1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 · Verse 2
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τίνας
what
G5101
τίνας
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
3 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐδώκαμεν
we gave
G1325
ἐδώκαμεν
we gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 10
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Paul's ethical instruction was countercultural and comprehensive. Greco-Roman society accepted practices Christianity condemned: adultery (expected of married men), prostitution (legal and common), pederasty (older men with boys, culturally acceptable), homosexual practice (widespread), and sexual exploitation of slaves. Jewish converts knew Torah's sexual ethics; Gentile converts came from paganism permitting what Christianity forbade. Paul's 'commandments by the Lord Jesus' established Christian sexual ethics grounded in Christ's authority, not merely cultural preference.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding ethical commands as 'through the Lord Jesus' affect your obedience compared to viewing them as human tradition?
- What role does reminding believers of previous teaching ('ye know') play in sanctification versus constantly introducing new content?
- How do you integrate ethical instruction into evangelism and discipleship rather than treating conversion and sanctification as unrelated?
Analysis & Commentary
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus—oidate gar tinas paraggelias edōkamen hymin dia tou Kyriou Iēsou (οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, 'you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus'). Paraggelia (παραγγελία) indicates authoritative orders, military commands, not mere suggestions. The phrase dia tou Kyriou Iēsou ('through the Lord Jesus') grounds apostolic commands in Christ's authority—Paul transmits Christ's instructions, not personal preferences. These paraggeliai (commandments) were given during his three-week ministry (Acts 17:2), demonstrating comprehensive ethical instruction even in brief time.
The appeal to 'ye know' indicates Paul reminds rather than introduces—he taught these ethics initially and now reinforces them. This pattern (initial teaching, later reinforcement) models discipleship requiring both foundation-laying and continued instruction. The upcoming commands about sexual purity (vv. 3-8) aren't novel but recall previous teaching. Gospel proclamation includes ethical transformation; evangelism without discipleship produces false converts who 'believe' without behavioral change.