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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Thessalonians 4:4 each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/52_1Th_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Thessalonians 4:4 - Living to Please God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> that each of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor [being available for God’s purpose and separated from things profane], <a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, <a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> so that each of you knows how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, <a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Respect and honor your wife. <a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honour, <a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Each of you should know that finding a husband or wife for yourself is to be done in a holy and honorable way, <a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Each of you should know how to live with your wife in a holy and honorable way, <a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Each of you must know how to control his own body in a holy and honorable manner, <a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, <a href="/net/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor, <a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> that each man among you shall know how to procure a wife who shall be his own in purity and honour; <a href="/web/1_thessalonians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that each of you know to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> each of you to know how to win mastery over his own vessel in holiness and honor, <a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that each of you know his own vessel to possess in sanctification and honour, <a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For each of you to know how to possess his vessel in consecration and honour;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour: <a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> that each one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, <a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And that each one of you know to possess his vessel in holiness and in honor,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> That each one of you know how to keep his vessel in sanctification and in honor, <a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> that each one of you know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> that every one of you may know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, <a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> that every one of you should take care to preserve the dignity of his <a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> that each man among you shall know how to procure a wife who shall be his own in purity and honour; <a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> that each one of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor; <a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and that every one of you should possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, <a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=463" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Living to Please God</a> …3For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; 4<a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekaston (Adj-AMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">each</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">of you</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidenai (V-RNA) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">must know how</a> <a href="/greek/2932.htm" title="2932: ktasthai (V-PNM/P) -- (a) I acquire, win, get, purchase, buy, (b) I possess, win mastery over. A primary verb; to get, i.e. Acquire.">to control</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautou (RefPro-GM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">own</a> <a href="/greek/4632.htm" title="4632: skeuos (N-ANS) -- A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).">body</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/38.htm" title="38: hagiasmō (N-DMS) -- From hagiazo; properly, purification, i.e. purity; concretely a purifier.">holiness</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5092.htm" title="5092: timē (N-DFS) -- A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.">honor,</a> 5not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18-20</a> Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. / Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm">1 Corinthians 7:2-3</a> But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. / The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">2 Timothy 2:21</a> So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a> I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a> But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5</a> Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a> Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a> No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16-17</a> Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. <a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a> And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. <a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">Proverbs 5:15-20</a> Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. / Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? / Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. ... <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a> He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. <a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">Proverbs 7:24-27</a> Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. / Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. / For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;should.<a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a> I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.<a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15,18-20</a> Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid… his.<a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">1 Samuel 21:5</a> And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:<a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21-23</a> Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? … honour.<a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a> Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.<a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a> Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">Body</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-9.htm">Procure</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Purity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Sanctification</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-13.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-19.htm">Procure</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Purity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Sanctification</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-14.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 4</div>1. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to go forward in all manner of godliness;</a> 6. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">to live holily and justly;</a> 9. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">to love one another;</a> 11. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">and quietly to follow their own business;</a> 13. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">and last of all, to sorrow moderately for the dead.</a> 17. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">followed by a brief description of the resurrection, and second coming of Christ to judgment.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_thessalonians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>each of you must know This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and individual accountability in the Christian life. In the context of the early church, believers were encouraged to grow in their understanding and application of God's will. The use of "must know" suggests a deliberate and conscious effort to learn and apply biblical principles. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of wisdom and knowledge, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.how to control his own body The call to control one's body reflects the biblical teaching on self-discipline and purity. In the Greco-Roman world, where sexual immorality was prevalent, this instruction was counter-cultural. The body is seen as a temple of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a>), and believers are urged to honor God with their bodies. This control is not merely physical but involves the mind and spirit, aligning with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>).in holiness Holiness is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting God's nature and His call for His people to be set apart. In the Old Testament, holiness was often associated with ritual purity and the sacrificial system. In the New Testament, it takes on a moral and ethical dimension, calling believers to live lives that reflect God's character. This aligns with <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>, which calls Christians to be holy in all their conduct, as God is holy.and honor Honor in this context refers to the respect and dignity that should characterize a believer's life. It involves treating others with respect and living in a way that brings glory to God. In the cultural context of the Thessalonians, honor was a significant social value, and Paul is urging believers to live in a way that upholds their testimony before others. This is consistent with <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a>, which encourages believers to think on things that are honorable and praiseworthy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a> A city in Macedonia where the church was established by Paul during his second missionary journey. It was a significant urban center in the Roman Empire. 3. <a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of believers facing challenges in maintaining their faith amidst a pagan culture. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sanctification.htm">Sanctification</a> A key theme in Paul's teachings, referring to the process of becoming holy and set apart for God's purposes. 5. <a href="/topical/h/honor.htm">Honor</a> A concept deeply rooted in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects one's values and beliefs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_vessel.htm">Understanding Vessel</a> The term "vessel" (Greek: skeuos) can refer to one's body or life. Believers are called to manage their bodies and lives in a way that reflects God's holiness. <a href="/topical/s/sanctification_as_a_process.htm">Sanctification as a Process</a> Sanctification is an ongoing journey. It involves daily decisions to align our actions and thoughts with God's will, growing in holiness over time. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_honor.htm">Living with Honor</a> Honor involves living in a way that brings glory to God and respects the dignity of oneself and others. This includes sexual purity, integrity, and respect in relationships. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_challenges.htm">Cultural Challenges</a> Just as the Thessalonians faced cultural pressures, modern believers must navigate a world with conflicting values. Upholding sanctification and honor requires discernment and commitment. <a href="/topical/e/empowerment_by_the_holy_spirit.htm">Empowerment by the Holy Spirit</a> Believers are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in living a life of sanctification and honor.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_thessalonians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_is_progressive_sanctification.htm">What is the concept of progressive sanctification?</a> <a href="/q/can_one_reclaim_virginity.htm">Can someone reclaim virginity as a born-again virgin?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_vessel_of_honor.htm">What defines a vessel of honor?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_types_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">What are the different types of spiritual gifts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Should know.--The clause is simply parallel to the last, and, with it, explains the word "sanctification." The Bulgarian Father, Theophylact, says pointedly in reference to the word "to know" or "understand," "He indicates that chastity is a matter that requires self-discipline and study." (Comp. <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm" title="Why be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.">Ephesians 5:17</a>.)To possess his vessel.--The word rendered "to possess" should rather be translated, to procure, win, gain possession of. The word "vessel" here has been interpreted in two ways: (1) "his wife;" (2) "his body." In favour of (1) it is argued that (while "gaining possession of one's own body" is unintelligible), "acquiring a wife of one's own" is an ordinary Greek expression; that in this context, "a vessel," or "instrument," is an expressive and natural metaphor; that the word was familiar to Hebrew speakers in that sense (e.g., Ahasuerus says of Vashti, in one of the Targums, "My vessel which I use is neither Median nor Persian, but Chaldee"); that St. Peter (<a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm" title="Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.">1Peter 3:7</a>) uses the word of the wife. But it may be answered that this interpretation does not suit our context; first, because it would be laying an emphatic and binding veto upon celibacy, if "each one" is "to acquire a wife of his own;" secondly, because of the verb "to know," it certainly being no part of a religious man's duty "to know how to procure a wife;" thirdly, because the Greek cannot be translated "a vessel (or wife) of his own," but "his own vessel" (or wife)--literally, the vessel of himself--and to speak of "procuring" the wife who is already one's own seems unmeaning. Furthermore, although the quotations from the Targums are certainly to the point, that from St. Peter distinctly points the other way, inasmuch as the wife is called "the weaker vessel of the two," evidently meaning that the husband is also "a vessel." Thus we are driven to suppose that (2) the "vessel" is the man's own self. This usage also is well supported. In <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm" title="And David answered the priest, and said to him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yes, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.">1Samuel 21:5</a>, it is used in precisely this sense, and in the same context, as well as in <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm" title="Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.">1Peter 3:7</a>. The passages, however, usually quoted in support of this interpretation from <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm" title="But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.">2Corinthians 4:7</a>, Philo, Barnabas, Lucretius, &c, do not seem quite parallel; for there the word signifies a "vessel," in the sense of a receptacle for containing something; here it is rather "an instrument" or "implement "for doing something. Hence it approaches more nearly to the use in such phrases as <a href="/acts/9-15.htm" title="But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:">Acts 9:15</a>, "a vessel of choice," or even (though the Greek word is different) to <a href="/romans/6-13.htm" title="Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin: but yield yourselves to God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.">Romans 6:13</a>. "The vessel of himself" (the "himself" being in the Greek strongly emphasised) means, not "the vessel which is his own," but "the vessel or instrument which consists of himself." Thus the body, which of course is chiefly meant here, is not dissociated from the man's personality, as in the fanciful Platonism of Philo, but almost identified with it: the Incarnation has taught us the true dignity of the body. Thus it becomes easy to understand what is meant by "knowing how to gain possession of" such an instrument as the body with its many faculties, rescuing it from its vile prostitution, and wielding it wisely for its proper uses. So the same Greek verb is used, and mistranslated in our version, in <a href="/luke/21-19.htm" title="In your patience possess you your souls.">Luke 21:19</a>, "In your patience possess ye your souls." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - That every one of you should know how to possess. The word here rendered "possess" rather signifies "acquire." The R.V. renders the clause, "that each one of you know how to possess himself of;" hence it admits of the translation, "to obtain the mastery over." His vessel. This word has given rise to a diversity of interpretation. Especially two meanings have been given to it. By some it is supposed to be a figurative expression for "wife," in which sense the word is used, though rarely, by Hebrew writers. Peter speaks of the wife "as the weaker vessel" (<a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">1 Peter 3:7</a>). This is the meaning adopted by Augustine, Schott, Do Wette, Koch, Hofmann, Lünemann, Riggenbach; and, among English expositors, by Alford, Jowett, Ellicott, and Eadie. This meaning is, however, to be rejected as unusual and strange, and unsuitable to what follows in the next verse. The other meaning - "one's own body" - is more appropriate. Thus Paul says, "We have this treasure," namely, the gospel, "in earthen vessels" (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7</a>; comp. also <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">1 Samuel 21:5</a>). The body may well be compared to a vessel, as it contains the soul. This meaning is adopted by Chrysostom, Calvin, Grotius, Bengel, Olshausen, Meyer; and, among English expositors, by Macknight, Conybeare, Bishop Alexander, Wordsworth, and Yaughan. In sanctification and honor. What the apostle here requires is that every one should obtain the mastery over his own body, and that whereas, as Gentiles, they had yielded their members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, they should now, as Christians, yield their members servants to righteousness unto holiness (<a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>each ἕκαστον (hekaston) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. of you ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. must know [how] εἰδέναι (eidenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. to control κτᾶσθαι (ktasthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2932.htm">Strong's 2932: </a> (a) I acquire, win, get, purchase, buy, (b) I possess, win mastery over. A primary verb; to get, i.e. Acquire. his ἑαυτοῦ (heautou) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. [own] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body σκεῦος (skeuos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4632.htm">Strong's 4632: </a> A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband). in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. holiness ἁγιασμῷ (hagiasmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_38.htm">Strong's 38: </a> From hagiazo; properly, purification, i.e. purity; concretely a purifier. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. honor, τιμῇ (timē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5092.htm">Strong's 5092: </a> A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 4:4 That each one of you know how (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>