KJV: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
YLT: for this is the will of God -- your sanctification; that ye abstain from the whoredom,
Darby: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication;
ASV: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
| Τοῦτο | This |
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Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: οὗτος Sense: this. |
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| θέλημα | [the] will |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: θέλημα Sense: what one wishes or has determined shall be done. |
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| τοῦ | - |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| Θεοῦ | of God |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: θεός Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities. |
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| ἁγιασμὸς | sanctification |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ἁγιασμός Sense: consecration, purification. |
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| ὑμῶν | of you |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Plural Root: σύ Sense: you. |
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| ἀπέχεσθαι | To abstain |
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Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle Root: ἀπέχω Sense: have. |
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| ὑμᾶς | you [are] |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 2nd Person Plural Root: σύ Sense: you. |
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| τῆς | - |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| πορνείας | sexual immorality |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: πορνεία Sense: illicit sexual intercourse. |
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Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Found only in the Greek Bible and ecclesiastical writers from αγιαζω hagiazō and both to take the place of the old words αγιζω αγισμος hagizōαπεχεσται υμας απο της πορνειας hagismos with their technical ideas of consecration to a god or goddess that did not include holiness in life. So Paul makes a sharp and pointed stand here for the Christian idea of sanctification as being “the will of God” (apposition) and as further explained by the epexegetic infinitive that ye abstain from fornication Pagan religion did not demand sexual purity of its devotees, the gods and goddesses being grossly immoral. Priestesses were in the temples for the service of the men who came. [source]
Paul wrote from Corinth, where sensuality in the guise of religion was rife. In Thessalonica, besides the ordinary licentious customs of the Gentiles, immorality was fostered by the Cabeiric worship (see Introduction). About the time of Paul, a political sanction was given to this worship by deifying the Emperor as Cabeirus. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Rev., sanctification. For the kindred adjective ἅγιος holysee on saints, Acts 26:10. Ἁγιασμός is used in the New Testament both of a process - the inauguration and maintenance of the life of fellowship with God, and of the resultant state of sanctification. See 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 12:14. It is difficult to determine which is meant here. The passages in Thessalonians, Timothy, and Hebrews, are cited by interpreters on both sides. As in Romans 6:22it appears that sanctification contemplates a further result (everlasting life), it is perhaps better to understand it as the process. Yield your members to righteousness in order to carry on the progressive work of sanctification, perfecting holiness (1 Corinthians 7:1). [source]
Because of defective spiritual insight largely due to moral defects also. Servants to uncleanness (δουλα τηι ακαταρσιαι doula tēi akatharsiāi). Neuter plural form of δουλος doulos to agree with μελη melē (members). Patently true in sexual sins, in drunkenness, and all fleshly sins, absolutely slaves like narcotic fiends. So now Now that you are born again in Christ. Paul uses twice again the same verb παριστημι paristēmi to present Servants to righteousness (εις αγιασμον doula tēi dikaiosunēi). Repeats the idea of Romans 6:18. Unto sanctification This the goal, the blessed consummation that demands and deserves the new slavery without occasional lapses or sprees (Romans 6:15). This late word appears only in lxx, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers so far. See note on 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:30. Paul includes sanctification in his conception of the God-kind (Romans 1:17) of righteousness (both justification, 1:18-5:21 and sanctification, chapters 6-8). It is a life process of consecration, not an instantaneous act. Paul shows that we ought to be sanctified (6:1-7:6) and illustrates the obligation by death (Romans 6:1-14), by slavery (Romans 6:15-23), and by marriage (Romans 7:1-6). [source]
This the goal, the blessed consummation that demands and deserves the new slavery without occasional lapses or sprees (Romans 6:15). This late word appears only in lxx, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers so far. See note on Romans 7:1-6; 1 Corinthians 1:30. Paul includes sanctification in his conception of the God-kind (Romans 1:17) of righteousness (both justification, 1:18-5:21 and sanctification, chapters 6-8). It is a life process of consecration, not an instantaneous act. Paul shows that we ought to be sanctified (6:1-7:6) and illustrates the obligation by death (Romans 6:1-14), by slavery (Romans 6:15-23), and by marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3). [source]
Now that you are born again in Christ. Paul uses twice again the same verb παριστημι paristēmi to present Servants to righteousness (εις αγιασμον doula tēi dikaiosunēi). Repeats the idea of Romans 6:18. Unto sanctification This the goal, the blessed consummation that demands and deserves the new slavery without occasional lapses or sprees (Romans 6:15). This late word appears only in lxx, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers so far. See note on 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:30. Paul includes sanctification in his conception of the God-kind (Romans 1:17) of righteousness (both justification, 1:18-5:21 and sanctification, chapters 6-8). It is a life process of consecration, not an instantaneous act. Paul shows that we ought to be sanctified (6:1-7:6) and illustrates the obligation by death (Romans 6:1-14), by slavery (Romans 6:15-23), and by marriage (Romans 7:1-6). [source]
In the sphere of Christ Jesus the choice was made. This is God‘s wisdom. Who was made unto us wisdom from God (ος εγενητη σοπια ημιν απο τεου hos egenēthē sophia hēmin apo theou). Note εγενητη egenēthē became (first aorist passive and indicative), not ην ēn was, the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection. Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:2.) “both righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (δικαιοσυνη τε και αγιασμος και απολυτρωσις dikaiosunē te kai hagiasmos kai apolutrōsis), as is made plain by the use of τεκαικαι tė̇kai̇̇kai The three words (δικαιοσυνη αγιασμοσ απολυτρωσις dikaiosunēσοπια hagiasmosδικαιοσυνη apolutrōsis) are thus shown to be an epexegesis of απολυτρωσις sophia (Lightfoot). All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ Jesus. We are made righteous, holy, and redeemed in Christ Jesus. Redemption comes here last for emphasis though the foundation of the other two. In Romans 1:17 we see clearly Paul‘s idea of the God kind of righteousness (αγιασμος dikaiosunē) in Christ. In Romans 3:24 we have Paul‘s conception of redemption (apolutrōsis setting free as a ransomed slave) in Christ. In Romans 6:19 we have Paul‘s notion of holiness or sanctification (hagiasmos) in Christ. These great theological terms will call for full discussion in Romans, but they must not be overlooked here. See also Acts 10:35; Acts 24:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 Corinthians 1:2. [source]
Note εγενητη egenēthē became (first aorist passive and indicative), not ην ēn was, the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection. Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:2.) “both righteousness and sanctification and redemption” All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ Jesus. We are made righteous, holy, and redeemed in Christ Jesus. Redemption comes here last for emphasis though the foundation of the other two. In Romans 1:17 we see clearly Paul‘s idea of the God kind of righteousness (αγιασμος dikaiosunē) in Christ. In Romans 3:24 we have Paul‘s conception of redemption (apolutrōsis setting free as a ransomed slave) in Christ. In Romans 6:19 we have Paul‘s notion of holiness or sanctification (hagiasmos) in Christ. These great theological terms will call for full discussion in Romans, but they must not be overlooked here. See also Acts 10:35; Acts 24:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 Corinthians 1:2. [source]
In the sense of requirement. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 4:3. [source]
Lit. the not going beyond. Dependent on this is the will of God, 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The verb N.T. Often in lxx, mostly in the literal sense of overpassing limits. Also of overtaking, passing by, surpassing, as in wickedness or cruelty. It is an expansion of the preceding thought. Pursue your business as holy men: do not overreach or defraud. It is the overstepping of the line between mine and thine. It is used absolutely, being defined by the succeeding clause. The A.V. is literal, go beyond. Rev. renders transgress. Weizsäcker and Bornemann “ubergreifeoverreach.” So. Rev. margin. This last is the best. [source]
The interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6usually varies between two explanations: 1. making the whole passage refer to fornication and adultery: 2. limiting this reference to 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, and making 1 Thessalonians 4:6refer to honesty in business. Both are wrong. The entire passage exhibits two groups of parallel clauses; the one concerning sexual, and the other business relations. Thus: 1. Abstain from fornication: deal honorably with your wives. 2. Pursue your business as holy men, not with covetous greed as the heathen: do not overreach or defraud. A comma should be placed after σκεῦος vesseland κτᾶσθαι procureor acquire, instead of being made dependent on εἰδέναι knowshould begin a new clause. Render, that every one of you treat his own wife honorably. Εἰδέναι isused Hebraistically in the sense of have a care for, regard, as 1 Thessalonians 5:12, “Know them that labor,” etc.: recognize their claim to respect, and hold them in due regard. Comp. Genesis 39:6: Potiphar οὐκ ᾔδει τῶν καθ ' αὑτὸν οὐδὲν “gave himself no concern about anything that he had.” 1 Samuel 2:12: the sons of Eli οὐκ εἰδότες τὸν κύριον “paying no respect to the Lord.” Exodus 1:8: Another King arose ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἱωσήφ “who did not recognize or regard Joseph”: did not remember his services and the respect in which he had been held. Σκεῦος is sometimes explained as body, for which there is no evidence in N.T. In 2 Corinthians 4:7the sense is metaphorical. Neither in lxx nor Class. does it mean body. In lxx very often of the sacred vessels of worship: sometimes, as in Class., of the accoutrements of war. In N.T. occasionally, both in singular and plural, in the general sense of appliances, furniture, tackling. See Matthew 12:29; Luke 17:31; Acts 27:17; Hebrews 9:21. For the meaning vessel, see Luke 8:16; John 19:20; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Revelation 2:27. Here, metaphorically, for wife; comp. 1 Peter 3:7. It was used for wife in the coarse and literal sense by Rabbinical writers. The admonition aptly follows the charge to abstain from fornication. On the contrary, let each one treat honorably his own wife. The common interpretation is, “as a safeguard against fornication let every one know how to procure his own wife.” It is quite safe to say that such a sentence could never have proceeded from Paul. He never would have offset a charge to abstain from fornication with a counsel to be well informed in the way of obtaining a wife. When he does touch this subject, as he does in 1 Corinthians 7:2, he says, very simply, “to avoid fornication let every man have ( ἐχέτω ) his own wife”; not, know how to get one. Εἰδέναι knowas usually interpreted, is both superfluous and absurd. Besides, the question was not of procuring a wife, but of living honorably and decently with her, paying her the respect which was her right, and therefore avoiding illicit connections. [source]
Present middle (direct) imperative of απεχω aṗechō (contrast with κατεχω kaṫechō) and preposition απο apo repeated with ablative as in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Note use of πονηρου ponērou here for evil without the article, common enough idiom. Ειδος Eidos (from ειδον eidon) naturally means look or appearance as in Luke 3:23; Luke 9:29; John 5:37; 2 Corinthians 5:7. But, if so taken, it is not semblance as opposed to reality (Milligan). The papyri give several examples of ειδος eidos in the sense of class or kind and that idea suits best here. Evil had a way of showing itself even in the spiritual gifts including prophecy. [source]
Late word from εκδικεω ekdikeō to vindicate, in Polybius and lxx. To them that know not God (τοις μη ειδοσιν τεον tois mē eidosin theon). Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Romans 10:16). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials Note the use of “gospel” here as in Mark 1:15 “believe in the gospel.” [source]
Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). [source]
Κωλύειν , properly to hinder or check. Ἁπέχεσθαι to hold one's self off. In Paul, 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Philemon 1:15. Commanding is not expressed, but is implied in forbidding; “Bidding not to marry and (bidding) to abstain from meats.” The ascetic tendencies indicated by these prohibitions developed earlier than these Epistles among the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish brotherhood on the shores of the Dead Sea, who repudiated marriage except as a necessity for preserving the race, and allowed it only under protest and under stringent regulations. They also abstained strictly from wine and animal food. This sect was in existence in the lifetime of our Lord. Strong traces of its influence appear in the heresy assailed in Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. The Christian body received large accessions from it after the destruction of Jerusalem (70 a.d.). The prohibitions above named were imposed by the later Gnosticism of the second century. [source]
Present middle (direct) infinitive of απεχω apechō old verb, to hold back from (1 Thessalonians 4:3). In indirect command (to keep on abstaining from) after παρακαλω parakalō (I beseech). With the ablative case των σαρκικων επιτυμιων tōn sarkikōn epithumiōn the grosser sins of the flesh (for σαρκικος sarkikos see 1 Corinthians 3:3) like the list in 1 Peter 4:3.Which (αιτινες haitines). “Which very ones.” Like Latin quippe qui.War against the soul Present middle indicative of στρατευω strateuō to carry on a campaign (James 4:1). See this struggle between the flesh and the spirit vividly pictured by Paul in Galatians 5:16-24. [source]