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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

1 Thessalonians 4:3–7

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

25 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 3

  1. 1 Peter 4:2Rank 1 from verse 3
    Open

    2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  2. Romans 12:2Rank 2 from verse 3
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    2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:23Rank 3 from verse 3
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    23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  4. Hebrews 13:4Rank 4 from verse 3
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    4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

  5. Colossians 3:5Rank 5 from verse 3
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    5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

From verse 4

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:9Rank 1 from verse 4
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    9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

  2. Romans 12:1Rank 2 from verse 4
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    1I 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.

  3. 1 Corinthians 6:15Rank 3 from verse 4
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    15Know 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.

  4. 1 Peter 3:7Rank 4 from verse 4
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    7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

  5. Hebrews 13:4Rank 5 from verse 4
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    4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

From verse 5

  1. Galatians 4:8Rank 1 from verse 5
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    8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

  2. Acts 17:30–31Rank 2 from verse 5
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    30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

    31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

  3. Ephesians 4:17–19Rank 3 from verse 5
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    17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

    18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

    19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

  4. 2 Thessalonians 1:8Rank 4 from verse 5
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    8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  5. Colossians 3:5Rank 5 from verse 5
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    5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

From verse 6

  1. Hebrews 13:4Rank 1 from verse 6
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    4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

  2. Exodus 20:15Rank 2 from verse 6
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    15Thou shalt not steal.

  3. Exodus 20:17Rank 3 from verse 6
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    17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

  4. Romans 12:19Rank 4 from verse 6
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    19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

  5. Proverbs 28:24Rank 5 from verse 6
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    24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

From verse 7

  1. Leviticus 11:44Rank 1 from verse 7
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    44For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

  2. 1 Peter 2:9–12Rank 2 from verse 7
    Open

    9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

    10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

    11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

    12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  3. Ephesians 1:4Rank 3 from verse 7
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    4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

  4. 1 Peter 1:14–16Rank 4 from verse 7
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    14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

    15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

    16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

  5. 1 Peter 2:21–22Rank 5 from verse 7
    Open

    21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

    22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 4:3

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

fornication

↗

1. Unlawful sexual relations. 2. By figure, unfaithful or illicit relations.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 4:4

COMBINED MEANING

every

↗

Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

know

↗

To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

vessel

↗

1. A container or utensil made to hold, carry, or serve. 2. A ship or craft for travel upon water. 3. Figuratively, a person or body regarded as a bearer or instrument.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

honour

↗

Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 4:5

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lust

↗

Sense 1: Strong desire, craving, or appetite. Sense 2: To desire or crave.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

know

↗

To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 4:6

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

defraud

↗

To deprive another wrongfully of what is due, whether by deception, withholding, or taking advantage.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

brother

↗

Sense 1: A male sibling; a near kinsman. Sense 2: A fellow member of a people or faith.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Lord

↗

1. A title of God or Jesus Christ acknowledging authority and rule. 2. A respectful title or address for one in authority.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

avenger

↗

One who punishes or repays a wrong; in the law of Moses, the avenger of blood.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

forewarned

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of forewarn, meaning to warn or give notice beforehand.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

testified

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of testify, meaning to bear witness, declare solemnly, or give evidence of something known.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 4:7

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

us

↗

The first-person plural object pronoun, referring to the speaker together with one or more others as recipients or objects of an action or relation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

uncleanness

↗

Sense 1: Bodily or ceremonial impurity, foulness, dirtiness, or filthiness. Sense 2: Moral impurity, defilement by sin, or lewdness.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

holiness

↗

The quality or state of being holy: purity, separation from evil, or consecration to God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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Related Concepts

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READ THE PASSAGE

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Suggested context · 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

4:1FURTHERMORE 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.

4:2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

4:3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

Selected passage

4:4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Selected passage

4:5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Selected passage

4:6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Selected passage

4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Selected passage

4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

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