Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 4:19

"who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." — Ephesians 4:19 (ASV)

People like these have “lost all sensitivity.” They can no longer respond to moral stimuli. Their consciences are so atrophied that sin registers no stab of pain. They have abandoned themselves to every sort of vice. From Ro 1:24–28 we learn that in such circumstances God leaves sinners to endure the full consequences of their tragic decision. “Sensuality” is license in the physical aspect of one’s being, especially sexual excesses. This fearful self-abandonment leads to all kinds of filthy practices, which are so absorbing as almost to become a total preoccupation.

All this is pursued “with a continual lust” (GK 4432). This term is not necessarily associated with sexual misconduct, though the context here suggests it. It means the determination to gratify self-interest at all costs, regardless of the rights of others.