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Eph 5:4. Αἰσχρότης, filthiness) in word, or even in gesture, etc.-μωρολογία, foolish talking) wherein a mere laugh is aimed at even without wit [the salt of profitable discourse, Col 4:6].-ἤ εὐτραπελία) or jesting.[77] This is more refined than filthiness or foolish talking; for it depends on the understanding. The Asiatics delighted much in it: and in former times jesting prevailed for some ages, even among the learned. Why so? (Because) Aristotle considered jesting to be a virtue; and they made much use of Plautus. Olympiodorus observes, that Paul rebuked εὐτραπελία, jesting, in such a way that ὥστε οὐδὲ τὰ ἀστεῖα δεκτέον, there is not even a place for urbane conversation (pleasantry).-τὰ οὐκ ἀνήκοντα, the things which are not befitting [convenient]) An epithet [not the predicate]. Supply the predicate, let them be kept out of the way.[78]-εὐχαριστία, thanksgiving) Supply ἀνήκει, is convenient. The holy and yet joyful use of the tongue is opposed to its abuse, Eph 5:18-19. The abuse and the use are not compatible with one another.-εὐτραπελία and εὐχαριστία are an elegant Paranomasia:[79] the former disturbs (and indeed the refined jest and subtile humour sometimes offend the tender feelings of grace), the latter exhilarates the mind.
[77] Wahl translates this word, which is found here only in the New Testament, Scurrilitas. Its classic use conveys no idea of censure; Th. εὐ and τρέπω, one who happily accommodates himself to his company: pleasantry, urbanity. In μωρολογία, the foolishness, in αἰσχρολογία, the foulness, in εὐτραπελία, the false refinement of discourse, not seasoned with the salt of grace, are noted.-Trench, Syn. Gr. T.-ED.
[78] Taken by Zeugma out of μηδὲ ὀνομαζέσθω, Eph 5:3.-ED.
[79] See Append. A similar sound and form in two nouns, producing a pleasant antithesis.-ED.