1 Thessalonians 4:4

4:4 that each of you know how to possess his own body ¹  in holiness and honor,

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Final Instructions

5:12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, ²  to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,

[4:4]  ¹ tn Grk “to gain [or possess] his own vessel.” “Vessel” is most likely used figuratively for “body” (cf. 2 Cor 4:7). Some take it to mean “wife” (thus, “to take a wife for himself” or “to live with his wife”), but this is less likely. See J. Smith, “1 Thess 4:4 – Breaking the Impasse,” BBR 10 (Fall 2000), who argues that “vessel” in this context is very likely a euphemism for the sexual organs.

[5:12]  ² tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.