1 Thessalonians 5:23

KJV

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the very {G846} God {G2316} of peace {G1515} sanctify {G37} you {G5209} wholly {G3651}; and {G2532} I pray God your {G5216} whole {G3648} spirit {G4151} and {G2532} soul {G5590} and {G2532} body {G4983} be preserved {G5083} blameless {G274} unto {G1722} the coming {G3952} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May the God of shalom make you completely holy — may your entire spirit, soul and body be kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians with a profound pastoral prayer, invoking the "God of peace" to completely sanctify the believers and to preserve their entire being—spirit, soul, and body—without fault until the glorious return of Jesus Christ. This benediction encapsulates Paul's deep desire for their holistic spiritual integrity and enduring faithfulness, recognizing that such a state is ultimately a work of divine grace and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful prayer serves as the climactic benediction in Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians, immediately following a series of concise and practical exhortations. In the preceding verses ([1 Thessalonians 5:16-22](/1_thessalonians/5-16-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 - Practical Exhortations")), Paul delivers rapid-fire commands such as "Rejoice always," "Pray without ceasing," and "Give thanks in all circumstances," along with instructions to "test everything; hold fast what is good" and "abstain from every form of evil." The prayer in [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Concluding Prayer") acts as a theological anchor and a pastoral plea, acknowledging that the human capacity to live out these demanding commands is not self-generated but divinely enabled. It transitions from direct instruction to a heartfelt invocation, underscoring Paul's reliance on God's active work in the lives of the believers to bring about the very holiness and perseverance he has just called them to pursue.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written from Corinth around A.D. 50-51, 1 Thessalonians is one of Paul's earliest epistles. The Thessalonian church, a relatively young community, faced significant external pressures, including persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition ([1 Thessalonians 2:14-16](/1_thessalonians/2-14-16 "1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 - Persecution of Believers")). Internally, they grappled with questions regarding the return of Christ, particularly concerning those who had died before His *parousia* ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Coming of the Lord")). The culture was largely pagan, steeped in idol worship and moral laxity, making Paul's emphasis on sanctification and blamelessness a radical call to counter-cultural living. His prayer for their complete preservation "unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" directly addresses their eschatological anxieties and provides assurance of God's steadfast commitment to His people amidst their trials and questions about the future.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Concluding Prayer") powerfully synthesizes several major themes running throughout the epistle. Firstly, it highlights **God's Character as the "God of Peace,"** emphasizing His nature as the ultimate source of order, reconciliation, and inner tranquility, which is essential for the believers' steadfastness in a chaotic world. Secondly, the prayer underscores **Holistic Sanctification**, a process by which believers are set apart for God's purposes and progressively transformed. The phrase "sanctify you wholly" (Greek: *holotelḗs*) signifies that this divine work is comprehensive, impacting every facet of a person's being. Thirdly, the explicit mention of "spirit and soul and body" introduces the theme of **Human Anthropology**, suggesting a trichotomous understanding of human nature, where each component is distinct yet interconnected, and all are subject to God's sanctifying and preserving power. Finally, the prayer's ultimate goal—to be "preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"—reinforces the epistle's strong **Eschatological Hope**. The *parousia* (coming) of Christ is not merely a future event but the driving motivation for present purity and endurance, a theme vividly explored in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Lord's Return and the Resurrection").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sanctify (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From G37, meaning "to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate." In this context, it refers to God's active work of setting believers apart for His sacred purposes and progressively making them holy, both positionally (being declared holy) and practically (growing in holiness).
* **wholly (Greek, _holotelḗs'_):** From G3651, meaning "complete to the end, i.e. absolutely perfect." This adverb emphasizes the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of God's sanctifying work, indicating that it is not partial but extends to every aspect of the believer's being, leaving no part untouched.
* **preserved (Greek, _tēréō'_):** From G5083, meaning "to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon); to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain)." Here, it signifies God's ongoing, protective work of keeping believers safe from spiritual harm and moral compromise, ensuring their endurance and faithfulness until Christ's return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;"**: This opening clause establishes God as the primary agent of sanctification. He is identified as the "God of peace," highlighting His character as the source of all spiritual well-being and reconciliation. The prayer is for Him to "sanctify" (set apart and make holy) the believers, and the adverb "wholly" emphasizes that this work is comprehensive, touching every dimension of their existence.
* **"and your whole spirit and soul and body"**: This phrase details the three distinct, yet interconnected, components of human nature that Paul desires to be encompassed by God's preserving power. "Spirit" (pneûma) often denotes the part of humanity that relates to God, the seat of spiritual life. "Soul" (psychḗ) typically refers to the inner life of intellect, emotion, and will. "Body" (sōma) is the physical organism through which one interacts with the world. Paul's inclusion of all three underscores the holistic nature of God's redemptive and sanctifying work.
* **"be preserved blameless"**: This clause expresses the desired outcome of God's work. The passive voice ("be preserved") again highlights God's active role in maintaining the believers. "Blameless" (amémptōs) means without fault or irreproachable, indicating a state of moral and spiritual integrity that is maintained through divine keeping, not merely human effort.
* **"unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."**: This final phrase specifies the duration and ultimate goal of this preservation. The "coming" (parousía) refers to the future advent or return of Jesus Christ. The prayer is that the Thessalonians would be found in a state of blamelessness when Christ appears, emphasizing the eschatological hope that grounds and motivates Christian living.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's prayer in [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Concluding Prayer") employs several potent literary devices. It functions as a **Benediction**, a formal expression of divine blessing, characteristic of Paul's concluding remarks in his letters. The direct address to God ("the very God of peace") is an example of **Apostrophe**, lending a sense of personal appeal and solemnity to the prayer. The phrase "spirit and soul and body" is a classic instance of **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device where a series of three parallel words or phrases are used to emphasize completeness and totality, conveying that God's work of preservation is all-encompassing. Furthermore, the entire verse is imbued with **Eschatological Language**, particularly through the mention of "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," which grounds the present spiritual journey in the future hope of Christ's return, providing both motivation and assurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the comprehensive scope of God's work in the believer's life, extending from initial sanctification to final preservation. It underscores that holiness is not merely a human endeavor but primarily a divine operation, rooted in the very character of God as the "God of peace." The prayer for the preservation of "spirit and soul and body" highlights a holistic understanding of salvation that encompasses every dimension of human existence, ensuring that God's transformative power reaches into the deepest parts of our being, as well as our outward conduct. This divine commitment to preserve believers "blameless" until Christ's return offers immense assurance and reinforces the Christian hope in the final consummation of salvation.

* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")
* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Stumbling")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's prayer in [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Concluding Prayer") offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our sanctification and perseverance are not solely dependent on our own strength or discipline, but are ultimately the work of the "God of peace." This truth fosters humility, as we recognize our reliance on divine grace, and simultaneously ignites hope, knowing that God is actively committed to completing the good work He began in us. The emphasis on "spirit and soul and body" challenges us to embrace a holistic view of our faith, understanding that every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, emotions, desires, and physical actions—is meant to be brought under God's transforming influence. This prayer encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our present pursuit of holiness is directly linked to our ultimate encounter with Christ at His glorious return. It calls us to live blamelessly, not out of fear, but out of a confident assurance that God Himself is preserving us for that day.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the "God of peace" impact your view of His work of sanctification in your life?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience God's work of sanctifying your "spirit, soul, and body"? Are there areas where you need to surrender more fully to His transforming power?**
* **How does the hope of Christ's "coming" motivate you to live a "blameless" life in the present?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cooperate with God's preserving work, knowing that He is ultimately the one who keeps you?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to "sanctify you wholly"?**

Answer: To "sanctify you wholly" (Greek: *holotelḗs*) means for God to set you apart and make you holy in a complete and comprehensive way. It implies that God's work of transformation is not partial but extends to every single part of your being—your spirit, soul, and body. It encompasses both a positional holiness (being declared holy by God through Christ) and a progressive holiness (the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed). It signifies that God desires and is at work to make you entirely consecrated to Him, without any part of your life being left untouched by His purifying and perfecting grace. This aligns with the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, such as in [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness").

**What is the significance of "spirit and soul and body" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "spirit and soul and body" is significant because it presents a comprehensive view of human nature, highlighting that God's work of sanctification and preservation is all-encompassing. While there are theological discussions about whether this indicates a trichotomous (three-part) or dichotomous (two-part, body and soul/spirit) understanding of humanity, the primary emphasis here is on the totality of the person.
* **Spirit (pneûma):** Often understood as the highest part of humanity, enabling communion with God and spiritual perception.
* **Soul (psychḗ):** Refers to the seat of personality, including the mind, will, and emotions.
* **Body (sōma):** The physical dwelling through which we interact with the world.
By listing all three, Paul emphasizes that no part of the believer's being is outside the scope of God's sanctifying and preserving power. God cares for and works in every dimension of our existence, ensuring our holistic well-being and integrity until the day of Christ. This echoes the biblical emphasis on presenting our "whole selves" to God, as seen in [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thermonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Concluding Prayer") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we are initially sanctified, set apart for God's holy purposes by His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the "God of peace" in human form, having reconciled us to God through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The ongoing work of sanctification and preservation of our "spirit and soul and body" is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to indwell believers, guiding them into all truth and transforming them into His likeness ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). The prayer for blameless preservation "unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" points directly to Christ's return, when He will present His church to Himself "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Our ultimate blamelessness is not achieved by our own efforts but is a gift secured by Christ's perfect righteousness and His faithful intercession, ensuring that all who are in Him will be kept by God's power until that glorious day ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Stumbling")).

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

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Corinthians 1:8

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:9

God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;