King James Version

What Does Ephesians 4:29 Mean?

Ephesians 4:29 in the King James Version says “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minis...” — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. to: or, to edify profitably”

Ephesians 4:29 · KJV

Grace

Context

27

Neither give place to the devil.

28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth . to give: or, to distribute

29

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. to: or, to edify profitably

30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 4:29 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 4 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 4 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 4:29 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
πᾶς1 of 22
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

λόγος2 of 22

“communication”

G3056

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

σαπρὸς3 of 22

“Let”

G4550

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

ἐκ4 of 22

“out of”

G1537

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

τοῦ5 of 22
G3588

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

στόματος6 of 22

“mouth”

G4750

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

ὑμῶν7 of 22

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μὴ8 of 22

“no”

G3361

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

ἐκπορευέσθω9 of 22

“proceed”

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἀλλ'10 of 22

“but”

G235

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

εἴ11 of 22
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις12 of 22
G5100

some or any person or object

ἀγαθὸς13 of 22

“is good”

G18

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

πρὸς14 of 22

“to”

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,

οἰκοδομὴν15 of 22

“of edifying”

G3619

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

τῆς16 of 22
G3588

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

χρείας17 of 22

“the use”

G5532

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

ἵνα18 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δῷ19 of 22

“it may minister”

G1325

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

χάριν20 of 22

“grace”

G5485

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

τοῖς21 of 22
G3588

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

ἀκούουσιν22 of 22

“unto the hearers”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 4:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 4:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:61 Thessalonians 5:11Ecclesiastes 10:12Colossians 3:8-9Proverbs 15:7Matthew 12:34-37

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