1 Thessalonians 4:4-8

4:4 that each of you know how to possess his own body ¹  in holiness and honor, 4:5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 4:6 In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, ²  because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, ³  as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. 4:7 For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. 4:8 Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority ⁴  but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

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¹ tn Grk “to gain [or possess] his own vessel.” “Vessel” is most likely used figuratively for “body” (cf. 2 Cor 4:7). Some take it to mean “wife” (thus, “to take a wife for himself” or “to live with his wife”), but this is less likely. See J. Smith, “1 Thess 4:4 – Breaking the Impasse,” BBR 10 (Fall 2000), who argues that “vessel” in this context is very likely a euphemism for the sexual organs.

² tn Grk “not to transgress against or defraud his brother in the matter,” continuing the sentence of vv. 3-5.

³ tn Grk “concerning all these things.”

⁴ tn Grk “rejecting man.”