1 Thessalonians 5:11 kjv
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 nkjv
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 niv
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 esv
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 nlt
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." | Theme: Mutual encouragement |
| Romans 14:19 | "So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." | Focus: Peace and building up |
| Romans 15:2 | "Each of us should please our neighbor for his good, to build him up." | Purpose: Neighbor's good |
| 1 Corinthians 14:3 | "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening and encouragement and consolation." | Benefit: Strengthening & comfort |
| 1 Corinthians 14:26 | "...everything is to be done so that the church may be built up." | Goal: Edification of the church |
| Ephesians 4:29 | "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up..." | Action: Helpful speech |
| Ephesians 4:16 | "...as the body grows and builds itself up in love." | Mechanism: Growth in love |
| Hebrews 3:13 | "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today..." | Timeframe: Daily |
| Hebrews 10:24-25 | "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together..." | Method: Spur to love & deeds |
| Colossians 3:12 | "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." | Qualities for encouragement |
| Proverbs 12:18 | "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes healing." | Contrast: Harmful vs. healing speech |
| Proverbs 15:23 | "A person finds joy in a skillfully crafted answer— and how good is a timely word!" | Value: Timely words |
| Proverbs 16:24 | "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healing to the body." | Impact: Sweetness & healing |
| Galatians 6:10 | "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." | Scope: Doing good to all, especially believers |
| 1 John 4:7 | "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God..." | Basis of love & encouragement |
| Song of Solomon 1:2 | "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine." | Metaphor: Delightful affection |
| Ruth 1:16 | "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'" | Loyalty and commitment |
| Acts 4:32 | "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." | Unity and shared resources |
| Joshua 1:9 | "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'" | Source of strength |
| Jeremiah 30:17 | "'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord..." | Divine healing and restoration |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Meaning
The verse instructs believers to encourage and build up one another, specifically mentioning affirmation and strengthening. This mutual encouragement is vital for spiritual growth and community health.
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Context
First Thessalonians 5:11 is found within a larger section (chapters 4-5) where Paul addresses the return of Christ and its implications for daily living. Following instructions about sanctification, watchfulness, and ethical conduct in light of the parousia, this verse serves as a practical exhortation for the Thessalonian believers. The chapter begins by distinguishing between believers and non-believers concerning Christ's coming, emphasizes readiness, and warns against presumption. This specific verse then shifts to an imperative for mutual edification within the Christian community, highlighting the importance of interpersonal support amidst the anticipation of the Lord's return.
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Word Analysis
Παρακαλεῖτε (parakaleite): From the verb parakaleō. It means to call to one's side, invite, summon. In a spiritual context, it signifies to comfort, to exhort, to encourage, to cheer up. It implies bringing someone closer to God and to each other. It's an active form of comforting and urging toward good.
ἀλλήλους (allēlous): An intensive reciprocal pronoun meaning "one another" or "each other." This underscores the mutual nature of the encouragement and building up described in the verse.
οἰκοδομεῖτε (oikodomeite): From the verb oikodoméō. Literally means "to build a house" (oikos = house, doméō = to build). In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to mean to build up spiritually, to edify, to strengthen, to instruct, and to improve. It points to spiritual growth and stability.
εἷς (heis): "One," functioning here as "each" or "one person," linking back to allēlous.
τὸν (ton): The definite article, "the."
ἕνα (hena): "One." Combined with eîs and allēlous, it emphasizes the individual yet reciprocal action: each one builds up the other.
Words-Group Analysis
"Therefore encourage one another": The "therefore" ( dio ) connects this instruction to the preceding verses, particularly the anticipation of Christ's coming and the need for watchfulness and sobriety. It suggests that this mutual encouragement is a consequence of their shared faith and hope.
"and build each other up": This phrase explains the manner or a parallel action of encouraging. It's not just about offering words of comfort, but actively contributing to the spiritual growth, stability, and maturity of fellow believers. Both verbs parakaleō and oikodoméō emphasize the positive, active, and interpersonal aspect of Christian community life.
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Bonus Section
The concept of mutual building up is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's emphasis on communal covenant and support. While 1 Thessalonians 5:11 focuses on verbal and active encouragement, the underlying principle is God's design for His people to be intertwined and interdependent, reflecting the unity found in the Godhead itself. The immediate context also highlights that this encouragement is needed as believers navigate a world that does not understand their faith, especially in the context of eschatological hope. It's a call to actively foster a Christ-like environment within the church, strengthening the collective faith until the Lord's return.
1 Thessalonians 5 11 Commentary
This verse is a foundational principle for Christian community. Believers are commanded to actively engage in the process of mutual edification, a dynamic spiritual relationship. This isn't optional; it's a directive flowing from their shared identity in Christ and their common hope. Encouragement is more than just being nice; it involves speaking truth in love, offering support, and spurring one another on towards godliness. Building up implies contributing positively to another's spiritual development and steadfastness. The reciprocity highlights that everyone has a role to play, and no one is exempt from either giving or receiving this vital support. This principle ensures the church remains a vibrant, growing, and supportive body of Christ.
Optional Examples:
- Offering a timely word of affirmation after a difficult challenge.
- Praying with and for a struggling brother or sister.
- Sharing Scripture that has been particularly helpful for one's own walk.
- Offering practical help to lighten someone's load, thereby enabling them to continue in faith.