1 Thessalonians 4:4 – In Holiness and Honor

4 each of you is to be aware of his own vessel, to be acquiring it in holiness and honor,

In the preceding verse, Paul wrote that God’s will is our holiness and that we are therefore to abstain from prostitution. Now he explains what stands in contrast to this: each person is to acquire his own vessel. Here, the term “vessel” refers to the woman. Peter also speaks of the woman as the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7). Paul is therefore speaking here about acquiring a woman as a marriage partner, and the word “acquiring” is particularly significant. The Bible regards entering into marriage as an agreement in which the father (usually) gives his daughter to the bridegroom.

Notice especially the emphasis Paul places on “his own.” It is not just any woman, but his own wife. This is precisely where the distinction from prostitution lies: having sexual intercourse with someone who is not one’s own marriage partner. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, Paul likewise contrasts prostitution with having one’s own husband or wife. This is an exclusive union, as God established it from the beginning (Genesis 2:24).

Paul adds: “in holiness and honor.” “Holiness” refers to the distinct place God has given to marriage. “Honor” points to its value and dignity. In contrast to the lack of commitment associated with prostitution, we find here the acquiring of one’s own wife in a union made holy by God and worthy of honor!

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