1 Thessalonians 4:3
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 4:3 means
God’s will is not hidden here: He desires His people’s “sanctification,” their being set apart unto Him in conduct and heart. A central part of that is abstaining from fornication—any sexual practice outside the marriage covenant. In a culture where such sins were common and often excused, God’s people are to be different. Purity is not prudishness but devotion to God, who designed sexuality for His purposes. Saying “this is the will of God” brings clarity and courage: holiness is not a side issue. It is the path of life for those who belong to Him, reflecting His character in the most personal areas of life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the purpose of God for you is this: that you may be holy, and may keep yourselves from the desires of the flesh;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for this is the will of God--your sanctification; that ye abstain from the whoredom,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this is the will of God, your sanctification: That you should abstain from fornication:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this is [the] will ofGod, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication;
Context
Having asserted Jesus’ authority in verse 2, Paul states God’s will plainly in verse 3 and begins applying it. The next verses (4–6) explain what sanctification looks like in this sphere: self-mastery, honor, a contrast with pagan lust, and refusing to exploit others. This section culminates in theological reasons (7–8): God’s call is to holiness, and rejecting these standards is rejecting God Himself, who gives the Holy Spirit. The moral exhortation thus rests on both command and calling.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:6
not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
- Ephesians 5:26
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
- Hebrews 13:21
make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
- Acts 15:29
that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.
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