of young men, will see the importance of this admonition. Scarcely anything can be conceived more corrupt or corrupting, than that which often prevails among young men - and even young men in the academies and colleges of this land,

(3) Its importance will be seen from the “influence” of such corrupt communications. “The passage of an impure thought through the mind leaves pollution behind it;” the expression of such a thought deepens the pollution on the soul, and corrupts others. It is like retaining an offensive carcase above ground, to pollute the air, and to diffuse pestilence and death, which should at once be buried out of sight. A Christian should be pure in his conversation. His Master was pure. His God is pure. The heaven to which he goes is pure. The religion which he professes is pure. Never should he indulge himself in an obscene allusion: never should he retail anecdotes of an obscene character, or smile when they are retailed by others. Never should he indulge in a jest having a double meaning; never should be listen to a song of this character. If those with whom he associates have not sufficient respect for themselves and him to abstain from such corrupt and corrupting allusions, he should at once leave them.

But that which is good to the use of edifying - Margin, to edify profitably.” Greek, “to useful edification:” that is, adapted to instruct, counsel, and comfort others; to promote their intelligence anti purity. Speech is an invaluable gift; a blessing of inestimable worth. We may so speak as “always” to do good to others. We may give them some information which they have not; impart some consolation which they need; elicit some truth by friendly discussion which we did not know before, or recall by friendly admonition those who are in danger of going astray. He who talks for the mere sake of talking will say many foolish things; he whose great aim in life is to benefit others, will not be likely to say that which he will have occasion to regret; compare Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 29. Let no corrupt communication — πασ λογος σαπρος. Kypke observes that λογος σαπρος signifies a useless, putrid, unsavoury, and obscene word or conversation.

1. Useless, particularly that which has been rendered so by old age and corruption.

2. Putrid, impure; so Aristophanes in Lysistrat., p. 859, calls a bad woman σαπραεμοισυλουτρονωσαπρα. Tune, Spurca! balneum mihi parabis?

3. Calumnious, or reproachful; whatever has a tendency to injure the name, fame, or interest of another.

In short, it appears to mean any word or thing obscene, any thing that injures virtue, countenances vice, or scoffs at religion. In the parallel place, Colossians 4:6, the apostle exhorts that our speech may be seasoned with salt, to preserve it from putrefaction. See Kypke and Macknight.

But that which is good to the use of edifying — To be good for a thing is a Graecism, as well as an Anglicism, for, to be fit, proper, suitable, c. so Achilles Tatius, lib. iv. p. 231: αγαθον εις φιλιαν οιδα σε. I know thee to be good (formed) for friendship. And Appian, de Bell. Hisp., p. 439, terms both the Scipios, ανδρας ες παντα αγαθους γενομενουχ, men who were good (suitable) for all things. And also Lucian, in Toxari, p. 53: ου μονον αρα τοξευειν αγαθοι ησαν σκυθαι. The Scythians were not good (expert) in archery only. See Kypke, from whom I quote.

That it may minister grace — ινα δω χαριν. This may be understood thus:

1. Let your conversation be pure, wise, and holy, that it may he the means of conveying grace, or Divine influences, to them that hear.

2. Let it be such as to be grateful or acceptable to the hearers. This is the meaning of ινα δω χαριν in some of the most correct Greek writers. Never wound modesty, truth, or religion with your discourse; endeavour to edify those with whom you converse; and if possible, speak so as to please them.