1 Thessalonians 4:4

“That everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel, etc.] By which may be meant, either a man's wife, or his body, and it is not very easy to determine which, for the Jews call both by this name. Sometimes they call f15 a woman µlwg, which the gloss says is a “vessel” unfinished. It is reported f16, that when R. Eleazar died, Rabbenu Hakkadosh would have married his widow, and she would not, because she was hçwdq lç ylk, “a vessel of holiness”, greater than he. Moreover, it is said f17, that “he that forces (a young woman) must drink wxyx[b, “in his own vessel” how drink in his own vessel? though she be lame, though she be blind, and though she is stricken with ulcers.” The…”

“know--by moral self-control. how to possess his vessel--rather as Greek, "how to acquire (get for himself) his own vessel," that is, that each should have his own wife so as to avoid fornication (Th1 4:3; Co1 7:2). The emphatical position of "his own" in the Greek, and the use of "vessel" for wife, in Pe1 3:7, and in common Jewish phraseology, and the correct translation "acquire," all justify this rendering. in sanctification-- (Rom 6:19; Co1 6:15, Co1 6:18). Thus, "his own" stands in opposition to dishonoring his brother by lusting after his wife (Th1 4:6). honour-- (Heb 13:4) contrasted with "dishonor their own bodies" (Rom 1:24).”

“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel - The word “vessel” here (σκεῦος skeuos), probably refers to the body. When it is so used, it is either because the body is frail and feeble, like an earthen vessel, easily broken 2 Corinthians 4:7, or because it is that which contains the soul, or in which the soul is lodged. Lucret. Lib. iii. 441. The word vessel also (Greek σκεῦος skeuos) was used by the latter Hebrews to denote a wife, as the vessel of her husband. Schoettg. Hor. Heb. p. 827. Compare Wetstein in loc. Many, as Augustine, Wetstein, Schoettgen, Koppe, Robinson (Lex.), and others, have supposed that this is the reference here; compare 1 Peter 3:7. The word body,…”

“That every one know - For this requires knowledge, as well as chastity. To possess his vessel - His wife. In sanctification and honour - So as neither to dishonour God or himself, nor to obstruct, but further, holiness; remembering, marriage is not designed to inflame, but to conquer, natural desires. 1 Thessalonians 4:5”

“4:4 will control his own body: Self-control brings honor from others (Rom 12:10) and from God (Rom 2:7; 1 Pet 5:4, 6).”

“should: Rom 6:19, Rom 12:1; Co1 6:15, Co1 6:18-20 his: Sa1 21:5; Act 9:15; Rom 9:21-23; Ti2 2:20, Ti2 2:21; Pe1 3:7 honour: Phi 4:8; Heb 13:4 1 Thessalonians 4:5”