1 Thessalonians 4:5

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;

American Standard Version (1901)

not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God;

Bible in Basic English

Not in the passion of evil desires, like the Gentiles, who have no knowledge of God;

Douay-Rheims 1899

Not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God:

Free Bible Version

not indulging passionate lust like the heathen who have no knowledge of God.

Geneva Bible 1599

And not in the lust of concupiscence, euen as the Gentiles which know not God:

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Plain English Version

Don’t be like people that don’t know God. They just want to sleep with anybody and do the wrong thing with them. That is what they want to do, and they are always thinking about it. They don’t try to stop themselves. Don’t be like that.

Translation for Translators

You must not lustfully desire to do immoral acts as unbelievers [MTY] do who do not obey God.

Unlocked Literal Bible

not in the passion of lust (as the Gentiles who do not know God).

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God,

Young's Literal Translation

not in the affection of desire, as also the nations that were not knowing God,

Context

Living to Please God

⁴each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,⁵not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶and 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.

Sermons

Prayer Life of Paul for the Saints

David Smithers

1.3K

Of the Knowledge of God.

John Gill

Summary

In this verse, Paul instructs the Thessalonian believers to control their bodies in a way that is holy and honorable, not giving in to passionate lust like the Gentiles who do not know God. This guidance emphasizes the importance of living a life that is set apart and pleasing to God, reflecting the transformation that comes with knowing and following Christ. By highlighting the contrast between believers and those who do not know God, Paul underscores the call to live in a manner that honors God's standards of purity and righteousness.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Not in the lust of concupiscence - Having no rational object, aim, nor end. Some say, "not like beasts;" but this does not apply as they who use it wish, for the males and females of the brute creation are regular and consistent in their intercourse, and scarcely ever exceed such bounds as reason itself would prescribe to those most capable of observing and obeying its dictates. The Gentiles which know not God - These are the beasts; their own brutes are rational creatures when compared with them. Enough has been said on this subject on Romans 1, and 2: They who wish to see more may consult Juvenal, and particularly his 6th and 9th Satires; and indeed all the writers on Greek and Roman morals.