1 Thessalonians 5:12 kjv
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1 Thessalonians 5:12 nkjv
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
1 Thessalonians 5:12 niv
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12 esv
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
1 Thessalonians 5:12 nlt
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thess 5:12 | And we urge you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, | Acknowledging Laborers |
| Heb 13:7 | Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. | Imitation of Faith |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be a disadvantage to you. | Submission to Leaders |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. | Double Honor for Elders |
| Phil 2:29 | So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, | Honoring Such Men |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all his goods with the one who teaches. | Sharing with Teachers |
| 1 Cor 16:15-16 | You know that members of the household of Stephanus are the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the saints, to serving the saints— I urge you, brothers, to submit yourselves to such as these, and to everyone who, with him, labor’s and strives. | Devoted to Serving |
| Rom 12:8 | he who contributes, in his cheerful liberality; he who presides, with zeal; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. | Presiding with Zeal |
| Acts 20:28 | Pay close attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. | Care for the Flock |
| Titus 1:9 | He must hold firm to the trustworthy word, as taught by the sound doctrine, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. | Holding to Sound Doctrine |
| 1 Pet 5:1-3 | So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is about to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. | Shepherd the Flock |
| John 10:11 | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. | The Good Shepherd |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, | Equipping the Saints |
| Matt 10:10 | nor a bag for the journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. | Laborer Deserves Food |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | Likewise, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should live from the gospel. | Live from the Gospel |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and through it defile many— | Root of Bitterness |
| Eph 4:2-3 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Maintaining Unity |
| Col 4:17 | And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." | Fulfill Your Ministry |
| Luke 10:7 | And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house. | Laborer Deserves Wages |
| Acts 18:24-26 | Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, a eloquent man, fluent in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And with great fervor in the Spirit he spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more perfectly. | Explaining the Way |
| Acts 20:31 | Therefore be watchful, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish each of you with tears. | Admonishing with Tears |
| Rom 15:14 | I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. | Able to Instruct |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Meaning
This verse speaks to the church's responsibility to recognize and highly esteem their spiritual leaders who labor among them and guide them in the Lord. It emphasizes giving them due honor and respect for their sacrificial work and leadership.
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Context
First Thessalonians chapter 5 discusses the coming of the Day of the Lord and provides practical instructions for believers living in anticipation of Christ's return. Paul addresses the Thessalonians' understanding of eschatology and corrects any potential misunderstandings or anxieties. He encourages them to live holy lives, to encourage one another, and to respect their spiritual leaders. The immediate context of verse 12 is within a section that details how believers should conduct themselves within the community, specifically concerning those appointed to lead and guide them spiritually. The broader context of 1 Thessalonians emphasizes themes of faith, love, hope, persecution, and sanctification as the church awaited the Lord's return.
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Word Analysis
- we: (hemeis) - First person plural pronoun. Paul includes himself and possibly Timothy in this exhortation.
- urge: (parakaleo) - To call to one's side, to encourage, to entreat, to comfort, to exhort. It signifies a strong appeal or entreaty.
- you: (humas) - Second person plural pronoun. Refers to the Thessalonian believers.
- brothers: (adelphoi) - Brothers, brethren. A term of endearment and equality within the Christian family.
- to acknowledge: (ginosko) - To know, to recognize, to understand. It implies a deeper understanding than mere intellectual assent; it involves perception and appreciation.
- those who: (tous) - Article and relative pronoun, masculine plural. Refers to specific individuals.
- labor among: (kopiountas en) - Copiountas from kopiao meaning to toil, labor, work hard, weary. En means "in" or "among." Highlights diligent, arduous work performed within the community.
- you: (hymin) - Second person plural pronoun. The recipients of the labor.
- and are over you: (kai proistamenous) - Proistamenous from proistemi meaning to stand before, to rule over, to preside, to have charge of. Indicates leadership, guidance, and oversight.
- in the Lord: (en kyrio) - In connection with the Lord Jesus Christ; within His dominion and by His authority. Their leadership is derived from and exercised in relationship to Christ.
- and admonish you: (kai nouthetountas hymas) - Nouthetountas from noutheteo meaning to admonish, instruct, counsel, warn, correct. It signifies guiding with a gentle but firm hand, often by reproof or counsel, to restore to right thinking or living.
Group Analysis:
- "urge you, brothers" (parakaleo humas adelphoi): A tender and authoritative appeal from a spiritual father to his spiritual children. It signifies a pressing, earnest request, not a harsh command.
- "labor among you" (kopiountas en hymin): This phrase underscores the strenuous effort and self-sacrificial commitment of these leaders in serving the church. It's not a passive or honorary position, but one requiring active and often wearying work.
- "over you in the Lord" (proistamenous hymin en kyrio): This establishes the nature and authority of their leadership. It is not secular or self-appointed, but spiritual, grounded in Christ, and exercised with His authority for the well-being of the community.
- "and admonish you" (kai nouthetountas hymas): This specifies a key function of their leadership – the process of instruction, correction, and gentle warning necessary for spiritual growth and the maintenance of sound doctrine and practice.
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Bonus Section
The phrase "labor among you" (kopiountas en hymin) highlights a significant aspect of New Testament leadership. Leaders were not to be mere figureheads but active participants, sharing in the struggles and efforts of the congregation. This is echoed in the apostle Paul's own life, who often supported himself through manual labor so as not to be a financial burden on the churches he served (1 Cor. 9:11-14). The responsibility to "admonish" (noutheteo) is a vital pastoral duty, often requiring great sensitivity and discernment, akin to a physician tending to wounds to promote healing. It's about restorative correction for the ultimate good of the individual and the body of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5 12 Commentary
Believers are called to recognize and value their spiritual leaders who are diligently working within the community and guiding them in their Christian walk. This recognition involves acknowledging their efforts, respecting their authority, and valuing their ministry. The leaders' role includes both nurturing (laboring, being over) and correcting (admonishing) the flock for their spiritual benefit. This is a mutual relationship; leaders serve the Lord, and the church serves and respects these leaders in turn. Their leadership is not a matter of worldly power but is derived from and exercised within the framework of Christ's dominion over the church.