1 Thessalonians 4:5
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 4:5 means
The Christian pursuit of purity is contrasted with the “passion of lust” that marks those who “know not God.” Knowing God changes desires and directs them toward His purposes. Ignorance of God leads to treating people as objects and appetites as masters. Paul calls believers to live from a different center—reverence for God that reshapes how the body is used. This contrast is not self-righteous but clarifying: the church is called to display a distinct way of life that springs from knowing the Lord. By God’s grace, believers can refuse the tyranny of lust, honoring Him in choices that reflect a renewed mind and heart.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not in the passion of evil desires, like the Gentiles, who have no knowledge of God;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not in the affection of desire, as also the nations that were not knowing God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(not in passionate desire, even as the nations who know notGod,)
Context
Following the call to self-control (v. 4), this verse frames Christian sexuality in contrast to pagan patterns. It prepares for the next caution (v. 6) that sexual sin is not merely private but injures others. The argument moves from the individual’s mastery of the body, to a societal contrast with those outside the faith, to the ethical implications within the community. Soon Paul will anchor these moral demands in God’s calling (v. 7) and in the reality of the Holy Spirit given to believers (v. 8).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
- 1 Peter 4:3
For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:
- Romans 1:24
Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves:
- 1 Corinthians 1:21
For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
- Acts 17:30
The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:
- Romans 1:28
And even as they refused to have God intheirknowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Thessalonians 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Thessalonians 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
Discover what the Bible teaches about brotherly love, a cornerstone of Christian fellowship and a reflection of God's own character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courtship
Courtship, a journey of intentional relationship-building, is a concept beautifully illuminated by the wisdom found in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About Dating
Dating, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be guided by biblical principles for wise and God-honoring relationships
What the Bible says about…