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Jesus said, “I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). The KJV translates “every empty word” as “every idle word”; the ESV says, “every careless word.” The Greek phrase is rema argos, meaning “careless or inactive or unprofitable words ...
The key words in this passage are “idle” and “account.” The first word “idle” comes from the root Greek word ARGOS. It means “not busy, idle, inactive, doing nothing, and sterile.” When we apply it as Jesus did here in Matthew 12:36, it has the idea of careless or casual words.
The word, when used elsewhere in scripture (KJV) is translated 'idle' 'slow' or 'barren', such as I Timothy 5:13 'idle', Titus 1:12 'slow' and II Peter 1:8 'barren'. Overall I understand the meaning to be that a word has been spoken which was not chosen carefully.
Words carry weight in the Bible, and idle talk is no exception. The scriptures caution against careless speech, encouraging the use of words that build up and reflect a heart aligned with God’s values.
Idle word - This literally means a vain, thoughtless, useless word; a word that accomplishes no good. Here it means, evidently, "wicked, injurious, false, malicious, for such" were the words which they had spoken.
Idle words are undisciplined speech. Ephesians 5:4 gives a partial list of idle speech: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Idle speech is that which would most likely not be said in the physical presence of Jesus.
The concept of “idle words” comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:36 (ESV): “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” In this verse, Jesus warns that we will have to give an account for every “careless” or idle word we speak.
So the “idle” words of Matthew 12:36 (NKJV, NLT) are those that are ineffective and worthless. Other translations call them “empty” (NIV), “careless” (ESV, NASB, CSB, CEV), or “worthless” (NET) conversation.
Matthew 12:36 highlights the importance of being thoughtful and cautious with one’s speech. In this verse, Jesus is pointing out that words are not trivial. While the term “idle word” (often interpreted as careless, irresponsible, or unproductive speech) can be understood in various ways, the core idea is that words have weight and significance.
Idle words are a concept mentioned in the Bible, specifically Matthew 12:36, which states: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” This verse has led to much discussion and debate among Christians about what exactly idle words are and how to avoid them.