1 Thessalonians 4:1
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλοῦμεν
exhort
G3870
παρακαλοῦμεν
exhort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
8 of 26
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
παρελάβετε
ye have received
G3880
παρελάβετε
ye have received
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
13 of 26
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
17 of 26
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
δεῖ
ought
G1163
δεῖ
ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
18 of 26
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
περιπατεῖν
to walk
G4043
περιπατεῖν
to walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
20 of 26
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρέσκειν
to please
G700
ἀρέσκειν
to please
Strong's:
G700
Word #:
22 of 26
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
23 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Historical Context
Paul transitions from defense of his ministry and thanksgiving for their faith to practical instruction. The Thessalonians needed ethical guidance for living as holy people in a pagan city dominated by sexual immorality, idolatry, and exploitation. Thessalonica's culture promoted promiscuity through temple prostitution, public baths facilitating adultery, and slavery enabling sexual exploitation. Against this backdrop, Paul teaches Christian sexual ethics (vv. 3-8), brotherly love (vv. 9-10), and industrious living (vv. 11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance Paul's affirmation ('as ye do walk') with his challenge ('abound more and more')—encouragement without complacency?
- What does progressive sanctification ('abound more and more') look like practically in areas where you already 'walk pleasing to God'?
- How does the dual approach of requesting and exhorting 'in the Lord Jesus' model spiritual authority that's both gracious and authoritative?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more—loipon oun, adelphoi, erōtōmen hymas kai parakaloumen en Kyriō Iēsou, kathōs parelabete par' hēmōn to pōs dei hymas peripatein kai areskein Theō, kathōs kai peripaieite, hina perisseēte mallon (λοιπὸν οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἐρωτῶμεν ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ, καθὼς παρελάβετε παρ' ἡμῶν τὸ πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς περιπατεῖν καὶ ἀρέσκειν Θεῷ, καθὼς καὶ περιπατεῖτε, ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον). Loipon (λοιπὸν, 'finally/furthermore') transitions from pastoral relationship (chs. 1-3) to ethical instruction (ch. 4).
Paul uses two verbs: erōtaō (ἐρωτάω, 'to ask/request') and parakaleō (παρακαλέω, 'to exhort/urge'), combining gentle appeal with authoritative command en Kyriō Iēsou ('in/by the Lord Jesus')—this isn't Paul's opinion but Christ's authority. The phrase hina perisseēte mallon (ἵνα περισσεύητε μᾶλλον, 'that you may abound more and more') calls for progressive sanctification: believers already walk pleasing to God but must continually increase in holiness. Christian ethics aren't static morality but dynamic growth toward Christlikeness.