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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 4:7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/52_1Th_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Thessalonians 4:7 - Living to Please God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 4:6">◄</a> 1 Thessalonians 4:7 <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 4:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but into holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us for impurity, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For God did not call us to impurity, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness [to be dedicated, and set apart by behavior that pleases Him, whether in public or in private].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity but to sanctification. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God didn't choose you to be filthy, but to be pure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God didn't call us to be sexually immoral but to be holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God did not call us to live in immorality, but in holiness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For God did not call us to be impure, but to be holy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_thessalonians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For God hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God has not called us to an unclean life, but to one of purity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_thessalonians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for God did not call us to uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but into holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for God did not call us on uncleanness, but in sanctification;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But God has not called you to uncleanness, but in consecration.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For God has not called you unto uncleanness but unto holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For God has not called you to impurity but to holiness.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />for God has not called us for uncleanness, but for holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For God hath not called us unto impurity, but unto holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God has not called us to an unclean life, but to one of purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For God did not call us unto uncleanness, but in sanctification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For God hath not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=487" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Living to Please God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">has not</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: ekalesen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">called</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/167.htm" title="167: akatharsia (N-DFS) -- Uncleanness, impurity. From akathartos; impurity, physically or morally.">impurity,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</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.">to</a> <a href="/greek/38.htm" title="38: hagiasmō (N-DMS) -- From hagiazo; properly, purification, i.e. purity; concretely a purifier.">holiness.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a></span><br />But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18-20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-7</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a></span><br />And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a></span><br />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. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44-45</a></span><br />For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. / For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a></span><br />“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></span><br />And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a></span><br />To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.</p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44</a></b></br> For I <i>am</i> the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I <i>am</i> holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a></b></br> Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God <i>am</i> holy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-7.htm">Romans 1:7</a></b></br> To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called <i>to be</i> saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p class="hdg">uncleanness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:3</a></b></br> For our exhortation <i>was</i> not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19</a></b></br> Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are <i>these</i>; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Ephesians 4:19</a></b></br> Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Impure</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Impurity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Purity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Sanctification</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Uncleanness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-14.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/revelation/14-8.htm">Impure</a> <a href="/jude/1-7.htm">Impurity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Purity</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Sanctification</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Uncleanness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to go forward in all manner of godliness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">to live holily and justly;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">to love one another;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">and quietly to follow their own business;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">and last of all, to sorrow moderately for the dead.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">followed by a brief description of the resurrection, and second coming of Christ to judgment.</a></span><br></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'; 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The word "impurity" here refers to moral and sexual uncleanness, which was prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. The Thessalonian church, situated in a city known for its pagan practices, would have been familiar with such behaviors. The call to reject impurity aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God's people are to be set apart. In <a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44</a>, God commands His people to be holy as He is holy, establishing a standard that transcends cultural norms. The New Testament continues this theme, with Paul frequently urging believers to live lives that reflect their new identity in Christ (<a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>, <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>).<p><b>but to holiness</b><br>Holiness, in this context, signifies being set apart for God's purposes. It involves both moral purity and a dedication to God's will. The call to holiness is rooted in the character of God Himself, who is holy. This call is not merely about avoiding sin but actively pursuing a life that reflects God's nature. The concept of holiness is central to the Christian faith, as seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a>, which states that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Holiness is also a type of Christ, who is the ultimate example of a holy life. Jesus' life and ministry exemplified perfect obedience to the Father, setting a pattern for believers to follow. The call to holiness is a call to imitate Christ, living in a way that honors God and distinguishes believers from the world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a></b><br>A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a significant urban center in the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of early Christians facing challenges in maintaining their faith amidst a pagan culture.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine being who calls believers to a life of holiness, as emphasized in this passage.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/holiness.htm">Holiness</a></b><br>The state of being set apart for God's purposes, a central theme in Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_holiness.htm">Understanding Holiness</a></b><br>Holiness is being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a></b><br>God’s call to holiness is a divine invitation to live a life that honors Him, distinct from the impurity of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rejecting_impurity.htm">Rejecting Impurity</a></b><br>Believers are to actively reject impurity, which includes moral and spiritual corruption, in favor of a life that pleases God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_holiness.htm">Living Out Holiness</a></b><br>Holiness should be evident in every aspect of a believer's life, influencing thoughts, actions, and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empowered_by_the_spirit.htm">Empowered by the Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives, providing strength and guidance to overcome impurity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_thessalonians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_theosis.htm">What is the meaning of Theosis?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_polycarp_martyred.htm">Why was Polycarp martyred for his Christian faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_eligible_to_receive_communion.htm">Why was Polycarp martyred for his Christian faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_know_if_i_have_the_holy_spirit.htm">How can I tell if I have the Holy Spirit?</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>(7) <span class= "bld">For God.</span>--This gives the reason for stating that the Lord will take vengeance on such sins; because they are not part of the terms on which His Father called us. It should be "<span class= "ital">did</span> not call." These <a href="/context/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm" title="For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.">1Thessalonians 4:7-8</a>, sum up the little disquisition, returning to the principle announced in <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm" title="For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:">1Thessalonians 4:3</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.</span>--The preposition translated "unto" has the same force in <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm" title="For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.">Galatians 5:13</a>, "Called unto liberty," and <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm" title="For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.">Ephesians 2:10</a>, "Created unto good works." It implies not so much the definite <span class= "ital">end</span> to which we are invited, as the <span class= "ital">terms</span> on which the invitation will still <span class= "ital">stand;</span> for the call is not yet accomplished. (See Note on <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-12.htm" title="That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.">1Thessalonians 2:12</a>.) The second "unto" in the Greek is simply "in," used in the same sense as in <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm" title="That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;">1Thessalonians 4:4</a>. Paraphrase, "For God did not call us on the understanding that we might be unclean, but by the way of sanctification." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For God hath not called us unto</span>; or, <span class="accented">for the purpose cf. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Uncleanness</span>; moral uncleanness in general (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15</a>). <span class="cmt_word">But unto</span>; or, <span class="accented">in</span>; <span class="accented">in a state of <span class="cmt_word"></span>Holiness</span>; or <span class="accented">sanctification</span>; the same word as in the third verse; so that holiness is the whole sphere of cur Christian life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{has} not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">called</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκάλεσεν</span> <span class="translit">(ekalesen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">impurity,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκαθαρσίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(akatharsia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_167.htm">Strong's 167: </a> </span><span class="str2">Uncleanness, impurity. From akathartos; impurity, physically or morally.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">holiness.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁγιασμῷ</span> <span class="translit">(hagiasmō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_38.htm">Strong's 38: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hagiazo; properly, purification, i.e. purity; concretely a purifier.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God called us not for uncleanness (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 4:8" /></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>