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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Ephesians 4:19 - 4:19
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
past feeling - senseless, shameless, hopeless; the ultimate result of a long process of “hardening,” or habit of sin (Eph 4:18). “Being past hope,” or despairing, is the reading of the Vulgate; though not so well supported as English Version reading, “past feeling,” which includes the absence of hope (Jer 2:25; Jer 18:12).
given themselves over - In Rom 1:24 it is, “God gave them up to uncleanness.” Their giving themselves to it was punished in kind, God giving them up to it by withdrawing His preventing grace; their sin thus was made their punishment. They gave themselves up of their own accord to the slavery of their lust, to do all its pleasure, as captives who have ceased to strive with the foe. God gave them up to it, but not against their will; for they give themselves up to it [Zanchius].
lasciviousness - “wantonness” [Alford]. So it is translated in Rom 13:13; 2Pe 2:18. It does not necessarily include lasciviousness; but it means intemperate, reckless readiness for it, and for every self-indulgence. “The first beginnings of unchastity” [Grotius]. “Lawless insolence, and wanton caprice” [Trench].
to work all uncleanness - The Greek implies, “with a deliberate view to the working (as if it were their work or business, not a mere accidental fall into sin) of uncleanness of every kind.”
with greediness - Greek, “in greediness.” Uncleanness and greediness of gain often go hand in hand (Eph 5:3, Eph 5:5; Col 3:5); though “greediness” here includes all kinds of self-seeking.