1 Thessalonians 4:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:8 delivers a profound warning about the source of Christian moral instruction and the gravity of disregarding it. Paul emphasizes that the commands he has delivered, particularly concerning holy living, are not merely human suggestions but divine imperatives, given and empowered by God Himself through the Holy Spirit.

Context

This verse concludes Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonian believers on practical Christian living, specifically focusing on sexual purity and sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). He had just urged them to "abstain from fornication" and to "possess his vessel in sanctification and honour." The preceding verses also touched upon not defrauding a brother in any matter, implying a broader call to ethical conduct rooted in God's will. Verse 8 serves as a powerful summary and theological grounding for these ethical demands, asserting that the authority behind these teachings is ultimately God's, not merely Paul's.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Scripture: The primary message is that God is the ultimate source of the moral standards given to believers. Disregarding Paul's teachings on holiness is not merely rejecting a human apostle but a direct affront to God's will and character.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role in Obedience: The verse highlights the Holy Spirit as the divine enabler and guide for believers to live according to God's commands. God has "given unto us his holy Spirit," implying that believers have the internal power and guidance necessary for sanctification. To reject the commands is to reject the very Spirit given to empower and illuminate. This connects to the Spirit's work in leading believers and teaching them all things.
  • Gravity of Disobedience: The phrase "despiseth not man, but God" underscores the seriousness of rejecting biblical instruction. It elevates what might seem like personal or cultural preferences to a matter of direct defiance against the Creator.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "despiseth" is athetei (ἀθετεῖ), which means to set aside, to reject, to make void, or to nullify. It implies a deliberate disregard or repudiation rather than a simple oversight. This emphasizes that disobedience to God's revealed will is an active rejection of His authority. The "holy Spirit" (Pneuma Hágion - Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον) refers to the third person of the Trinity, emphasizing both His divine nature and His purity, making Him the perfect source of holy guidance.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a crucial reminder for all believers regarding the seriousness of God's commands:

  • Acknowledge God's Authority: Every teaching in Scripture, especially those related to conduct and character, carries divine weight. When we reject or rationalize away a clear biblical command, we are not just disagreeing with a human author but with God Himself.
  • Rely on the Holy Spirit: We are not left to obey God's commands in our own strength. God has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us for Spirit-filled living and to guide us into truth. Our obedience is a partnership with the Spirit.
  • Live Consistently: The call to holiness is not optional for believers. It is a direct reflection of our relationship with God and our submission to His will. Disregarding biblical standards, particularly in areas like sexual morality, is seen as rejecting the very God who provides the means and desire for a holy life. This also warns against any attitude that might grieve the Holy Spirit within us.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 3:24 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 1:21 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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