Coarse jesting in the Bible, specifically in Ephesians 5:4, refers to vulgar or indecent joking that is inappropriate for followers of Yeshua the Messiah, as it is linked to filthiness and foolish talk. The Greek term used is “eutrapelia,” which implies a form of humor that is lewd or ribald.
We think we’re crafty in creating jokes that contain parallels to sex or other such things, but is it fitting? No, especially for people of faith in Yeshua. Scripture warns against this and tells us we will be judged for our words.
Coarse jesting and crude joking are attempts to elicit laughs by crossing a line into impropriety. The use of foul language, sexual innuendos, or rude or racist comments means that a so-called joke had to appeal to baser instincts in order to earn laughs. Ephesians 5:3–4 warns against coarse jesting. It is interesting that coarse jesting is included in this list of more grievous sins that are “improper for God’s holy people.”
Ephesians 5:1-5 TS2009
Become, then, imitators of Elohim as beloved children. And walk in love, as Messiah also has loved us, and gave Himself for us, a gift and an offering to Elohim for a sweet-smelling fragrance. But whoring and all uncleanness, or greed of gain, let it not even be named among you, as is proper among set-apart ones – neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving. For this you know, that no one who whores, nor unclean one, nor one greedy of gain, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the reign of Messiah and Elohim.
We think we’re crafty in creating jokes that contain parallels to sex or other such things, but is it fitting? No, especially for people of faith in Yeshua. Scripture warns against this and tells us we will be judged for our words.
Coarse jesting and crude joking are attempts to elicit laughs by crossing a line into impropriety. The use of foul language, sexual innuendos, or rude or racist comments means that a so-called joke had to appeal to baser instincts in order to earn laughs. Ephesians 5:3–4 warns against coarse jesting. It is interesting that coarse jesting is included in this list of more grievous sins that are “improper for God’s holy people.”
Ephesians 5:1-5 TS2009
Become, then, imitators of Elohim as beloved children. And walk in love, as Messiah also has loved us, and gave Himself for us, a gift and an offering to Elohim for a sweet-smelling fragrance. But whoring and all uncleanness, or greed of gain, let it not even be named among you, as is proper among set-apart ones – neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather thanksgiving. For this you know, that no one who whores, nor unclean one, nor one greedy of gain, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the reign of Messiah and Elohim.