εὐτραπελία (eutrapelia)
eutrapelia
vulgar jesting
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eutrapelia refers to a specific kind of coarse or vulgar humor. Derived from roots meaning "well" and "turn," it literally suggests being "ready at repartee." While the term originally described social versatility or wit in classical Greek, its usage in Scripture carries a sharply negative tone. It denotes facetiousness that crosses into scurrility, ribaldry, or low jesting rather than innocent amusement.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 5:4. Paul lists it alongside obscene talk and foolish joking as behaviors that are inappropriate for holy people. The sources highlight a distinction between this term and simple foolishness; eutrapelia implies a sharpness or cleverness in speech that is directed toward mockery or indecency. It is not merely being silly, but engaging in humor that degrades rather than builds up.
Translators typically render eutrapelia as "coarse joking" or "vulgar jesting" to capture its offensive quality. The term serves as a warning against using wit as a vehicle for impurity. In this context, the focus is on the moral weight of speech, where even clever words can become instruments of shame if they lack reverence and purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word εὐτραπελὴα (eutrapelia) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Ephesians 5:4. It describes a specific kind of humor that is coarse or vulgar. While it literally suggests being "ready at repartee," Paul uses it to warn against wit that crosses into indecency. This is not simple silliness, but clever speech designed to mock or degrade others.
For your daily life, this reminder helps you guard the tone of your conversations. Humor can be a gift, but it should never become a vehicle for impurity or shame. Instead of seeking laughs through sharp or obscene remarks, aim for words that build up and give thanks. This protects your relationships and keeps your speech aligned with your faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crude joking1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐτραπελία1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:4
nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate, but rather giving of thanks.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Paul explicitly lists it alongside obscene talk as behavior inappropriate for believers.