King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:3 in the King James Version says “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Thessalonians 4:3 · 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:

4

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication—touto gar estin thelēma tou Theou, ho hagiasmos hymōn, apechesthai hymas apo tēs porneias (τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἁγιασμὸς ὑμῶν, ἀπέχεσθαι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς πορνείας). Thelēma tou Theou (θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, 'the will of God')—Christians often seek God's will regarding vocation, location, relationships; Paul declares it plainly: hagiasmos (ἁγιασμός, 'sanctification/holiness'). God's will isn't mysterious but revealed: progressive conformity to Christ's image (Rom 8:29).

Porneia (πορνεία) encompasses all sexual immorality outside monogamous heterosexual marriage: fornication, adultery, prostitution, homosexual practice, bestiality. The present infinitive apechesthai (ἀπέχεσθαι, 'to abstain/keep away') indicates continuous action—ongoing separation from sexual sin, not merely initial repentance. Sexual holiness isn't optional preference but God's explicit will. This teaching contradicts contemporary culture normalizing sexual immorality, as it contradicted Greco-Roman culture. Biblical sexual ethics haven't changed; cultural permissiveness doesn't modify divine commands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sexual purity was radically countercultural in Thessalonica. Temple prostitution at pagan shrines was considered worship; public baths facilitated adultery; slaves (male and female) were sexually exploited without legal recourse; homosexual relationships between free men and slaves were common; pornography (in art and literature) was ubiquitous. Christian sexual ethics—chastity before marriage, fidelity within marriage, abstinence from all porneia—shocked pagans. Yet this holiness distinguished Christians and ultimately attracted converts weary of sexual chaos's relational damage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding sanctification as 'the will of God' (not merely a good suggestion) affect your pursuit of holiness?
  2. What contemporary sexual practices normalized by culture does porneia encompass, and how do you actively 'abstain' from them?
  3. How can the church maintain biblical sexual ethics with compassion and clarity in an increasingly permissive culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τοῦτο1 of 14

“this”

G5124

that thing

γάρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν3 of 14

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

θέλημα4 of 14

“the will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ5 of 14
G3588

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

θεοῦ6 of 14

“of God”

G2316

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

ὁ7 of 14
G3588

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

ἁγιασμὸς8 of 14

“sanctification”

G38

properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier

ὑμῶν9 of 14

“even your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀπέχεσθαι10 of 14

“should abstain”

G567

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

ὑμᾶς11 of 14

“that ye”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀπὸ12 of 14

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς13 of 14
G3588

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

πορνείας14 of 14

“fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:2Romans 12:21 Thessalonians 5:23Hebrews 13:4Ephesians 5:17Colossians 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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