Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:2

What does 1 Thessalonians 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 4:2 means

Paul reminds them that his teaching did not rest on his own opinion. The instructions they “received” came “through the Lord Jesus,” meaning they carry Christ’s authority and reflect His will. This gives weight to what he is about to say. Christian ethics is not invented by culture or preference; it is delivered by the Lord through His appointed messengers. The Thessalonians already knew these commands, showing that moral instruction was part of the gospel’s initial discipleship. Remembering who stands behind these charges should encourage humble obedience and guard against brushing aside inconvenient truths as if they were optional advice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because you have in mind the orders we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for ye have known what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For ye know what charges we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Context

After urging growth in verse 1, Paul clarifies the source and authority of the directions he is about to restate. This prepares readers to receive the coming imperatives about holiness with appropriate seriousness. The flow now moves from general exhortation (please God, abound) to the foundation (commandments through Jesus), and then into the first concrete area of sanctification in verses 3–8: sexual purity, self-control, and honoring fellow believers, underlined by God’s calling and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

v.1Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

v.2This passage

v.3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 28:20

    teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10

    For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:21

    to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6

    Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

  • Ezekiel 3:17

    Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

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