Ephesians 5:5

Ephesians 5:5 delivers a potent warning and a clear statement about the nature of those who will inherit the eternal "kingdom of Christ and of God." Paul, writing to the believers in Ephesus, emphasizes that certain ungodly behaviors are fundamentally incompatible with a genuine relationship with God and an eternal destiny in His presence.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader exhortation in Ephesians chapters 4 and 5, where he contrasts the former way of life (characterized by Gentile ignorance and sin) with the new life in Christ. Following his instruction in Ephesians 5:3-4 to avoid sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness, verse 5 provides the weighty consequence for those who persist in such practices. Paul urges believers to "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" (Ephesians 5:2), and this verse underscores the seriousness of deviating from that path of love and holiness.

Key Themes

• Exclusion from God's Kingdom: The most direct message is that those who habitually practice the sins listed will not receive an "inheritance" in God's kingdom. This speaks to eternal consequences and the necessity of a transformed life for salvation.
• Sexual Purity: "Whoremonger" (Greek: pornos) refers to those engaged in sexual immorality, and "unclean person" (Greek: akathartos) broadens this to include all forms of moral impurity, especially sexual defilement. Paul consistently stresses the importance of sexual purity, viewing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18.
• Covetousness as Idolatry: The phrase "covetous man, who is an idolater" is particularly insightful. Covetousness (Greek: pleonektes) is an insatiable desire for more, often material possessions or illicit gain. Paul equates this greed with idolatry because it means placing earthly desires or material things above God, effectively making them objects of worship or ultimate devotion. This powerful connection reveals that sin is often rooted in misplaced affections.
• Divine Standard of Conduct: The verse sets a clear, high standard for those who claim to belong to Christ. It's not merely about avoiding specific acts but cultivating a heart that is pure and devoted to God, recognizing that our actions reflect our true allegiance. The warning is not against isolated failures but against a lifestyle characterized by these sins.

Linguistic Insights

• The term "whoremonger" comes from the Greek word pornos (πόρνος), which refers to one who engages in illicit sexual intercourse, the root of our word "pornography."
• "Unclean person" translates akathartos (ἀκάθαρτος), signifying someone ritually or morally impure, often with connotations of sexual defilement.
• "Covetous man" is pleonektes (πλεονέκτης), describing a greedy person, always wanting more, often at the expense of others.
• "Idolater" is eidololatres (εἰδωλολάτρης), one who worships idols. The explicit link between covetousness and idolatry underscores that anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts becomes an idol.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:5 calls believers to a serious self-examination. Are there any areas in our lives where sexual impurity, greed, or other forms of idolatry linger? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true faith in Christ involves a transformed life, where our conduct aligns with our confession. It encourages a proactive pursuit of holiness and purity, not out of fear, but out of love for God and appreciation for the glorious inheritance promised in His kingdom. Our hope of inheritance in Christ should motivate us to live lives pleasing to Him.