4:19

Commentators and versions differ on how 4:19a and 4:19b are connected to one another. There are two main interpretations:

(1) “Having lost all sense of shame” is the reason “they have given themselves over to sensuality.” For example:

Since they no longer have any sense of shame (God’s Word)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, Contemporary English Version)

(2) “Having lost all sense of shame” and “they have given themselves over to sensuality” are separate examples connected by the word “and.” For example:

They have lost all feeling of shame, and… (New Century Version)

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, English Standard Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Since there is strong support for both interpretations, either is acceptable. It is recommended that you consult your national versions and follow their example.

4:19a

Having lost all sense of shame: The phrase lost all sense of shame means that when the Gentiles do evil things, they are not ashamed of their actions. These people do evil things day after day, until their hearts (consciences) become “callous” (Revised Standard Version); that is, they no longer feel ashamed or guilty.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

They no longer have any feelings about what is right (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They have no sense of shame (New Living Translation (2004))

4:19b

they have given themselves over to sensuality: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as given themselves over means that “they have turned themselves over” to sensuality, or “they have handed themselves over” to sensuality.

sensuality: The Greek word for sensuality means shameful behavior, impure behavior, immoral ways, debauchery. This is talking mainly about sexual sins, but it may also include other evil behavior, such as getting drunk.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

They live for lustful pleasure (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they do nothing else but shameful deeds
-or-
they pass their time behaving in shameful ways

4:19c

for the practice of every kind of impurity: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for the practice of also means “to continually do something” or “satisfy a desire.”

every kind of impurity: The word impurity means sexual immorality. It means almost the same thing as “sensuality” in 4:19b. For example:

They practice every kind of sexual perversion (God’s Word)

4:19d

with a craving for more: The Greek phrase which the Berean Standard Bible translates as craving for more is literally “in greediness.” These people are “greedy for more sin” or they “want to sin more.” Their sinful desires are never satisfied.

Some other ways to say this are:

they do not restrain themselves
-or-
they do not hold themselves back ⌊from doing all these immoral deeds⌋
-or-
They continually seek for more sinful pleasure

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