1 Thessalonians 4:8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀθετεῖ
despiseth
G114
ἀθετεῖ
despiseth
Strong's:
G114
Word #:
3 of 19
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
ἀθετεῖ
despiseth
G114
ἀθετεῖ
despiseth
Strong's:
G114
Word #:
6 of 19
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόντα
given
G1325
δόντα
given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
12 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
holy
G40
ἅγιον
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
1 John 3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.Luke 10:16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.John 12:48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.1 Samuel 8:7And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 23:9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Historical Context
Paul's appeal to the Holy Spirit grounds Christian ethics in pneumatology, not merely rules. The Spirit given at Pentecost (Acts 2) and received by believers at conversion (Acts 2:38; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 12:13) transforms moral capacity. Old Covenant Israel received external law but lacked internal power for consistent obedience; New Covenant believers receive the Spirit who writes law on hearts (Jer 31:33; Ezek 36:27) and empowers obedience. Rejecting ethical instruction while claiming Spirit possession is contradictory—the Holy Spirit produces holiness, not license.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that rejecting biblical sexual ethics means despising God (not merely disagreeing with Paul) affect your view of contemporary moral debates?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling sexual purity, and how do you practically depend on His empowerment?
- How do you distinguish between compassion toward struggling believers and tolerance of unrepentant immorality despising God's commands?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit—toigaroun ho athetōn ouk anthrōpon athetei alla ton Theon ton kai donta to pneuma autou to hagion eis hymas (τοιγαροῦν ὁ ἀθετῶν οὐκ ἄνθρωπον ἀθετεῖ ἀλλὰ τὸν Θεὸν τὸν καὶ δόντα τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ τὸ ἅγιον εἰς ὑμᾶς). Atheteō (ἀθετέω, 'to reject/set aside/despise') indicates treating something as invalid. Those rejecting Paul's sexual ethics aren't merely disagreeing with apostolic opinion but despising God Himself who gave these commands. The phrase ton kai donta to pneuma autou to hagion eis hymas (τὸν καὶ δόντα τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ τὸ ἅγιον εἰς ὑμᾶς, 'who also gave his Holy Spirit to us') provides the basis: God gave His Holy Spirit for sanctification.
The Holy Spirit's presence both enables and obligates holiness. Hagion pneuma (ἅγιον πνεῦμα, 'Holy Spirit')—He who indwells believers is holy and produces holiness. Rejecting sexual purity despite possessing the Holy Spirit is despising the Giver. This teaching judges contemporary churches tolerating sexual immorality—endorsing what God condemns isn't compassion but rebellion. The Spirit given for sanctification empowers believers to 'abstain from fornication' (v. 3); those claiming powerlessness while possessing the Spirit either misunderstand sanctification or question their salvation.