King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:1 in the King James Version says “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. beseech: or, request exhort: or, beseech

1 Thessalonians 4:1 · KJV


Context

1

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. beseech: or, request exhort: or, beseech

2

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

3

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and moreloipon oun, adelphoi, erōtōmen hymas kai parakaloumen en Kyriō Iēsou, kathōs parelabete par' hēmōn to pōs dei hymas peripatein kai areskein Theō, kathōs kai peripaieite, hina perisseēte mallon (λοιπὸν οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ, καθὼς παρελάβετε παρ' ἡμῶν τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ, καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε, ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον). Loipon (λοιπὸν, 'finally/furthermore') transitions from pastoral relationship (chs. 1-3) to ethical instruction (ch. 4).

Paul uses two verbs: erōtaō (ἐρωτάω, 'to ask/request') and parakaleō (παρακαλέω, 'to exhort/urge'), combining gentle appeal with authoritative command en Kyriō Iēsou ('in/by the Lord Jesus')—this isn't Paul's opinion but Christ's authority. The phrase hina perisseēte mallon (ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον, 'that you may abound more and more') calls for progressive sanctification: believers already walk pleasing to God but must continually increase in holiness. Christian ethics aren't static morality but dynamic growth toward Christlikeness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul transitions from defense of his ministry and thanksgiving for their faith to practical instruction. The Thessalonians needed ethical guidance for living as holy people in a pagan city dominated by sexual immorality, idolatry, and exploitation. Thessalonica's culture promoted promiscuity through temple prostitution, public baths facilitating adultery, and slavery enabling sexual exploitation. Against this backdrop, Paul teaches Christian sexual ethics (vv. 3-8), brotherly love (vv. 9-10), and industrious living (vv. 11-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance Paul's affirmation ('as ye do walk') with his challenge ('abound more and more')—encouragement without complacency?
  2. What does progressive sanctification ('abound more and more') look like practically in areas where you already 'walk pleasing to God'?
  3. How does the dual approach of requesting and exhorting 'in the Lord Jesus' model spiritual authority that's both gracious and authoritative?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τὸ1 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Λοιπὸν2 of 26

Furthermore

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

οὖν3 of 26

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀδελφοί4 of 26

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐρωτῶμεν5 of 26

we beseech

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

ὑμᾶς6 of 26

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ7 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρακαλοῦμεν8 of 26

exhort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἐν9 of 26

you by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ10 of 26

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ11 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καθὼς12 of 26

that as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

παρελάβετε13 of 26

ye have received

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

παρ'14 of 26

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἡμῶν15 of 26

us

G2257

of (or from) us

Τὸ16 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πῶς17 of 26

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δεῖ18 of 26

ought

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ὑμᾶς19 of 26

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

περιπατεῖν20 of 26

to walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

καὶ21 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀρέσκειν22 of 26

to please

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

θεῷ23 of 26

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα24 of 26

so

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

περισσεύητε25 of 26

ye would abound

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

μᾶλλον26 of 26

and more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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