1 Thessalonians 4:8

KJV

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

He therefore {G5105} that despiseth {G114}, despiseth {G114} not {G3756} man {G444}, but {G235} God {G2316}, who hath {G1325} also {G2532} given {G1325} unto {G1519} us {G2248} his {G846} holy {G40} Spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, whoever rejects this teaching is rejecting not a man but God, indeed, the One who gives you the Ruach HaKodesh, which is his.

Berean Standard Bible

Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 4:8, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn warning to believers, asserting that the moral and ethical instructions he has delivered, particularly concerning sanctification and sexual purity, are not merely human suggestions but divine commands. To disregard or reject these teachings is not to despise a human messenger, but rather to directly scorn God Himself, who has graciously bestowed His Holy Spirit upon believers to empower and guide them into such holy living. This verse profoundly underscores the divine authority behind biblical ethics and the integral role of the Holy Spirit in Christian obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful theological capstone to Paul's specific exhortations on sanctification and sexual purity in [1 Thessalonians 4:3-7](/1_thessalonians/4-3-7 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 - Exhortation to Sanctification"). Having just urged the Thessalonian believers to "abstain from fornication" ([1 Thessalonians 4:3](/1_thessalonians/4-3 "1 Thessalonians 4:3 - God's Will for Sanctification")), to "possess his vessel in sanctification and honour" ([1 Thessalonians 4:4](/1_thessalonians/4-4 "1 Thessalonians 4:4 - Possessing One's Vessel in Sanctification")), and to avoid defrauding a brother in sexual matters ([1 Thessalonians 4:6](/1_thessalonians/4-6 "1 Thessalonians 4:6 - Not Defrauding a Brother")), Paul elevates the source of these commands. Verse 8 clarifies that these are not arbitrary rules from an apostle, but direct expressions of God's will, making their rejection a rejection of God Himself. It transitions from specific ethical commands to their ultimate divine basis, preparing the readers for further instructions on brotherly love and diligence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Thessalonica, a prominent Roman port city, was characteristic of Greco-Roman society where sexual immorality, including various forms of promiscuity and idolatrous practices often linked to temple prostitution, was widespread and largely unremarked upon. The prevailing cultural norms stood in stark contrast to the stringent ethical demands of the nascent Christian faith. Paul's emphasis on sexual purity and sanctification was a radical call for a counter-cultural lifestyle, distinguishing believers from the surrounding pagan world. For new converts, particularly those from a pagan background, understanding the gravity and divine origin of these new moral standards was crucial. This verse directly addresses the temptation to dismiss Christian ethics as mere human tradition, grounding them instead in the very character and authority of God who had called them out of darkness.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 4:8](/1_thessalonians/4-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Despising God's Spirit") contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Thessalonians and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts the **Divine Authority of Apostolic Teaching**, establishing that Paul's instructions are not personal opinions but divinely inspired mandates. To disregard them is to disregard God's own will. Secondly, it highlights the **Holy Spirit's Indwelling and Empowering Role** in the believer's life, particularly in the process of sanctification. The phrase "who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit" implies that believers are not left to obey in their own strength but are divinely equipped for holy living. This aligns with the Spirit's work in [Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Romans 8:14 - Led by the Spirit of God") where believers are led by the Spirit, and [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Reminder") where the Spirit is promised as a teacher and guide. Finally, the verse underscores the **Gravity of Disobedience**, elevating ethical failures from mere social faux pas to direct affronts against the Creator, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting God's revealed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **despiseth (Greek, _athetéō'_):** From G114, this word means "to set aside, i.e. (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate." It conveys a strong sense of deliberate rejection, repudiation, or nullification, rather than mere ignorance or oversight. When applied to God's commands, it signifies an active refusal to acknowledge or submit to their authority, effectively treating them as invalid or worthless.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, this verb means "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." In this context, it emphasizes God's gracious act of bestowing the Holy Spirit upon believers. It highlights the divine initiative and generosity in providing the necessary power and guidance for living a life pleasing to Him.
* **holy Spirit (Greek, _hágios pneûma'_):** Composed of G40 ("sacred, pure, consecrated") and G4151 ("a current of air, i.e. breath... figuratively, a spirit... the Holy Spirit"). This phrase refers to the Third Person of the Trinity, emphasizing His divine nature, His absolute purity, and His role as the divine agent who indwells believers, empowering them for sanctification and guiding them into truth. The "holy" aspect underscores that the Spirit's presence inherently calls for and enables holiness in the believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He therefore that despiseth":** This opening clause, introduced by "therefore" (G5105, _toigaroûn_), links back directly to the preceding ethical instructions. It identifies the subject as anyone who actively and deliberately rejects, nullifies, or sets aside the commands concerning sanctification that Paul has just delivered. The participle "despiseth" (G114, _athetéō_) implies a continuous action or a characteristic attitude of scornful disregard.
* **"despiseth not man, but God":** This is the crucial theological pivot of the verse, employing a stark **contrast**. Paul clarifies that the object of the "despising" is not merely himself, the human messenger, or any other person. Instead, such rejection is a direct affront to God Himself. This elevates the authority of the apostolic teaching to the level of divine revelation, making disobedience a direct act of defiance against the Almighty.
* **"who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit":** This final clause provides the profound theological basis and the enabling power for the commands. God is not merely issuing commands from afar, but He has actively empowered believers by bestowing His Holy Spirit upon them. The Spirit's indwelling presence is both the sign of God's ownership and the divine resource that enables believers to understand, desire, and obey God's will. To despise the commands is, therefore, to despise the very God who not only commands but also provides the means to obey through His Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Thessalonians 4:8](/1_thessalonians/4-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Despising God's Spirit") is **Contrast**, specifically an antithetical parallelism: "despiseth not man, but God." This sharp distinction serves to underscore the ultimate source of the moral commands and the extreme gravity of their rejection. By explicitly stating what is *not* being despised (man) before stating what *is* being despised (God), Paul uses **Emphasis** to elevate the authority of his message. The phrase also functions as a form of **Divine Authority Assertion**, where Paul, as an apostle, implicitly claims divine inspiration for his ethical instructions, thereby legitimizing his teaching and demanding full submission from his audience. The mention of the "holy Spirit" at the end acts as a powerful **Theological Grounding**, providing both the source of the commands and the divine enablement for obedience, thus making the rejection of the commands an even more egregious act against the Triune God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of divine authority, human responsibility, and the nature of sanctification. It establishes that God's commands, particularly those communicated through His chosen apostles, are not optional suggestions but expressions of His holy character and will. Disregarding them is not a minor infraction but a direct act of rebellion against the Creator. Furthermore, the mention of the Holy Spirit highlights the synergistic relationship between divine command and divine enablement: God commands holiness, and He also provides the indwelling Spirit to empower believers to live it out. This means that disobedience is not due to a lack of divine provision, but a willful rejection of both God's word and His empowering presence. It underscores that true spiritual growth is a response to God's revealed truth, empowered by His Spirit.

* [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - Rejecting Emissaries, Rejecting Christ")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")
* [Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - Despising the Spirit of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Thessalonians 4:8](/1_thessalonians/4-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Despising God's Spirit") serves as a timeless and crucial reminder for all believers: the ethical standards outlined in Scripture are not arbitrary human constructs or cultural preferences, but divine imperatives. Our response to God's Word, especially concerning areas of personal conduct and morality, is a direct reflection of our reverence for God Himself. This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes toward biblical commands, particularly those that may seem difficult or counter-cultural. Do we rationalize away inconvenient truths, or do we humbly submit to the divine authority behind them? Moreover, the verse offers immense encouragement: we are not left to our own devices to achieve holiness. God has generously given us His Holy Spirit, who indwells us, empowers us, and guides us into all truth. Our sanctification is a collaborative work with the Spirit, requiring both our obedient will and His divine enablement. To reject God's commands is not only to reject His authority but also to grieve the very Spirit He has given to empower us for obedience. Therefore, living a life of holiness is both our duty and our Spirit-enabled privilege, demonstrating our love and submission to the God who has called us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "despising" God by disregarding His clear commands, perhaps by rationalizing or minimizing their importance?**
* **How does my daily reliance on the Holy Spirit reflect my understanding that He is the divine enabler for holy living? Am I actively seeking His guidance and power?**
* **Considering the cultural pressures around me, how can I more intentionally live out God's standards for sanctification, knowing that my obedience is ultimately to God Himself?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "despise" God in this context?**

Answer: To "despise" (Greek: _athetéō_) in this context means to deliberately reject, set aside, or treat as invalid the commands and instructions given by God through His apostles. It's not merely a passive oversight or ignorance, but an active, scornful disregard or nullification of divine authority. When Paul says "despiseth not man, but God," he is emphasizing that the ultimate object of such a rejection of His commands is God Himself, making the act of disobedience a serious affront to the divine will and character. This applies particularly to the ethical teachings Paul has just delivered concerning sanctification and sexual purity in [1 Thessalonians 4:3-7](/1_thessalonians/4-3-7 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 - Exhortation to Sanctification").

**How does the Holy Spirit enable believers to obey God's commands?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to obey God's commands. As "His holy Spirit," He is the divine presence within every believer, given by God. He illuminates God's Word, helping us understand its truth and relevance ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")). He empowers us to live a life pleasing to God by transforming our desires and strengthening our will against sin ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). He produces the fruit of the Spirit within us, which includes self-control and goodness, essential for sanctified living ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Therefore, to reject God's commands is to reject the very Spirit He has given to empower our obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Thessalonians 4:8](/1_thessalonians/4-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Despising God's Spirit") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment and revelation of God's will; to despise His teachings or His person is undeniably to despise God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, demonstrating the perfect obedience to God's will that humanity failed to achieve ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")). Secondly, it is Christ who, having ascended to the Father, sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Sends the Helper")), fulfilling the promise of a divine Helper who would empower believers to live according to God's commands. The Spirit given to us is the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to walk as Christ walked, in holiness and obedience ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ Dwells in Believers")). Therefore, when we obey the Spirit-inspired commands concerning sanctification, we are not only honoring God the Father but also walking in the footsteps of Christ and manifesting His life within us, demonstrating our love for Him by keeping His commandments ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")). The ultimate rejection of God's will, as warned against in this verse, culminates in the rejection of Christ, who is the very embodiment of that will and the source of the Spirit's power for obedience.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 3:24

And 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 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

1 Samuel 8:7

And 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.

John 12:48

He 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.

Proverbs 23:9

¶ Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

2 Peter 1:21

For 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.

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.