1 Thessalonians 4:4

Know. Or, “understand.” In 1 Thess. 5:12 Paul uses the verb, “to know,” in the sense of “to know the worth of,” “to appreciate,” “to respect.” Different forms of the same verb are used in 1 Thess. 4:5; 2 Thess 1:8; Gal. 4:8 to describe those who know not God, that is, they do not understand or appreciate Him.

Possess. Gr. ktaomai, “to acquire,” “to get for oneself,” “to procure for oneself.”

Vessel. Gr. skeuos, “a thing,” “an object,” “vessel,” “jar,” “dish.” Skeuos is translated “vessel” 19 out of the 23 times it is used in the NT. There is difference of opinion as to its meaning in this verse. Some hold that Paul is referring to the Christian’s body, with special reference to its sexual functions. This interpretation accords with the context, which treats of sexual purity (vs. 3, 5), but not so well with the meaning of ktaomai, “to acquire” (see above under “possess”). However, it is possible to give to ktaomai the meaning “to gain control over.” General scholarly opinion prefers to interpret skeuos, “vessel,” as referring to a man’s wife. Such opinion has scriptural support in 1 Peter 3:7, where the wife is described as “the weaker vessel,” and in rabbinical literature, which speaks of the wife as a “vessel” for the man. This interpretation would make Paul say this: “Each Christian should know how to take a wife for himself in a consecrated and honorable manner.”

One other view calls for consideration. A few interpreters have suggested a division of the verse which results in this translation: “That each one of you respect his own wife, and that he get gain in sanctification and honor.” They have held that the second thought applies to business relationships, the getting or acquiring of wealth, and that Paul is urging that this be done on an ethical basis. But such an interpretation disturbs the flow of Paul’s thought, which is concentrating on matters of sexual purity in vs. 3-7.

Paul’s approach to the subject of impurity and marriage in this epistle is in harmony with his discussion of similar topics in 1 Cor. 7. He sees marriage as a divinely appointed union that will aid Christian partners in avoiding sexual temptations (see on 1 Cor. 7:1—5).