1 Thessalonians 4:5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πάθει
the lust
G3806
πάθει
the lust
Strong's:
G3806
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e., (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence)
ἐπιθυμίας
of concupiscence
G1939
ἐπιθυμίας
of concupiscence
Strong's:
G1939
Word #:
4 of 13
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
8 of 13
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰδότα
know
G1492
εἰδότα
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
Galatians 4:8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Romans 1:26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:Ephesians 2:12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:1 Peter 4:3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
Historical Context
Paul writes to Gentile converts from paganism. They'd grown up in cultures where sexuality was divorced from morality—temple prostitution was worship, adultery was entertainment, sexual exploitation was normal. The phrase 'Gentiles who know not God' doesn't condemn ethnicity but ignorance of the true God. Many Thessalonian believers were ethnically Gentiles who now knew God (1:9); they must not live like Gentiles who remain ignorant. This ethical distinction, not ethnic superiority, marks Christians: those who know God live differently from those who don't.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God transform your understanding and practice of sexuality compared to cultural perspectives driven by 'passion of lust'?
- What evidence demonstrates that your sexual ethics flow from knowledge of God rather than conformity to contemporary culture?
- How can churches teach countercultural sexual purity with compassion for those who've lived by lustful passions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God—mē en pathei epithymias kathaper kai ta ethnē ta mē eidota ton Theon (μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν). Pathos epithymias (πάθος ἐπιθυμίας, 'passion of lust/lustful passion') describes sexuality driven by selfish desire rather than covenant love. Pathos indicates overpowering passion; epithymia means craving or lust. Together they describe sexuality as appetite demanding satisfaction, the pagan view Paul contrasts with Christian holiness.
The Gentiles which know not God (ta ethnē ta mē eidota ton Theon, τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν)—ignorance of God produces sexual immorality. Rejecting Creator means rejecting His design for sexuality (Rom 1:24-27). The Thessalonians were former pagans (1:9); Paul reminds them not to revert to pagan sexual ethics. Knowing God transforms sexuality from selfish gratification into holy expression of covenant love. Christian sexual ethics flow from Christian theology—God's character, humanity's creation in His image, marriage as Christ-church picture (Eph 5:32).