But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Covetousness. [1] The Latin word is generally taken for a coveting or immoderate desire of money and riches. S. Jerom and others observe, that the Greek word in this and divers other places in the New Testament may signify any unsatiable desire, or the lusts of sensual pleasures; and on this account, S. Jerom thinks that it is here joined with fornication and uncleanness. But Saint John Chrysostom in the last chapter, (verse 19. hom. xiii. and on this chap. 5:3) shews that by the Greek word is understood avarice, or an immoderate desire of riches, when he tells (hom. xviii) that this sin is condemned by those words of Christ, Luke 16:13. You cannot serve God and mammon. Witham.