Ephesians 5:5

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.

Ephesians 5:5 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, calling believers to live in a way that reflects their new life in Christ. In this verse, he states plainly that certain behaviors have no place in the kingdom of Christ and of God. The opening phrase, “For this ye know,” signals a clear and certain truth, not a matter of debate.

Meaning

The verse lists three kinds of people who will not inherit the kingdom: the whoremonger, the unclean person, and the covetous man. A whoremonger is someone who engages in sexual immorality, especially prostitution or promiscuity. An unclean person is morally impure, given over to sinful practices. A covetous man is one who has an excessive desire for wealth or possessions. Paul identifies the covetous man as an idolater because greed places created things in the place that belongs to God alone.

The word “inheritance” points to the promised share in God’s eternal kingdom. The phrase “kingdom of Christ and of God” affirms that Christ rules and that God’s presence is fully realized there. This inheritance is not earned by human effort but is the gift of God to those who belong to Him. Yet the verse warns that persistent, unrepentant practice of these sins excludes a person from that inheritance.

Biblical connections

This warning follows the instruction in Ephesians 5:3-4, where Paul tells believers that sexual immorality, impurity, and greed should not even be named among them. The connection is direct: those who belong to Christ are called to live as children of light, not in the darkness of these sins.

Application

For believers, this verse calls for sanctification—a life set apart for God. It reminds us to pursue purity and to turn away from sinful practices. If any believer has fallen into these behaviors, the answer is repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness, which brings restoration. It also challenges our priorities: we must place God as the ultimate authority and not allow material possessions or worldly desires to take His place.

Reflection

This verse is a sober warning, but it is also a call to examine our hearts. It asks whether our lives reflect the kingdom we claim to belong to. True faith transforms conduct, and those who belong to Christ are empowered by the Spirit to live in holiness. Let us take seriously the call to live as children of light, honoring God in all we do.