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Ephesians 5:5
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 4:19,20
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness…

Numbers 25:1
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

covetousness.

Ephesians 5:5
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Exodus 18:21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and placesuch over them,to be rulers of thousands,and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing thatis thy neighbour's.

named.

Ephesians 5:12
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Exodus 23:13
And in allthings that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

1 Corinthians 5:1
It is reported commonlythat there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

as.

Romans 16:2
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Timothy 2:10
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

as is proper among the saints
The term "saints" refers to those who are set apart for God, highlighting the call to holiness. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), and this call is extended to the church. The word "proper" suggests that certain behaviors are fitting or appropriate for those who belong to God, aligning with the call to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality
Sexual immorality, or "porneia" in Greek, encompasses a wide range of illicit sexual activities. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was prevalent and often accepted. The call for there to be "not even a hint" underscores the need for complete purity and the avoidance of any behavior that could lead to scandal or compromise the witness of the church.

or of any kind of impurity
Impurity extends beyond sexual immorality to include moral corruption and uncleanness in thought, word, and deed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of purity, which is essential for those who wish to approach God (Psalm 24:3-4). The call to avoid impurity is a call to live in a way that reflects God's holiness.

or of greed
Greed, or covetousness, is the insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. It is condemned throughout Scripture (e.g.,Exodus 20:17,Colossians 3:5) and is seen as idolatry because it places material wealth or possessions above God. The early church was called to a life of contentment and generosity, reflecting the selfless love of Christ.

Each of these prohibitions—sexual immorality, impurity, and greed—are seen as incompatible with the life of a believer, who is called to reflect the character of Christ and live in a way that honors God.

Paul opens with a sharp contrast. The world may excuse all sorts of behavior, but believers are a distinct people (Ephesians 4:17-24;1 Peter 2:9). “But among you” sets a boundary line: inside the family of God different rules apply because Christ lives within us (Galatians 2:20). Our daily choices either reinforce or blur that boundary.

“Saints” simply means those set apart in Christ. What is “proper” for us matches God’s character, not cultural trends (1 Peter 1:15-16;Colossians 3:12-14). Holiness isn’t optional etiquette; it’s our family resemblance. When we remember who we are—adopted, cleansed, Spirit-indwelt—we’re motivated to live accordingly (Romans 12:1-2).

Zero tolerance language. The Spirit doesn’t negotiate percentages of purity; He seeks the whole heart (James 4:4-5). Just a “little leaven” affects the whole loaf (Galatians 5:9;1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Practical steps:

• Guard what enters the mind—media, conversations, humor (Philippians 4:8).

• Flee tempting situations, don’t flirt with them (2 Timothy 2:22).

• Invite accountability; sin shrinks in the light (Ephesians 5:11-13).

Any sexual activity outside the covenant of one man and one woman in marriage falls here (Matthew 19:4-6). God’s design protects intimacy and displays Christ’s faithful love for the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Scripture repeatedly calls us to avoid every form of sexual sin—physical or mental (Matthew 5:27-28;1 Thessalonians 4:3-5;1 Corinthians 6:18-20). The command is not repressing joy; it’s preserving it.

Impurity widens the lens: unclean thoughts, speech, habits, or addictions that dull sensitivity to God (Mark 7:20-23). Paul says “any kind,” reminding us not to play favorites with sins. If something muddies our conscience or crowds out devotion, it belongs on the discard pile (Colossians 3:5-8;Hebrews 12:1).

Greed may feel unrelated, yet it springs from the same root: self-centered desire. Jesus warns, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed” (Luke 12:15). Covetousness is labeled idolatry because it worships created things over the Creator (Colossians 3:5). Generous, content hearts testify that Christ—not possessions—satisfies (1 Timothy 6:6-10;Hebrews 13:5).

Ephesians 5:3 calls believers to a lifestyle so distinctly pure that not even a rumor of sexual sin, moral filth, or covetous craving can stick. Because we are saints, God’s standard is not merely avoiding scandal but radiating holiness. The verse presses us to examine desires, habits, and motives, surrendering anything that competes with Christ’s lordship. In doing so, we display the beauty of the gospel to a watching world.

(3)But fornication, and all uncleanness, or Christian light covetousness.--"Fornication" is closely joined (as in2Corinthians 12:21;Galatians 5:19;Colossians 3:5) with "uncleanness," of which general sin it is a flagrant species. It is distinguished (as also inColossians 3:5) from "covetousness," orgreediness. "Uncleanness" is a sin against our own body and soul (see1Corinthians 6:18); "covetousness" (literally,the insatiable desire for more) is a sin against our neighbour. At the same time, the constant connection of the two words suggests the truth which is conveyed by the union of the two kinds of "coveting" in the Tenth Commandment, viz., that the temper of selfish and unbridled concupiscence has a two-fold direction--to the covetousness of lust, and to the covetousness of avarice--the one perhaps especially a vice of youth, and the other of old age. . . .