Ephesians 5:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G5124} ye know {G2075}{G1097}, that {G3754} no {G3756}{G3956} whoremonger {G4205}, nor {G2228} unclean person {G169}, nor {G2228} covetous man {G4123}, who {G3739} is {G2076} an idolater {G1496}, hath {G2192} any inheritance {G2817} in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} of Christ {G5547} and {G2532} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For of this you can be sure: every sexually immoral, impure or greedy person — that is, every idol-worshipper — has no share in the Kingdom of the Messiah and of God.

Berean Standard Bible

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

American Standard Version

For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:5 delivers a solemn declaration from the Apostle Paul, underscoring the absolute incompatibility of certain ungodly lifestyles—specifically those marked by sexual immorality, spiritual impurity, and covetousness (equated with idolatry)—with participation in the eternal reign of God. This verse serves as a stark warning and a clear delineation of the moral and spiritual standards for those who genuinely belong to the kingdom of Christ and God, emphasizing that a life habitually characterized by these vices forfeits any claim to divine inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's ethical exhortations in the latter half of his letter to the Ephesians, particularly following his call for believers to "walk in love" as Christ did ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love")). Paul has just explicitly warned against sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness, stating that such things "should not even be named among you, as is proper among saints" ([Ephesians 5:3](/ephesians/5-3 "Ephesians 5:3 - Avoid Immorality")). Verse 5, therefore, functions as a powerful reinforcement and theological grounding for these prohibitions, presenting the ultimate consequence for those who persist in such practices. It contrasts sharply with the "light" that believers are called to be in the Lord ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")), highlighting the darkness from which they have been delivered and into which they must not revert.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and particularly for the grand Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The worship of Artemis often involved practices that were morally lax by Christian standards, including cultic prostitution and various forms of sensuality. Furthermore, the broader Greco-Roman world was characterized by widespread sexual immorality, rampant idolatry, and a pervasive pursuit of material gain. Paul's strong condemnation of "whoremongers, unclean persons, and covetous men who are idolaters" directly challenged the prevailing cultural norms of Ephesus, calling believers to a radical counter-cultural lifestyle of holiness that distinctly set them apart from their pagan neighbors.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Distinctiveness and Holiness**, emphasizing that the new life in Christ demands a radical departure from the old pagan ways. Secondly, it highlights the **Seriousness of Sin**, particularly those sins that directly contradict God's nature and character, such as sexual impurity and idolatry. Thirdly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Inheritance and the Kingdom of God**, clarifying that this inheritance is not automatically granted but is contingent upon a transformed life that aligns with the values and character of God's reign. The explicit equating of covetousness with idolatry also underscores Paul's consistent teaching that anything that replaces God as the ultimate object of desire or worship becomes an idol, a theme also found in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things"). Finally, it speaks to the **Transformative Power of the Gospel**, implying that true conversion leads to a fundamental change in behavior and allegiance, without which one cannot truly belong to the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whoremonger (Greek, _pórnos'_):** From G4205, this term refers to one who engages in illicit sexual intercourse, a male prostitute, or, by extension, any debauchee or fornicator. It encompasses a wide range of sexual immorality outside the bounds of marriage, including prostitution, adultery, and fornication. Paul consistently condemns such practices as fundamentally incompatible with Christian life.
* **Unclean person (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169, this word signifies someone impure, whether ceremonially, morally (especially lewd), or even demonically. In this context, it primarily denotes moral impurity, often with strong connotations of sexual defilement, but extending to any form of moral filthiness that defiles the person and dishonors God. It suggests a state of being rather than just an isolated act.
* **Idolater (Greek, _eidōlolátrēs'_):** From G1496, this term describes an image-worshipper or one who serves idols, literally or figuratively. The verse explicitly links this to the "covetous man," indicating that covetousness is a form of idolatry. This is because the insatiable desire for material possessions or illicit gain effectively places created things or self-gratification in the place of God, making them objects of ultimate devotion and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this ye know":** This opening phrase, introduced by the particle _gár_ (G1063), signals that Paul is stating a well-established truth, something the Ephesian believers should already be aware of or have been taught. It lends authority and certainty to the declaration that follows, implying that this is not new information but a foundational principle of Christian doctrine and ethics.
* **"that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater":** This clause provides a comprehensive list of individuals whose lifestyles are antithetical to God's kingdom. The repeated "nor" (G2228, _ḗ_) emphasizes the absolute exclusion of each category. The specific and strong identification of the "covetous man" as an "idolater" (G1496, _eidōlolátrēs_) is particularly striking, revealing the spiritual depth of this sin—it is not merely greed but a reorientation of worship away from God towards created things.
* **"hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God":** This final clause states the grave consequence. The word "inheritance" (G2817, _klēronomía_) refers to a patrimony or possession, signifying a share in the future blessings and eternal reign. The "kingdom of Christ and of God" (G932, _basileía_) refers to the singular, unified reign of God, exercised through Christ. The declaration "hath no inheritance" (G2192, _échō_ with G3756 _ou_ and G3956 _pâs_) is an absolute denial, meaning such individuals have no share, no part, and no future in this divine realm.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** in Ephesians 5:5 to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where he lists three distinct categories of individuals ("whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man") whose behaviors are incompatible with the kingdom. This creates a comprehensive and unambiguous statement. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Equating** or **Identification** when it explicitly states, "who is an idolater," directly linking covetousness with idolatry. This powerful rhetorical move elevates covetousness from a mere moral failing to a profound spiritual offense, revealing its root in a misplaced ultimate allegiance. The use of the strong negative "no" (G3756, _ou_) combined with "any" (G3956, _pâs_) creates a forceful **Exclusionary Language**, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the fate of those who persist in these sins. The concept of "inheritance" serves as a **Metonymy** for full participation in the blessings and authority of God's eternal reign, making the consequence tangible and severe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:5 stands as a foundational theological statement on the nature of God's kingdom and the character required for entry. It underscores the biblical truth that God's kingdom is a realm of holiness and righteousness, and entrance into it is not merely a matter of profession but of genuine transformation. The verse highlights the radical discontinuity between the "old man" of sin and the "new man" created in Christ, emphasizing that a life habitually characterized by sexual immorality, impurity, or idolatrous covetousness demonstrates a fundamental lack of saving faith and a true relationship with God. This is not a statement about losing salvation for isolated failures, but about the inherent incompatibility of a lifestyle defined by these vices with the very nature of God's holy presence and reign.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Inheriting the Kingdom of God")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:5 serves as a profound call to introspection and a powerful motivator for pursuing genuine holiness. It compels believers to examine their lives, not merely for outward conformity but for the inward affections and allegiances of their hearts. Are there areas where the allure of sexual sin, the subtle creep of impurity, or the insatiable desire for more (covetousness) have taken root, subtly displacing God from His rightful throne? This verse reminds us that true faith is evidenced by a transformed life, where our actions align with our confession. It is a summons to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, recognizing that our ultimate hope of an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God is inextricably linked to our commitment to walk in purity and devotion. This pursuit of holiness is not burdensome legalism but a joyful response to the grace that has rescued us from the very sins that exclude from God's presence, leading to a life that truly reflects the light of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might subtle forms of "uncleanliness" or "covetousness" manifest in my life today, and how might I be unknowingly elevating them above God?**
* **How does the explicit link between covetousness and idolatry challenge my understanding of sin and my priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that truly desires God above all else, thereby guarding against the sins listed in this verse?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that a Christian can lose their salvation if they commit one of these sins?**

Answer: This verse, like similar passages ([1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Do Not Be Deceived")), refers to those whose *lifestyle* or *habitual practice* is characterized by these sins, indicating an unregenerate heart. It is not speaking of isolated failures or temptations that a true believer might struggle with and repent of. The New Testament consistently teaches that true believers, while not perfect, are marked by a new nature and a desire to obey God ([1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "1 John 3:9 - No One Born of God Practices Sin")). If one's life is *defined* by persistent, unrepentant engagement in these practices, it suggests they have never truly received the inheritance of the kingdom, as their actions contradict their profession. Salvation is by grace through faith, but genuine faith always produces a transformed life.

**Why is covetousness equated with idolatry?**

Answer: Paul's equating of covetousness (G4123, _pleonéktēs_) with idolatry (G1496, _eidōlolátrēs_) is a profound theological insight. Idolatry is fundamentally about worshipping or serving something other than the one true God. When a person is consumed by covetousness—an insatiable desire for more, especially material possessions or illicit gain—their heart's ultimate affection and pursuit are directed towards these worldly things. They effectively give these desires the place that rightfully belongs to God. Their security, satisfaction, and purpose become rooted in what they can acquire or possess, rather than in God Himself. Thus, anything that takes God's rightful place in one's heart, becoming the supreme object of desire or trust, functions as an idol, whether it's a physical image or an abstract desire. This connection highlights that sin is not merely external behavior but a matter of the heart's allegiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:5, with its stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The very sins listed—sexual immorality, impurity, and idolatrous covetousness—are precisely what Christ came to redeem us from. He, the perfectly holy and undefiled Son of God, lived a life completely free from these blemishes, offering Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") to atone for our sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the means by which we can be cleansed from all unrighteousness and receive a new nature, enabling us to walk in purity and devotion. Our "inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" is not earned by our own efforts to avoid sin, but is a gracious gift secured by Christ's finished work on the cross ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the true and ultimate treasure, replacing all idolatrous desires with a supreme affection for God. As believers are united with Him, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self and put on the new ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self")), progressively living out the holiness that is already theirs in Christ, thereby demonstrating their genuine belonging to His glorious kingdom.

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

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Colossians 3:5

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

Ephesians 5:3

¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.