Ephesians 4:19

KJV

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3748} being past feeling {G524} have given {G3860} themselves {G1438} over {G3860} unto lasciviousness {G766}, to {G1519} work {G2039} all {G3956} uncleanness {G167} with {G1722} greediness {G4124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have lost all feeling, so they have abandoned themselves to sensuality, practicing any kind of impurity and always greedy for more.

Berean Standard Bible

Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.

American Standard Version

who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:19 vividly describes the profound moral degradation and spiritual insensitivity of those alienated from God. It portrays a downward spiral where a seared conscience leads to a deliberate surrender to unrestrained sensuality, resulting in the pervasive practice of all forms of impurity, driven by an insatiable and grasping desire. This verse serves as a stark warning and a powerful contrast to the transformed life in Christ that Paul exhorts believers to embrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Paul's extended exhortation in [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Walking Worthy of Your Calling"), where he transitions from theological exposition (chapters 1-3) to practical application (chapters 4-6). Having established the unity of the Spirit and the diverse gifts within the church (verses [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ")), Paul pivots to a sharp contrast between the "old man" (the former Gentile way of life) and the "new man" (the transformed life in Christ). Verses [Ephesians 4:17-18](/ephesians/4-17-18 "Ephesians 4:17-18 - The Futility of the Gentile Mind") set the stage by describing the futility of the Gentile mind, their darkened understanding, and their alienation from the life of God due to ignorance and hardness of heart. Verse 19 then elaborates on the practical, behavioral manifestations of this spiritual state, detailing the moral decay that inevitably follows such profound spiritual blindness. This description of moral depravity serves to underscore the radical transformation that occurs when one truly puts on the new man, as described in [Ephesians 4:20-24](/ephesians/4-20-24 "Ephesians 4:20-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Ephesians was addressed to believers in a prominent Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city known for its diverse population, pagan temples (most notably the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and prevalent idolatry and immorality. The Greco-Roman world of the first century, while having its ethical philosophies, was largely characterized by a widespread acceptance of sexual immorality, a lack of shame concerning various forms of uncleanness, and a pervasive culture of self-indulgence. Practices like prostitution, pederasty, and unbridled sensuality were common and often integrated into religious cults or public life. In this environment, Paul's description of those "past feeling" and given over to "lasciviousness" and "uncleanness with greediness" was not an exaggeration but a sober reflection of the moral landscape from which many Ephesian converts had come. The sharpness of his contrast highlights the radical ethical demands of the Christian faith, which stood in stark opposition to the prevailing cultural norms.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 4:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book and chapter. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Human Depravity and Spiritual Blindness**, showcasing the extent of moral corruption when humanity is alienated from God, a state described in [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins"). The verse also serves as a critical exposition of the **Contrast Between the Old Man and the New Man**, providing a vivid picture of the former life that believers are called to "put off" (as commanded in [Ephesians 4:22](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22 - Putting Off the Old Man")). Furthermore, it highlights the destructive nature of **Unrestrained Sin and Moral Decay**, demonstrating how a hardened heart leads to a comprehensive surrender to impurity. Finally, the mention of "greediness" underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Insatiable Desire**, revealing how the pursuit of self-gratification becomes an ultimate, consuming drive when God is absent from one's life, echoing warnings found in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness as Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **past feeling (Greek, _apalgéō'_):** From the Strong's data, this word means "to grieve out, i.e. become apathetic." It vividly portrays a spiritual condition where one has become so hardened by repeated sin and rejection of truth that the conscience no longer registers moral distress, guilt, or shame. It's a state of moral callousness, a profound apathy or despair concerning ethical boundaries, leading to a complete loss of sensitivity to right and wrong.
* **given themselves over (Greek, _paradídōmi'_ with _heautoû'_):** The verb *paradídōmi* means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit," and *heautoû* is a reflexive pronoun meaning "themselves." Combined, this phrase signifies an active, deliberate, and voluntary surrender of one's own will and person to the control of sin. It is not merely a passive falling into temptation but a conscious act of abandonment, a handing over of oneself to the dominion of corrupt desires without resistance or regret. This implies a profound shift in allegiance from God to self-indulgence.
* **greediness (Greek, _pleonexía'_):** From the Strong's data, this term refers to "avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion." It describes an insatiable desire for more, whether it be more pleasure, more possessions, more power, or more gratification. It is a grasping, covetous spirit that is never satisfied, driving individuals to pursue their desires relentlessly, often at the expense of others or moral boundaries. This "greediness" is presented here as the underlying motivation or driving force behind the "uncleanness," suggesting that the pursuit of impurity is fueled by an unquenchable lust for more experience, more sensation, or more self-indulgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who being past feeling":** This initial clause describes the spiritual precondition for the subsequent moral decline. It refers to individuals whose consciences have become seared, numbed, or calloused through persistent sin and rejection of divine truth. They have lost the capacity to feel conviction, shame, or remorse, reaching a state of moral apathy where the internal warning system against sin is effectively shut down. This insensitivity is not accidental but a consequence of repeated choices.
* **"have given themselves over unto lasciviousness":** This clause highlights a deliberate and active surrender. "Lasciviousness" (Greek: *aselgeia*) denotes unbridled sensuality, wantonness, and shameless indecency, often characterized by public and defiant disregard for moral or social norms. The phrase "given themselves over" emphasizes that this is a voluntary act of self-abandonment, a conscious decision to yield to unrestrained lust and immoral desires without any attempt at self-control or restraint.
* **"to work all uncleanness":** This phrase indicates the comprehensive and active engagement in impurity that results from the previous surrender. "Uncleanness" (Greek: *akatharsia*) refers to moral defilement and impurity in various forms, encompassing sexual immorality, but also broader moral and spiritual defilement. The verb "to work" (Greek: *ergazomai*, related to *ergasia* from Strong's G2039) suggests that this is not an occasional lapse but an active, ongoing, and habitual practice. The addition of "all" emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of their impurity, implying that every form of defilement is embraced.
* **"with greediness":** This concluding phrase reveals the underlying motivation and driving force behind their actions. "Greediness" (Greek: *pleonexia*) signifies an insatiable desire for more, a covetousness that is never satisfied. It suggests that these acts of uncleanness are not merely for pleasure but are fueled by an unquenchable craving for greater indulgence, more gratification, or an ever-increasing acquisition of sinful experiences. This "greediness" transforms mere acts of sin into an obsessive, relentless pursuit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Ephesians 4:19](/ephesians/4-19 "Ephesians 4:19 - The Progression of Moral Decay") to convey the severity of moral degradation. There is a clear **Progression** from an internal spiritual state to outward, comprehensive action: from "being past feeling" (internal insensitivity), to "given themselves over" (deliberate surrender), to "work all uncleanness" (pervasive practice), culminating "with greediness" (the underlying, insatiable motivation). This sequential structure emphasizes the downward spiral of sin. The phrase "all uncleanness" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, highlighting the complete and comprehensive nature of their moral defilement, suggesting that no form of impurity is excluded. Furthermore, the entire verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the new life in Christ that Paul is urging believers to live, setting up the subsequent exhortations to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - The Call to Newness of Life")). The vivid imagery of a conscience "past feeling" and a self "given over" creates a powerful, almost visceral, picture of spiritual and moral abandonment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:19 provides a sobering theological insight into the nature of unregenerate humanity and the devastating consequences of rejecting God's truth. It illustrates how spiritual insensitivity, a hardened heart, inevitably leads to a deliberate and comprehensive surrender to sin. This progression underscores the doctrine of human depravity, where sin is not merely a series of isolated acts but a deep-seated condition of the heart that, left unchecked, results in a complete abandonment to unrighteousness. The "greediness" at the end of the verse highlights the idolatrous nature of sin, where the insatiable desire for self-gratification replaces the worship of God, becoming an ultimate, consuming pursuit. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for divine intervention and transformation, as humanity, left to its own devices, descends into moral chaos driven by its own insatiable desires.

* [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24-28 - God Gives Them Over to Their Lusts")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [1 Timothy 4:2](/1_timothy/4-2 "1 Timothy 4:2 - Conscience Seared")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:19 stands as a profound warning for believers today, urging us to vigilantly guard our hearts and minds against the subtle creep of spiritual apathy. The progression described—from a hardened conscience to unrestrained sin driven by insatiable desires—is a dangerous path that can begin almost imperceptibly. We are called to cultivate a tender conscience, one that remains sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction and quick to repent. This verse reminds us that true freedom is not found in indulging every desire, but in the liberating power of Christ to transform our desires and enable us to live a life of purity and self-control. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we are becoming "past feeling," desensitized to sin, or allowing "greediness" (whether for pleasure, possessions, or power) to drive our choices? Our spiritual vitality depends on actively "putting off" these old ways and continually "putting on" the new nature created in righteousness and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be at risk of becoming "past feeling" or desensitized to sin?**
* **How does "greediness" (an insatiable desire for more) manifest in my own life, and how might it be driving ungodly behaviors or attitudes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more tender conscience and actively "put off" the old ways described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "past feeling" in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: To be "past feeling" (Greek: *apalgéō*) in a spiritual sense means to have become morally callous, apathetic, or desensitized to sin and spiritual truth. It describes a state where the conscience, through repeated rejection of God's promptings or persistent indulgence in sin, has lost its ability to register guilt, shame, or conviction. It's a spiritual numbness, a hardening of the heart that leads to a lack of remorse or concern for one's actions, making one impervious to moral appeals or divine warnings. This condition often precedes a deeper surrender to sin, as seen in [Ephesians 4:19](/ephesians/4-19 "Ephesians 4:19 - The Progression of Moral Decay").

**Is "lasciviousness" only about sexual sin?**

Answer: While "lasciviousness" (Greek: *aselgeia*) often includes sexual sin, its meaning is broader. It refers to unbridled sensuality, wantonness, and a shameless, defiant disregard for moral decency and public opinion. It implies a lack of restraint and a blatant indulgence in vice, not necessarily limited to sexual acts. It is characterized by an open display of immorality and a lack of shame, making it a particularly egregious "work of the flesh" as listed in [Galatians 5:19](/galatians/5-19 "Galatians 5:19 - Works of the Flesh"). It's about a general dissoluteness and moral abandon.

**How does "greediness" relate to "uncleanness" in this verse?**

Answer: In [Ephesians 4:19](/ephesians/4-19 "Ephesians 4:19 - The Progression of Moral Decay"), "greediness" (Greek: *pleonexía*) is presented as the driving force or underlying motivation for "all uncleanness." It's not just about financial covetousness, but an insatiable desire for more of anything—more pleasure, more sensation, more gratification, more indulgence. This unquenchable craving fuels the pursuit of impurity, meaning that the acts of "uncleanness" are not accidental lapses but are actively "worked" or pursued with an intense, grasping appetite. This connection highlights that sin is often driven by an idolatrous desire for something other than God, a desire that is never truly satisfied.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:19, in its stark depiction of humanity's moral decay when alienated from God, powerfully underscores the essential and transformative work of Jesus Christ. The "past feeling" conscience and the self "given over" to lasciviousness and uncleanness reveal the depth of human depravity and the utter inability of individuals to rescue themselves from sin's grip. Christ, however, is the one who breaks this destructive cycle. He came not only to atone for sin through His [sacrificial death on the cross](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us") but also to provide the power for radical transformation. Through faith in Him, the Holy Spirit regenerates the heart, replacing the "hardness" (as mentioned in [Ephesians 4:18](/ephesians/4-18 "Ephesians 4:18 - Hardness of Heart")) with a new, tender conscience sensitive to God's will. The new life in Christ is characterized by putting off the "old man" with his corrupt practices and "putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - The New Self in Christ")). Where sin leads to an insatiable "greediness," Christ offers true satisfaction and contentment, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart (as promised in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the light that dispels the "darkened understanding" and the life that overcomes alienation from God, leading His followers into a path of purity, self-control, and genuine love, utterly distinct from the moral chaos described in this verse.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:2

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Romans 1:24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Romans 1:26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

2 Peter 2:12

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;