What does Ephesians 4:19 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:19 speaks to a particular state of moral and spiritual degeneration.

The verse describes individuals who have become insensate or, as the text says, "past feeling," which implies that they have lost all sense of moral integrity and spiritual sensitivity.

Instead of adhering to ethical or spiritual norms, these individuals have surrendered themselves to "lasciviousness", unbridled lust and sexual immorality.

This pursuit of pleasure is characterized by a deliberate and continuous engagement in "all uncleanness," which can be interpreted as various forms of moral impurity.

Lastly, the verse notes that this behavior is done with "greediness," an insatiable desire for more, suggesting a deeper, uncontrolled compulsion that drives these actions beyond mere pleasure-seeking.

Historical Context

Ephesians is generally believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul, possibly around A.D. 60-62, while he was in prison in Rome.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a significant city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its cultural diversity, wealth, and devotion to the goddess Artemis.

Situated in what is now modern-day Turkey, Ephesus was a hub of trade and Hellenistic-Roman culture.

The city's cosmopolitan nature fostered an environment that was often morally permissive and at odds with the ethical teachings of the early Christian church.

The verse in question is part of a larger argument where Paul is contrasting the old life of a non-believer with the new life in Christ.

Theological Insights

This passage underscores the Christian theological viewpoint that a life without God can lead to moral numbness and a relentless pursuit of sinful desires.

From a Calvinist perspective, it might be seen as an example of total depravity, where humans, by their sinful nature, are predisposed to reject God.

An Arminian interpretation, on the other hand, might emphasize the individuals' choice to give themselves over to such behavior, highlighting the importance of free will.

Liberation theologians might view this as a caution against societal structures that promote or allow for such dehumanizing behaviors, advocating for social reforms that align with Christian ethics.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 4:19 serves as a warning against allowing oneself to be desensitized to immoral behavior. It encourages self-reflection on how one's actions and desires align with their spiritual values.

Moreover, it underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against the lure of societal norms that may be in conflict with ethical and spiritual principles.

Believers are prompted to pursue purity and to guard their hearts against the insidious nature of greed and lust that can lead to spiritual callousness.

Cross-References

• Romans 1:24-26: "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves..."
• 1 Peter 4:3: "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries..."
• Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..."

Language Study

The Greek word translated as "past feeling" is ἀπηλγηκότες (apēlgekotes), indicating a state of being desensitized or numb.

"Lasciviousness," from the Greek ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia), signifies a lack of restraint, especially regarding sexual excess.

"Uncleanness" is derived from the Greek ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia), meaning impurity or filthiness, particularly in a moral sense.

"Greediness" comes from πλεονεξία (pleonexia), which denotes covetousness or an insatiable desire to have more.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of Greco-Roman culture, religious practices often included elements of sexual licentiousness, particularly in the worship of deities like Aphrodite or Dionysus.

Such practices stood in stark contrast to Judeo-Christian moral codes, which emphasized sexual purity and ethical behavior.

The Christian message presented in Ephesians rejects the permissive sexual mores of the surrounding culture and sets a new standard for believers.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might provide insights into the behaviors described in this verse, exploring how repeated engagement in certain activities can lead to desensitization or the development of addictive patterns.

This aligns with the concept of "past feeling" whereby continuous indulgence in excess (lascivious behavior, in this context) could diminish the perception of moral or social consequences.

Scientific studies into the nature of addiction and compulsion could offer a lens for understanding the "greediness" noted here as a form of psychological or neurological craving.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary views this verse as a description of the Gentiles' spiritual and moral bankruptcy, in contrast to the purity that the Gospel calls for.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses the "past feeling" as the searing of conscience that allows individuals to commit sin without remorse.

Gill also remarks on "lasciviousness" as an indicator of public indecency without shame.

The Pulpit Commentary highlights the contrast between the new Christian life and the former pagan lifestyle, with "greediness" signaling an insatiable appetite for sin that marked the conduct of the Ephesians before their conversion.