1 Thessalonians 5:13 kjv
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 nkjv
and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 niv
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 esv
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 nlt
Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thess 5:12 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you | Establishes the foundation for leaders to be held in high regard for their spiritual guidance. |
| Heb 13:17 | Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account | Reinforces the obligation to obey and respect church leaders who are accountable to God. |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Stresses mutual love and active honor within the Christian fellowship, echoing the spirit of 1 Thess 5:13. |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who toil in preaching and teaching. | Specifies "double honor" for elders who excel in their leadership and ministry, building on the theme. |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs. | Connects teaching with sharing material blessings, a form of honor and support for leaders. |
| 1 Cor 16:15-16 | I urge you, brothers, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 obey such people and everyone who joins in the work and labours with them. | Urges submission to those who serve diligently, directly linking labor and service to obedience. |
| Phil 2:29 | So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, | Exhorts believers to welcome and honor individuals serving in the faith. |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” | Connects submission to elders with humility, a characteristic essential for mutual respect. |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also, you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” | Highlights love as the defining mark of Christ's followers, underpinning all relational dynamics. |
| 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. | Calls for attributes that facilitate peace and unity, necessary for honoring leaders and one another. |
| 1 Tim 6:1 | Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and our doctrine may not be reviled. | Shows the broader principle of honoring those in authority, extending beyond the church context. |
| Tit 2:7-8 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned… | Links honorable conduct and teaching to being a positive example, mirroring what is expected of leaders. |
| Prov 27:18 | Whoever guards his own tree will bear its fruit, and he who is a diligent watchman will be praised. | Uses a metaphor for diligent work and its resulting praise, resonating with the leadership context. |
| Prov 22:29 | Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. | Associates skill and diligence with a prominent position, akin to honoring capable leaders. |
| 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. | Underlines the sacred duty and responsibility of those leading the church, meriting respect. |
| Rom 13:7 | Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. | Generalizes the principle of giving due respect and honor to all legitimate authorities. |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Places peace and holiness as prerequisites for effective Christian living, which includes respect. |
| 1 Peter 2:17 | Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. | Calls for a multifaceted respect, including respect for governmental authority. |
| Acts 4:32-35 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was upon them all. | Depicts an early church unity and favor that arose from communal living and strong apostolic leadership. |
| Mark 9:35 | And after sitting down, he called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” | Reorients the understanding of leadership towards service, a principle that should inspire honor. |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. | Encourages a work ethic focused on God, which contributes to the diligence that leaders should exhibit. |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the importance of living peaceably with others, particularly within the Christian community. It highlights that respect and admiration should be a response to good leadership, fostering a harmonious and stable environment.
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Context
First Thessalonians chapter 5 offers concluding exhortations to the church in Thessalonica, a community facing external pressures and internal misunderstandings regarding the return of Christ. Following instructions on preparedness and sober living (vv. 1-11), Paul transitions to interpersonal relationships within the body of believers. Verse 12 lays the groundwork by calling believers to acknowledge and "respect" their spiritual leaders who guide and admonish them. This verse, 13, is a direct outgrowth of that directive, specifying the manner in which this respect should manifest: by holding them in the highest regard in love because of their work. The overall context is one of practical Christian living, mutual edification, and anticipation of Christ's second coming. Historically, the Thessalonian church was a young, growing congregation that likely needed clear guidance on church order and the relationship between members and their leaders.
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Word Analysis
" esteem " ( Greek: hēgomi (hegomi) ): This verb signifies to "think," "suppose," "reckon," "account," or "consider." In this context, it’s an imperative, commanding the Thessalonians to hold their leaders in high esteem or consider them worthy of great value and respect. It goes beyond mere politeness to a genuine estimation of their worth and role.
" them " ( Greek: autou (autou) ): Refers specifically to the leaders mentioned in the previous verse (those who labor, are over them, and admonish them).
" very " ( Greek: perissos (perissos) ): Means "exceedingly," "abundantly," "more than enough," or "superfluous." Here, it intensifies "esteem" or "love," indicating that the leaders should be held in abundant, overflowing esteem or love. It suggests a level of regard beyond the ordinary.
" highly " ( Greek: lian (lian) ): Another intensifier, meaning "greatly," "very much." Coupled with "love," it emphasizes the intensity and depth of affection.
" in " ( Greek: en (en) ): A preposition often denoting "in," "on," "by," or "with." Here, it indicates the sphere or basis of the intense love.
" love " ( Greek: agapē (agape) ): The highest form of love, unconditional, sacrificial, and volitional love. It refers to the love believers are to show toward their leaders, not just emotional affection, but a principled, committed love.
" because " ( Greek: dia (dia) ): A causal conjunction indicating the reason for the high esteem and love.
" of " ( Greek: autōn (autōn) ): Refers back to the leaders, specifically their work.
" their " ( Greek: autou (autou) ): Possessive pronoun referring to the leaders.
" work " ( Greek: ergou (ergou) ): Means "work," "deed," "labor," or "action." This refers to the active ministry and effort the leaders put forth in shepherding, teaching, and guiding the church. The phrase "work of faith" from the preceding verse contextualizes this, implying that their labor is motivated by and expressed through their faith.
" the " ( Greek: to (to) ): Definite article.
" work " ( Greek: ergō (ergo) ): Same as above.
" that " ( Greek: ton (ton) ): Conjunction.
" they " ( Greek: huper (huper) ): This preposition signifies "over," "for," "on behalf of," or "concerning." In combination with "work" or "labor," it means "work on behalf of" or "labor for."
" do " ( Greek: ēs (es) ): This verb form is related to "being" or "doing." Combined with the previous words, it signifies the work that is actively being performed or accomplished. The entire phrase "toiling/working on behalf of" highlights the sacrificial effort.
" among " ( Greek: en (en) ): Preposition indicating "among" or "in."
" you " ( Greek: humin (humin) ): The plural "you," referring to the congregation of the Thessalonians.
Word-Group Analysis
" esteem them very highly in love": This phrase combines intensifiers and relational terms. It's not just about respect, but a profound, overflowing esteem rooted in Christ-like love (agape). This suggests a deep affection and appreciation for their leadership, characterized by active care and commitment.
" because of their work": This clause provides the specific reason for this elevated regard. Their labor, their diligent efforts in ministry, is what merits such esteem. The emphasis is on their active service and dedication, reflecting a pattern seen throughout Scripture where diligent effort and faithful service are recognized and honored. The preceding context of "work of faith" connects this labor to a spiritual source and motivation.
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Bonus Section
The principle of honoring those who labor in spiritual leadership is deeply rooted in Old Testament practice. Prophets and priests, for instance, were to be treated with reverence due to their calling and their role as God's representatives. The intensity of "very highly" suggests a proactive and demonstrative appreciation, moving beyond a passive acknowledgement. It aligns with the concept of "double honor" mentioned for elders in 1 Timothy 5:17, emphasizing the significant weight and value to be placed on their leadership. This is not about elevating leaders to an unapproachable status, but about recognizing their vital role and sacrificial effort within the body of Christ, a recognition that benefits the entire community by fostering unity and respect for godly order. The emphasis on "love" grounds this respect in the very nature of Christian fellowship, ensuring that honor is expressed through genuine, Christ-centered affection.
1 Thessalonians 5 13 Commentary
This verse calls for a profound and intentional recognition of spiritual leaders. The directive to "esteem them very highly in love" is a strong exhortation for active, abundant affection and high regard. This isn't a call for blind obedience or unquestioning loyalty, but rather for a deep appreciation of their labor and dedication. Their work, whether it's teaching, guiding, praying, or providing counsel, is the foundation for this esteem. It's a love that flows from a genuine appreciation for the spiritual benefits they provide. This sentiment cultivates a healthy church environment where leaders are supported and members are spiritually nurtured, reflecting Christ's own care for His flock and the mutual respect essential for community life. It’s about valuing the service they render because of their commitment to God and His people.
- Practical Application: Show appreciation for your pastors and ministry leaders through words of encouragement, prayer, and tangible support for their ministry. Acknowledge the effort they put in, especially during challenging times.