Ephesians 5:3-6
Or covetousness ( η πλεονεξια ). In bad company surely. Debasing like sensuality.As becometh saints ( καθως πρεπε αγιοις ). It is "unbecoming" for a saint to be sensual or covetous.
Filthiness ( αισχροτης ). Old word from αισχρος (base), here alone in N.T.
Foolish talking ( μωρολογια ). Late word from μωρολογος ( μωροσ, λογος ), only here in N.T.
Jesting ( ευτραπελια ). Old word from ευτραπελος ( ευ, τρεπω, to turn) nimbleness of wit, quickness in making repartee (so in Plato and Plutarch), but in low sense as here ribaldry, scurrility, only here in N.T. All of these disapproved vices are απαξ λεγομενα in the N.T.
Which are not befitting ( α ουκ ανηκεν ). Same idiom (imperfect with word of propriety about the present) in Col 3:18. Late MSS. read τα ουκ ανηκοντα like τα μη καθηκοντα in Ro 1:28.
Ye know of a surety ( ιστε γινωσκοντες ). The correct text has ιστε, not εστε. It is the same form for present indicative (second person plural) and imperative, probably indicative here, "ye know." But why γινωσκοντες added? Probably, "ye know recognizing by your own experience."
No ( πασ--ου ). Common idiom in the N.T. like the Hebrew= oudeis (Robertson, Grammar, p. 732).
Covetous man ( πλεονεκτησ, πλεον εχω ). Old word, in N.T. only here and 1Co 5:10f.; 6:10.
Which is ( ο εστιν ). So Aleph B. A D K L have ος (who), but ο is right. See Col 3:14 for this use of ο (which thing is). On ειδωλολατρης (idolater) see 1Co 5:10f.
In the Kingdom of Christ and God ( εν τη βασιλεια του Χριστου κα θεου ). Certainly the same kingdom and Paul may here mean to affirm the deity of Christ by the use of the one article with Χριστου κα θεου. But Sharp's rule cannot be insisted on here because θεος is often definite without the article like a proper name. Paul did teach the deity of Christ and may do it here.
With empty words ( κενοις λογοις ). Instrumental case. Probably Paul has in mind the same Gnostic praters as in Col 2:4f. See 2:2.
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